Cameroon Prohibits Discussions on President’s Health Amid Rising Speculation

International Research and News Department 17-10-2024

In a decisive move to quell public discourse, the Cameroonian government has officially prohibited discussions regarding the health of President Paul Biya. This ban comes in the wake of intensified speculation surrounding his extended absence from public events.

In a letter dated October 9, Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji conveyed the government’s stance, declaring the 91-year-old president’s health a matter of national security. He firmly stated that any media discussions related to the president’s condition are strictly forbidden, warning that violators could face legal repercussions. Governors were instructed to establish monitoring units to oversee media coverage, including social media platforms, to enforce this directive.

This restriction follows a recent government denial of rumors suggesting that President Biya had passed away, either in a Paris hospital or in Geneva. Government spokesperson René Sadi attempted to clarify the situation, asserting that the president was, in fact, in good health. The Cameroonian ambassador to France echoed this sentiment, further stating that Biya was recuperating in Geneva.

Paul Biya’s tenure as president has been notable; he has been in power since 1982, a period during which many Cameroonians have never known another leader. His previous role as prime minister lasted seven years, during which he succeeded Cameroon’s inaugural president, Ahmed Ahidjo. Biya’s lengthy leadership has fostered a unique relationship with power, as he has often conducted presidential affairs from a luxurious suite at the Intercontinental hotel in Geneva, which has become a de facto command center.

Speculation about Biya’s health has been a recurring theme in media discussions, often sparked by his frail appearance and significant periods of absence from public life. The last time he was seen publicly was during the China-Africa forum in Beijing in early September. Notably, he missed the recent UN General Assembly, where his presence was anticipated to support his former prime minister, Philémon Yang, who currently chairs the assembly. Additionally, Biya withdrew from attending the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) summit scheduled for October.

Reports indicate that Biya’s withdrawal from official duties has become increasingly routine. The investigative newsletter *Africa Confidential* highlights concerns that the president’s responsibilities may now be largely managed by Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, the secretary general of the presidency, who has taken to signing documents in Biya’s stead. The newsletter notes, “Since May 2019, analysts have debated which decrees originate from the president and which stem from his designated successor.”

As discussions surrounding the president’s health remain a sensitive topic, the Cameroonian government’s decision to impose restrictions reflects the complexities of governance and public perception in a nation led by a leader whose authority has long been unchallenged.