Cameroun — After nearly two months out of the public eye, Cameroonian authorities have broken their silence. The government has confirmed that President Paul Biya remains alive and is set to return soon, amid growing speculation over his health.
For the first time since his prolonged absence, which began on June 7, the Cameroonian government addressed the nation’s concerns. Minister of Communication and government spokesperson René Emmanuel Sadi addressed rumors in an interview on August 2, reassuring the public about the president’s well-being.
The government official firmly dismissed any notion of a power vacuum, stressing that only the Constitutional Council can legally declare such a situation. « The Constitutional Council has not ruled to declare a vacancy at the head of state. President Paul Biya is alive. President Paul Biya has not resigned, » he stated.
This announcement also responds to repeated demands from opposition figures, who have long called for the recognition of a power vacuum due to the president’s extended absence.
When questioned about the president’s current location and return date, Sadi remained cautious but hinted at an imminent return. « I cannot give you an exact date for President Paul Biya’s return. Even if I knew, it’s not my place to announce it here. What I can say is that he will be back very soon, » he explained.
At 93 years old, Paul Biya has led Cameroon since 1982, making him the world’s longest-serving active head of state. His June 7 departure from Yaoundé was officially described as a « short private stay in Europe » alongside his wife, Chantal Biya. Since then, no public appearances have been recorded—a unprecedented absence since he took office.
Despite the uncertainty, the presidency continues to issue official decrees signed in the president’s name. On July 22, multiple decrees bearing the signature location « Yaoundé » were made public, fueling further debates on social media. Some online users have questioned the authenticity of these documents, deepening concerns about the president’s health and whereabouts.