Cameroon’s 93-year-old president absent 53 days, fueling health rumors and political tension

President Paul Biya departed Cameroon for a "brief private stay" in Switzerland on 7 June and has not returned after 53 days, prompting widespread rumors about his health in a country where such talk is prohibited. Officials like René Emmanuel Sadi claim he is in good shape and handling state affairs from Geneva, whereas Grégoire Owona describes the trip as a legitimate annual leave. Opposition leaders, including Mamadou Mota and Kohtem Sambit, criticize the lack of transparency, warning of an institutional vacuum and economic uncertainty.

Biya was sworn in for a record-setting eighth term last November amid contested elections and has yet to appoint a new government. The parliament’s recent revival of the vice-president post remains unfilled, leaving no clear successor if the president becomes incapacitated. Critics also point to a recent 21 billion-franc loan signed in Biya’s name, questioning fiscal responsibility during his absence. With elections approaching in 2027, the episode heightens concerns over governance and investor confidence.