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Cameroon’s long-serving President Paul Biya has sparked controversy and speculation over his health and leadership status after remaining abroad for more than two months. The 93-year-old president, in power since 1982, left the country on June 6, 2026, for what officials described as a “brief private stay” in Europe.
According to information available, the ailing leader is reportedly residing in Geneva, Switzerland. While government officials, including Communication Minister René Emmanuel Sadi, have repeatedly assured that President Biya is alive, in good health, and performing his duties from abroad, public skepticism and criticism have intensified. Sadi and other government officials have refuted assertions about the president’s health, stating that he will return to Cameroon “very soon,” although no concrete date has been provided.
Notably, President Biya has issued several key decrees since his departure, demonstrating his continued influence over the country’s governance structure. One recent development was a military leadership reshuffle that was signed from Geneva, a move that has added to the public’s growing unease.
Biya’s prolonged absence has become a talking point among opposition figures and members of the public, who feel that this situation poses significant risks to Cameroon’s government continuity and potentially weakens its institutions. Critics argue that such a prolonged period of presidential absence undermines trust in governance and highlights the need for clearer leadership succession arrangements.
President Biya’s extended foreign stay has also led to increased scrutiny of the country’s presidential system, with many questioning whether the system allows sufficient checks and balances to function effectively when a president is unable to perform his duties. The continued stay of the world’s oldest serving head of state has also drawn attention from international human rights and governance organizations, which are reportedly keeping a close eye on the situation.
While the Cameroon government asserts that President Biya will return to the country soon, critics remain skeptical, emphasizing the need for clarity and transparency to reassure the public and maintain the integrity of Cameroon’s democratic institutions.