Cameroon’s Long-time Leader Biya Returns, Quashes Speculation of His Death

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

BUEA, Cameroon – Scores of CPDM faithful and sympathizers gathered in their numbers at the Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport on Monday, October 21, to welcome President Paul Biya, after weeks of speculation on the health of the long-time leader of the Central African nation.

The 91-year-old leader, who has ruled Cameroon for over four decades, returned to a jubilant reception from supporters in the capital, Yaoundé, following days of uncertainty and speculation. The report of President Biya's death, which spread had plunged the country into a state of confusion and anxiety.

Rumours were fueled by the president's prolonged absence from the public eye, leading many to believe the worst. President Biya had not been publicly seen since attending the China-Africa Forum in Beijing in early September. His failure to appear as scheduled at a summit in France last weekend stoked speculation that the nonagenarian was unwell.

Minister Emmanuel Sadi said that after Beijing, Biya paid a private visit to Europe. The head of state is in good health and will be returning to Cameroon in the coming days." However, President Biya's return comes as a major relief for his supporters, who lined major junctions in the capital, with some dressed in the CPDM regalia, to welcome their long-serving leader.

As the plane touched down at the Yaounde International Airport, the crowd vented in cheers as Biya's presence confirmed that the long-standing leader remained at the helm of the Central African nation. Dressed in his usual blue-black suit and trademark calm demeanour, President Biya had a long discussion with Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, Minister of State, Secretary General of the Presidency of the Republic of Cameroon, before waving to the crowd and departed for Unity Palace.

Fru Jonathan, a CPDM militant said: “It is a feeling of joy, happiness and satisfaction. There has been a long speculation on the president’s health and I am happy that that will be finally put to bed now. There was a lot of mobilization by many at some strategic points in the capital to receive the Head of State and get a glimpse of the father of the nation. It is a day of joy and happiness and I think Cameroonians are happy.

Giovanni, another sympathizer said: "We are all Cameroonians, from East, South to prove that we are behind our president, Head of State. We are calling on Cameroonians not to always believe in fake news. We are behind our head of state."

The “false” report of Biya's death sparked debate about the political future of Cameroon, a country where the president has maintained power since 1982. Political analysts have long speculated on what a post-Biya Cameroon might look like, with concerns over the possibility of a power vacuum or instability.

Government officials have condemned the rumours, calling them "irresponsible" and "destabilizing." Minister of Communication René Emmanuel Sadi denounced the spread of false information, assuring Cameroonians that the president was in good health and continued to lead the nation.

"Rumours of all kinds have been circulating through the conventional media and social networks about the president's condition," government spokesperson Rene Sadi said in the statement. "The Government unequivocally states that these rumours are pure fantasy ... and at this moment issues a formal denial."

While Biya's return has eased immediate concerns, the incident has reignited conversations about the country's political future. At 91, Biya is one of the world's oldest sitting heads of state, and questions about succession continue to loom over his presidency. Despite his long tenure, Biya has yet to publicly designate a successor, leading to speculation about how power will be transferred when the time eventually comes.

For now, however, Biya’s supporters are celebrating his return from the brink of death, a moment they say proves his resilience and unwavering leadership. As one supporter summed it up, "We are all Cameroonians, from East, South to prove that we are behind our president, we are behind our head of state.”