President Paul Biya of Cameroon has been absent from the public eye since September 8, sparking intense speculation about his health and concerns about a potential power struggle in the central African country. Biya, who has faced health suspicions in the past, often disappears for extended periods before reappearing. This absence comes at a critical time for Cameroon, which is grappling with challenges such as a secessionist war in the west and an armed conflict in the north.
Despite assurances from government officials that Biya is in good health and will return to Cameroon soon, the lack of transparency surrounding his whereabouts has fueled anxieties among the population. Civil society groups and opposition leaders have called for clarity on the president’s health and location, with some even writing open letters urging officials to provide more information. Cameroonians are particularly concerned given the ongoing conflicts in the country and economic challenges, including high food and energy prices.
Biya’s absence is not uncommon, as he has a history of disappearing for weeks at a time. At 91, he is Africa’s second-longest-serving leader and has been in power since 1982. His prolonged absences have led to him being dubbed the “roaming president,” with Geneva, Switzerland being a favored destination for medical treatment and shopping sprees. The lack of clear leadership during these absences has created a governance vacuum, causing decision-making paralysis and bureaucratic inefficiency.
The ban on discussing Biya’s health by Cameroonian media has sparked criticism from journalists and media rights advocates, who see it as an attempt to silence the press. Analysts believe that the ban highlights the government’s efforts to control the narrative surrounding Biya’s health and maintain stability in the country. The pushback against the ban reflects concerns about press freedom and transparency in Cameroon, where journalists have often been targeted or arrested.
With uncertainty surrounding Biya’s succession plans, there are growing fears of a potential political battle within the ruling party. While Biya has not publicly groomed a successor, speculation suggests that his son Franck Biya could be a potential candidate. However, Franck Biya has kept a low profile and has not publicly expressed any political ambitions. Opposition parties have expressed opposition to a continued Biya dynasty, while within the ruling party, there is ambiguity about potential successors.
As Cameroon faces a challenging period marked by conflicts and economic difficulties, the prolonged absence of President Biya has raised questions about the country’s future leadership. The lack of transparency and clarity surrounding Biya’s health and whereabouts has heightened anxieties among Cameroonians, who are already dealing with the impact of ongoing conflicts and economic challenges. The uncertainty about a post-Biya period has fueled concerns about a potential power struggle and political instability in the country.
