Record absence of world’s oldest head of state reignites health speculation
Cameroon's 93-year-old President Paul Biya has been absent for a record 53 days on a 'brief private stay' in Switzerland, sparking intense speculation about his health, despite it being illegal to discuss. Government officials have offered conflicting statements regarding his well-being and activities.
Why it matters
The prolonged absence and lack of transparency from a long-serving head of state can create political instability, fuel rumors, and raise significant questions about governance and succession in Cameroon.
Paul Biya gives a speech in Maroua, Cameroon, last October, with his wife, Chantal, sitting beside him. Paul Biya gives a speech in Maroua, Cameroon, last October, with his wife, Chantal, sitting beside him. Cameroon Record absence of world’s oldest head of state reignites health speculation Cameroon’s president has not made statement or been seen since leaving for ‘brief private stay’ at Swiss hotel on 7 June
Prefer the Guardian on Google A record 53-day absence of the world’s oldest head of state has renewed speculation in his native Cameroon about whether he is dead or alive, even though discussing his health is illegal in the country .
On 7 June, 93-year-old Paul Biya departed for Switzerland for what officials described as a “brief private stay” alongside his wife, Chantal. Almost two months later, neither the president nor the first lady have addressed the country or been seen publicly.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in