President Paul Biya’s extended absence from public engagements has raised significant concerns among Cameroonians regarding his health and status.
Local reports indicate that the 91-year-old leader departed Cameroon in early July for an official diplomatic mission, initially traveling to France before moving on to China. Notably, Biya was absent from the recent UN General Assembly, choosing to rest in Switzerland instead. His absence also extended to the La Francophonie summit in France, further fueling speculation about his wellbeing.
Sources within the presidency, as reported by African News, have attributed Biya’s absence to health concerns. While there is no legal limit on how long a president can remain abroad, the public typically views a 40-day absence as acceptable. Biya’s absence now exceeds this timeframe, drawing increased attention.
Historically, Biya’s lengthy absences have sparked rumors about his health, leading to unfounded reports of his death, only for him to reappear unexpectedly. As he approaches the upcoming 2025 presidential election, there are ongoing calls from political leaders for him to seek another term, despite concerns regarding his health. This reflects a longstanding tradition associated with presidential elections in Cameroon, even amid scrutiny over the president’s physical condition.