Cameroon citizens are demanding proof that their 91-year-old president, Paul Biya, is alive. Biya has not been seen in public since his official visit to China over a month ago, sparking widespread speculation about his health.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Government officials have dismissed rumors of Biya’s death, insisting he is in good health. Samuel Mvondo Ayolo, director of the Civil Cabinet, issued a statement on Tuesday saying Biya is in Geneva, Switzerland, where he has been granting audiences and working for the development of Cameroon.
However, many citizens remain skeptical. Gloria Wirkom, a businessperson in Cameroon’s capital, Yaounde, expressed her doubts. “He is our president, and if there is something wrong with him, we have the right to know,” she said. “So we are pleading with the government of Cameroon to let us know the health state of our president.”
Wirkom emphasized that she will only believe Biya is alive when she sees him. Her sentiments were echoed by Akongnwi Neba, a merchant, who criticized the government’s handling of the situation. “We are asking the government to prove to us where he is,” Neba said. “We need to know his whereabouts, whether he is alive or dead. It is our right as citizens of the country to know where our president is.”
Government spokesperson Rene Emmanuel Sadi has vehemently denied rumors of Biya’s death, calling them “pure imagination.” Sadi explained that Biya stayed briefly in Europe after the China-Africa summit and is now attentive to the well-being of Cameroonians.
Despite these assurances, citizens continue to question Biya’s whereabouts. The government has not indicated whether Biya will appear in public in Geneva to alleviate concerns.
Biya, the world’s oldest leader, has ruled Cameroon for over four decades. His supporters have been holding public rallies urging him to run for president again in the 2025 elections. However, Biya has not yet announced his intentions.
The situation has sparked intense debate among Cameroonians, with many calling for transparency regarding their president’s health and whereabouts.