ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Authorities in Cameroon on Tuesday dismissed widespread speculation regarding the health of 91-year-old President Paul Biya after a prolonged public absence, stating he is currently visiting Europe and is doing well.
Biya was last seen in public at the China-Africa summit in Beijing a month ago. Since then, he has not attended expected gatherings, including the United Nations General Assembly and the International Organization of La Francophonie summit in France.
While Biya is known for his frequent travels to Europe, he is reported to be in poor health, although no specific details have been made public.
Communications Minister Rene Sadi stated that the speculation about Biya’s health is “not connected with reality (and) is the product of fantasy.” He added, “The head of state is doing well and will return to Cameroon in the next few days,” without providing additional details about the nature of the trip or the date of his return.
Biya is Africa’s second-longest-serving leader and has been Cameroon’s president since independence in 1960, having taken office in 1982. He is the only leader many in the country have ever known.
Rights groups have accused him and his party of employing various tactics, including the prosecution and intimidation of opponents, to maintain his grip on political power.
Biya’s government is also facing numerous challenges, including a secessionist movement in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions, which has led to deadly clashes with security forces, as well as violence from the Boko Haram group based in neighboring Nigeria.