Government reassures public: Paul Biya remains alive and set to return
Yaoundé — After nearly two months out of the public eye, Cameroonian authorities have broken their silence. The government has confirmed that President Paul Biya is alive and expected to resume his duties soon, amid growing concerns over his health and prolonged absence.
Official response addresses mounting rumors
In response to widespread speculation and public inquiries, the Cameroonian government issued its first official statement regarding President Biya’s extended absence. Communications Minister and government spokesperson René Emmanuel Sadi addressed the nation on August 2, dispelling claims of a power vacuum.
He emphatically denied any vacancy in the presidency, stressing that only the Constitutional Council holds the authority to declare such a situation. « The Constitutional Council has not declared a power vacuum at the helm of the state. President Paul Biya is alive. President Paul Biya has not resigned, » Sadi stated during the broadcast.
Opposition demands ignored, but government stands firm
The government’s announcement comes after opposition figures had repeatedly called for the recognition of a power vacuum due to the president’s extended absence. While Sadi acknowledged these demands, he refrained from providing specifics about the president’s current location or exact return date.
« I cannot tell you exactly when President Paul Biya will return. Even if I knew, it would not be my place to announce it here. However, I can assure you that he will be back very soon, » he stated during the interview.
A presidency under scrutiny: age and absence fuel debates
At 93, President Biya has led Cameroon since 1982, making him the world’s longest-serving active head of state. His last 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 official public appearances have been recorded—a rarity since he assumed office. Despite this, the presidency has continued to release official decrees bearing the president’s signature, with several dated July 22 and marked as signed in Yaoundé.
These actions have sparked intense debate online, with some questioning the authenticity of the documents and reinforcing theories about the president’s health and whereabouts.
