What’s Happened to Cameroon’s President Paul Biya? Is He Alive?

Rumors about the health of Cameroon’s President Paul Biya have spread rapidly across the nation and beyond, sparking political speculation and widespread public debate about the future of the country’s leadership.

President Biya, one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders with over 42 years in power, has been absent from the public eye since attending the China-Africa Summit from September 4 to 6, 2024. His disappearance from the spotlight has fueled claims that he may be recovering in Switzerland or hospitalized in France.

The Cameroonian government’s silence on Biya’s condition has only deepened the uncertainty. Prominent figures, such as lawyer Christian Ntimbane, have publicly demanded transparency regarding the president’s health. In an open letter to Samuel Mvondo Ayolo, director of the Civil Cabinet, Ntimbane called for clarity, insisting, “If he is on vacation, say so.”

This void has given rise to a flurry of theories. Some suspect external forces, particularly from France, are orchestrating a succession plan involving Biya’s eldest son, Franck Emmanuel Biya. Others in Cameroon see this as a pivotal moment, hoping for an end to Biya’s lengthy rule.

Political observers note that Cameroon may be entering an uncertain period, during which the power transfer could either be carefully controlled or result in significant instability. Some reports suggest that a succession framework might already exist, with Biya‘s brother-in-law, Robert Nkili, potentially positioned to assume interim leadership.

The ambiguity around Biya’s health and potential succession has captivated local media and international attention, given his prominent role in African politics and status as the world’s oldest sitting head of state.

As the country waits for clarity, the political climate grows increasingly tense. The government’s reluctance to address the rumors has created a vacuum filled with speculation, anxiety, and hopes for change. This situation highlights the broader challenges of leadership transitions in long-standing regimes, where succession plans are often as opaque as the leadership itself.