Cameroon president Paul Biya faces scrutiny over prolonged absence

Cameroon’s 93-year-old President Paul Biya, who has been in power since 1982, has been away from his country for over two months. Having left on June 7 for what his office described as a short private visit to Europe, this marks his longest continuous absence from the nation to date. Biya, who secured a controversial eighth term last year amid accusations of election rigging and violent clashes, is currently residing in Geneva, Switzerland.

Government spokesperson René Emmanuel Sadi confirmed to RFI radio last week that the president is in Geneva and is not currently hospitalized. However, the government has provided limited details regarding the specifics of his stay or his return date. The lack of transparency surrounding his extended absence has sparked growing speculation and concern regarding the future of the country's governance. Biya initially ascended to power in 1982 following the resignation of his predecessor and won the country’s first presidential election in 1984. As he continues his eighth term, the political situation remains tense with his opponents continuing to challenge the legitimacy of his rule.