By : Lloyd Mahachi

Cameroon’s government has dismissed rumors of President Paul Biya’s death, claiming the 91-year-old leader is in excellent health despite not being seen in public for over a month.

Biya’s last public appearance was in Beijing during a China-Africa leaders forum. Since then, speculation about his health has been rampant on social and mainstream media. In response, Samuel Mvondo Ayolo, director of the Civil Cabinet, issued a statement affirming Biya’s well-being and revealing his presence in Geneva, Switzerland.

However, many citizens remain unconvinced, demanding proof of Biya’s health. Gloria Wirkom, a businessperson in Yaounde, expressed her concerns, “He is our president, and if there is something wrong with him, we have the right to know… I will believe Biya is alive only when I see him.”

Government spokesperson Rene Emmanuel Sadi has reassured citizens that Biya is attentive to their well-being, but citizens like Akongnwi Neba insist on transparency. “We need to know his whereabouts, whether he is alive or dead. It is our right as citizens to know where our president is.”

As the oldest leader in the world, Biya has ruled Cameroon for over four decades. His supporters are urging him to run for president again in the 2025 elections, but his health and ability to continue leading the country remain uncertain.

Editor : Josephine Mahachi