Cameroon — After nearly two months away from public view, Cameroonian authorities have broken their silence. The government confirms that President Paul Biya remains alive and is set to return soon, as health concerns and speculation about his whereabouts intensify.
The administration has addressed the prolonged absence of President Paul Biya, who has not been seen in public since June 7. With public concern growing over his health and whereabouts, Communications Minister and government spokesperson René Emmanuel Sadi spoke on August 2, offering reassurance to Cameroonians.
Dismissing claims of a power vacuum, the minister emphasized that only a Constitutional Council ruling could legally declare such a situation. « The Constitutional Council has not ruled to declare a vacancy in state leadership. President Paul Biya is alive and has not resigned, » he stated.
In addressing persistent calls from opposition figures who have demanded official recognition of a power void due to the extended absence of the head of state, Sadi provided limited details. While declining to specify the president’s exact location or return date, he hinted that Biya’s return is imminent. « I cannot confirm the exact date of his return, nor is it my place to do so here. What I can tell you is that he will be back very soon, » he told reporters.
At 93 years old, Paul Biya has led Cameroon since 1982, making him the world’s longest-serving current head of state. His departure on June 7 was officially described as a « brief private stay in Europe » alongside his wife, Chantal Biya. Since then, no public appearances have been recorded—a first during his decades in power.
Despite his absence, official decrees continue to be published in the president’s name. On July 22, multiple decrees bearing the signature location as « Yaoundé » were released, sparking further debate online. Some social media users questioned the authenticity of these documents, fueling renewed speculation about the president’s health and location.
