Record absence of world’s oldest head of state reignites health speculation
Summary
Paul Biya, the 93-year-old president of Cameroon and the world’s oldest head of state, has been absent from the country for 53 days, causing rumors about his health and whether he is alive. Officials say he is healthy and working from abroad, but a ban on discussing his health and conflicting statements have increased public uncertainty.Key Facts
- Paul Biya has been Cameroon’s president since 1982.
- He left Cameroon on June 7 for a “brief private stay” in Switzerland with his wife.
- He has not appeared publicly or addressed the nation for nearly two months.
- Cameroonian law bans talking about Biya’s health, making discussion illegal.
- Government officials say Biya is in good health and working remotely from Geneva.
- Opposition leaders say his absence creates a leadership gap and worries about the country’s governance.
- Biya was re-elected in an October 2024 election that was criticized by opposition parties for irregularities.
- Cameroon faces economic challenges, including unemployment and inflation, affecting mostly young people.
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