Government Addresses Rumors Surrounding President Biya’s Health
Yaoundé — The Cameroonian government has moved to dispel circulating rumors about the health and whereabouts of President Paul Biya, who has been in Switzerland for over 56 days. The official response, delivered by Communication Minister and government spokesperson René Emmanuel Sadi, categorically denied claims of the president’s demise or resignation.
During a press interaction, René Emmanuel Sadi stated, “President Paul Biya is alive and remains in office. He will return to Cameroon soon, so discussions about a power vacuum at this stage are unfounded.” While the exact date of his return remains unspecified, the minister confirmed that the president had undergone a medical procedure in Geneva but clarified that he was not hospitalized.
The government spokesperson emphasized the stability of Cameroon’s institutions, noting that “the country’s administrative machinery continues to function normally under the leadership of key officials.” He further stressed that the Constitutional Council, the only body empowered to declare a power vacancy, has not issued any such statement.
The minister’s remarks come amid heightened public speculation fueled by the prolonged absence of the 88-year-old president, who has led Cameroon since 1982. The government’s assertion aims to reassure citizens and the international community of the nation’s political stability.
Clarifying the Presidential Absence
René Emmanuel Sadi provided additional context, acknowledging that President Biya had traveled to Switzerland for medical reasons. “The president underwent an intervention some time ago. He is in Geneva but not hospitalized,” he explained. The government’s stance remains firm: there is no power vacuum, and the president’s temporary absence does not disrupt governance.
The minister also dismissed concerns about the president’s ability to fulfill his duties, stating, “The question of a power vacuum should not even arise. All state institutions are operating as usual, and the administration carries on without interruption.”
Reaffirming Stability in Cameroon
The government’s proactive communication underscores its commitment to transparency while addressing misinformation. By confirming the president’s wellbeing and imminent return, officials seek to maintain public confidence in Cameroon’s leadership and institutional resilience. The situation remains under close observation, with no signs of political instability.
