Rumors of the death of Cameroonian President Paul Biya have sparked political speculation online and stirred controversy regarding the country’s succession plans after his 42-year rule.
Biya, who has been president since 1982, has missed several recent public events.
His prolonged absence, following the China-Africa Summit from September 4 to 6, 2024, and the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) summit in France on October 4 and 5, has raised concerns.
Cameroonian lawyer Christian Ntimbane addressed the situation in an open letter to Samuel Mvondo Ayolo, director of the Civil Cabinet, calling for transparency.
Ntimbane urged the government to clarify Biya’s status, stating, “If he is on vacation, say so. If he is sick, say that too,” in an effort to ease public anxieties.
Cameroon Concord reports that a political framework may already be in place for the transition, with Biya’s brother-in-law, Robert Nkili, poised to assume the role of interim president.
However, opposition figures like Maurice Kamto may challenge any attempt at a dynastic succession and push for democratic reforms.
Biya, who became president on November 6, 1982, after serving as prime minister from 1975 to 1982, is the second-longest-serving president in Africa and the world’s longest-serving non-royal leader, as well as the oldest sitting head of state.
