Cameroun Paul Biya’s return imminent after prolonged absence

Cameroun — Nearly two months after vanishing from public view, Cameroonian authorities have broken their silence. The government confirms President Paul Biya remains alive and is set to return soon, amid growing concerns about his health.

For the first time since the head of state’s unexplained absence began on June 7, officials have addressed the nation’s unease. On August 2, the Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, René Emmanuel Sadi, took to the airwaves to dispel rumors and reassure citizens.

In a firm rebuttal to claims of a power vacuum, he emphasized that only the Constitutional Council holds the authority to declare such a scenario. « The Constitutional Council has not ruled to declare a power vacuum at the helm of the state. President Paul Biya is alive. He has neither resigned nor stepped down, » Sadi declared.

His statement also aimed to silence opposition voices that have, for weeks, demanded recognition of a leadership void due to the president’s prolonged absence. When pressed for details on Biya’s whereabouts or return timeline, the spokesperson remained deliberately vague but hinted at an imminent return. « I cannot provide an exact date for the president’s return. Even if I knew, it wouldn’t be my place to announce it here. What I can say is that he will be back very soon, » he told listeners.

Now 93 years old, Paul Biya has led Cameroon since 1982, making him the world’s longest-serving 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 engagements or public appearances have been recorded—a rarity since he assumed office.

Despite the uncertainty, the presidency has continued issuing official decrees bearing Yaoundé as the signing location. On July 22, several such documents were released, sparking fresh debates online. Some social media users questioned the authenticity of these decrees, further fueling speculation about Biya’s health and location.