Cameroon’s 91-year-old President, Paul Biya, has finally resurfaced in public after a six-week absence, putting to rest rampant rumors about his health. The long-serving leader, who has been in power since 1982, was seen arriving at the airport in Yaoundé on Monday afternoon, returning from Switzerland.
Biya’s prolonged absence from public view had fueled unfounded rumors of his death, sparking concern across the nation. These speculations were further fueled by the government’s media ban on discussing the president’s health, which had been classified as a matter of national security. Despite the rumors, Monday’s broadcast on state television showed the president in good spirits, dressed in his signature conservative suit, and appearing visibly strong.
The last public sighting of Biya was on September 8, when he attended the China-Africa summit in Beijing. His long silence since then had led to increasing pressure on the government to provide proof that the president was alive and well. Government officials eventually denied the death claims, insisting that Biya was in good health and had simply been on a private visit to Geneva, a city he frequently visits.
Upon landing, Biya was greeted by a delegation of state officials and members of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM). The orchestrated turnout in Yaoundé, with crowds mobilized along the streets, was seen as a deliberate effort by the government to quell the swirling rumors.
Biya’s return to the spotlight has reignited discussions about his future political plans. With a presidential election scheduled for next year, there are growing calls from within his CPDM party for him to seek another seven-year term. Though Biya has yet to confirm his intentions, critics argue that his recent political maneuvers suggest an effort to consolidate power within the ruling party.
Known as the “Lion Man” by his supporters, Biya remains a towering figure in Cameroonian politics, though his extended tenure has drawn criticism, with detractors questioning his ability to continue leading the nation. As speculation over his political future mounts, the president’s reappearance has momentarily settled concerns over his health, but it remains to be seen whether he will once again vie for the presidency in 2025.
