Cameroon Bans Media Discussion on President Biya’s Health Amid Rumors of Illness

 

The Cameroonian government has imposed a ban on media discussions regarding the health of President Paul Biya, Africa's second-longest-serving leader, following growing concerns about his well-being. The 91-year-old president has not made public appearances since early September, sparking rumors about his potential illness.

A directive dated October 9 and signed by Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji emphasized the sensitivity surrounding the president's health, labeling it a matter of national security. “The head of state is the principal institution of the republic, and discussions on his condition are a matter of national security,” the document stated. Media outlets that violate this ban may face legal repercussions, and regional governors have been tasked with creating monitoring units to oversee media content, including social media discussions. The directive explicitly stated, “All discussion in the media on the president’s condition is therefore officially banned,” accompanied by a red stamp indicating its urgency.

Biya, the world's oldest serving leader, has ruled Cameroon for over 41 years. His absence from public events has heightened speculation, especially after he missed significant gatherings such as the United Nations General Assembly and a summit of French-speaking countries in Paris. His last public appearance was at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing in September.

In an effort to address the growing rumors, Biya's office released a statement asserting that the president is in “excellent health” and dismissing the speculation as “disinformation.” The statement further indicated that Biya is currently working from Geneva and is expected to return to Cameroon “in the coming days.”

Despite these reassurances, concerns persist regarding Biya’s increasingly rare public appearances, which have mostly consisted of pre-recorded speeches and occasional family photographs or videos featuring his wife, Chantal Biya.

The media ban highlights the delicate political landscape in Cameroon, where Biya has maintained a strong grip on power since taking office in 1982. His lengthy tenure is second only to that of Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, who has ruled for 45 years.