Rumours surrounding Cameroonian President Paul Biya’s health have ignited widespread speculation after his prolonged absence following the China-Africa Summit in September.
Now aged 91 and having led Cameroon since 1982, Biya is Africa’s second-longest-serving leader and the world’s longest-serving non-royal head of state. His absence has led to growing claims that he may have died in a military hospital in France.
Public speculation about Biya’s health has intensified due to the government’s silence, leaving many Cameroonians questioning the country’s political future.
Social media is abuzz, with some suggesting that France may be preparing for a political transition involving Biya’s son, Franck Emmanuel Biya, to maintain “continuity” of leadership.
One Cameroonian, @Okahewahedede, wrote on X: “Paul Biya ruled Cameroon for 42 years and almost destroyed the country. Now he is dead and France is doing everything possible to make his eldest son, Franck Emmanuel Biya, his successor.”
Another, @jordanly00, added, “These neocolonial successors have already started to wage the war of succession… they are only waiting for Biya’s last wish ‘to die in power,’ as he had predicted for 2024.”
The government’s silence and lack of official information leave a cloud of uncertainty hanging over Cameroon, heightening fears of political instability if Biya is indeed incapacitated.
The world watches closely, awaiting clarity on a possible succession plan for the Cameroonian presidency.