Paul Biya returns soon as Cameroon government addresses absence

Cameroon — Following nearly two months out of the public eye, Cameroonian authorities have broken their silence. The government confirms President Paul Biya is alive and set to return soon, amid growing speculation over his health and whereabouts.

Government response to prolonged absence

After weeks of unanswered questions, the Cameroonian government addressed the prolonged disappearance of President Paul Biya, who has not been seen in public since June 7. On August 2, Communications Minister and government spokesperson René Emmanuel Sadi took to the airwaves to dispel rumors and reassure the nation.

In a firm statement, he dismissed claims of a power vacuum, emphasizing that only the Constitutional Council can legally declare such a situation. « The Constitutional Council has not ruled to declare a vacancy of power at the head of state. President Paul Biya is alive. He has not resigned, » Sadi declared.

Silence on exact return date, but assurances given

Addressing concerns about the president’s location and return timeline, Sadi remained tight-lipped while hinting at an imminent comeback. « I cannot tell you with certainty when President Paul Biya will return. Even if I knew, it wouldn’t be my place to announce it here. What I can say is that he will be back very soon, » he stated.

Opposition figures have long demanded recognition of a power vacuum due to the president’s extended absence, a call the government firmly rejected.

Decades-long leadership amid unanswered questions

Now 93, President Biya has led Cameroon since 1982, making him the world’s longest-serving current head of state. His sudden absence began on June 7, when he left Yaoundé for what was officially described as a « brief private stay in Europe » with his wife, Chantal Biya. Since then, no public appearances have been recorded—a rarity during his decades in power.

Despite the uncertainty, official decrees signed in the president’s name continue to be published. On July 22, several decrees bearing the « Yaoundé » signatory location were made public, sparking debates online about their authenticity and fueling further speculation about the president’s condition and location.