President Paul Biya Returns to Cameroon, Dispels Death Rumors

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya returns to the country, debunking widespread rumors of his death, sparking national reactions

Cameroonian President Paul Biya has made a public return to the country, putting an end to widespread rumors about his death. The 91-year-old leader, who has been in power for over four decades, arrived in Yaoundé to a mix of relief and speculation, following weeks of unverified reports claiming his demise.

Biya’s absence from the public eye had fueled rumors, especially on social media, where speculations about his health and supposed death spread rapidly. However, his return has dispelled the uncertainty, as government officials and supporters welcomed him at the airport.

In response to the rumors, officials from the Cameroonian government issued statements assuring the public of Biya’s well-being. “The president is alive and healthy,” a government spokesperson said. “The false information circulating about his death is nothing more than baseless gossip intended to destabilize the nation.”

Biya’s return comes amid a politically tense environment in Cameroon, with opposition leaders and citizens calling for more transparency about the president’s health. Given his advanced age, concerns have grown over his ability to continue leading the country, prompting debates about the future of leadership in Cameroon.

As the longest-serving non-royal head of state, Biya’s leadership has been both praised and criticized. His supporters credit him with maintaining stability in a region often fraught with conflict, while his critics accuse him of authoritarianism and overstaying his tenure. The latest rumors of his death only added to the ongoing discourse about the country’s political future.

For now, Biya’s return has calmed the speculations, but the conversation around succession and leadership in Cameroon remains active.