Paul biya’s return imminent: Cameroon government addresses long absence

Cameroon — After nearly two months out of the public eye, Cameroonian authorities have broken their silence. The government confirms President Paul Biya is alive and announces his imminent return, amid a wave of health-related speculations.

Following weeks of unanswered questions, the Cameroonian government addressed the prolonged absence of President Paul Biya, who has not been seen in public since June 7. To dispel mounting rumors and public concerns, Communications Minister and government spokesperson René Emmanuel Sadi took to the airwaves on August 2, delivering a clear message to the nation.

The government official categorically dismissed any suggestion of a power vacuum, emphasizing that only the Constitutional Council holds the authority to declare such a situation. « The Constitutional Council has not issued any declaration of a power vacuum at the helm of the state. President Paul Biya remains alive. He has not resigned, » Sadi stated firmly.

In addressing calls from opposition figures demanding recognition of a power void due to the president’s extended absence, the spokesperson remained evasive on specifics. While confirming Biya’s return, he refrained from disclosing exact details. « I cannot provide an exact date for President Paul Biya’s return. Even if I knew, it wouldn’t be my place to announce it here. What I can share is that his return is imminent, » he explained.

At 93 years old, Paul Biya has led Cameroon since 1982, making him the world’s longest-serving incumbent head of state. His last known public appearance was on June 7, when he left Yaoundé for what 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 in his decades-long presidency.

Despite his absence, the Cameroonian presidency has continued issuing official decrees bearing Biya’s signature, dated from Yaoundé. On July 22, multiple decrees were published, further fueling online debates. Critics questioned their authenticity, amplifying theories about the president’s health and whereabouts.