President Paul Biya’s prolonged absence from public events, both at home and abroad, has sparked widespread curiosity and speculation among Cameroonians about his current whereabouts.
Biya, who is 91 years old, travelled abroad in early July for an official mission, starting in France and then heading to China. However, his noticeable absence from key international gatherings, including the UN General Assembly, has raised eyebrows.
According to official statements, Biya opted to rest in Switzerland instead of attending the UN General Assembly, and he also missed the recent La Francophonie summit in France.
This absence has fuelled concerns and rumours about his health and ability to govern.
Biya, who has been in power since 1982, is Africa’s second-longest-serving president and the world’s oldest head of state.
It’s worth noting that Biya’s foreign trips and absences have been a subject of controversy in the past, with some critics accusing him of seeking medical treatment abroad while Cameroon’s healthcare system struggles to provide quality care to its citizens.
Others have raised concerns about the impact of his prolonged absences on the country’s governance and stability.
A presidential source attributed President Biya’s absence from public events to health reasons, according to Africa News.
It’s worth noting that President Biya, who has been in power since 1982, has been the subject of much speculation regarding his health and ability to govern.
His advanced age has also raised concerns about his capacity to lead the country effectively.
Biya has been at the helm of the country’s leadership for decades. He took office as the second president of Cameroon on November 6, 1982, after serving as prime minister from 1975 to 1982.
He is the second-longest-ruling president in Africa, the longest consecutively serving non-royal national leader globally, and the oldest head of state worldwide.
THIS STORY FIRST APPEARED IN SAHARA REPORTERS
