Cameroon government confirms Paul Biya’s imminent return amid health speculations

Cameroon – After nearly two months out of the public eye, Cameroonian authorities have broken their silence. The government confirms that President Paul Biya is alive and set to return soon, amid growing concerns about his health.

The Cameroonian government addressed the prolonged absence of President Paul Biya for the first time. The head of state has not been seen in public since June 7, sparking widespread rumors and public concern. On August 2, the Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, René Emmanuel Sadi, took to the airwaves to reassure citizens.

The government official dismissed any suggestion of a power vacuum, stressing that only the Constitutional Council can legally declare such a situation. « The Constitutional Council has not declared a vacancy of power at the head of state. President Paul Biya is alive. President Paul Biya has not resigned, » he stated.

This announcement also responds to repeated calls from opposition figures, who have demanded recognition of a power vacuum due to the president’s extended absence. When questioned about the president’s current location and return date, Sadi remained cautious but hinted at an imminent return. « I cannot tell you exactly when President Paul Biya will return. Even if I knew, it wouldn’t be my place to announce it here. But I can say he will be back very soon, » he explained.

Now 93 years old, Paul Biya has led Cameroon since 1982, making him the world’s longest-serving incumbent leader. His departure from Yaoundé on June 7 was officially described as a « short private stay in Europe » alongside his wife, Chantal Biya. Since then, no public appearances have been recorded—an unprecedented absence during his decades in power.

Despite the uncertainty, the Cameroonian presidency continues to issue official decrees signed in the president’s name. On July 22, multiple decrees bearing the mention « Yaoundé » as the signing location were made public, further fueling debates on social media. Some users questioned the authenticity of these documents, deepening speculation about the president’s health and whereabouts.