The whereabouts of Cameroon’s President Paul Biya remain shrouded in mystery, sparking widespread speculation about his health and the country’s leadership. At 93 years old, the veteran leader—reelected in 2025 under disputed circumstances—is the world’s oldest serving head of state.
Yet since his departure from Yaoundé on June 7, Biya has been conducting state affairs from Geneva, Switzerland, under the guise of a “brief private visit.” This marks the longest absence from Cameroon in his 44-year tenure, raising eyebrows across political and civil society circles. “It’s no secret that Cameroon is a nation standing on its head. Not only does it have the world’s oldest president, but he spends more time abroad than in his own palace,” a local observer remarked.
Despite his prolonged stay in Switzerland, official presidential decrees continue to emerge bearing Biya’s signature. On August 3, a series of executive orders issued from Geneva reshuffled key military positions, appointing new commanders to critical roles. The move has intensified questions about who truly holds power in Cameroon and how decisions are being made in the president’s absence.
