Cameroon’s President Paul Biya’s month-long absence from public view has sparked intense speculation about his health and raised concerns about a potential power struggle in the country. Biya’s long history of disappearing for weeks at a time negatively impacts the day-to-day running of a nation facing challenges such as a secessionist war in the west and militant conflicts in the north.
Following his last public appearance in September, where he attended the China-Africa forum in Beijing, Biya has cancelled multiple high-profile engagements, leading to calls for clarity about his whereabouts from civil society groups and opposition leaders. Government officials have attempted to downplay concerns about Biya’s health, stating that he is in good health in Switzerland, where he is believed to be.
The ban on discussions about Biya’s health by Cameroonian media has been met with criticism from journalists and media rights advocates, who see it as an attempt to silence the press. Biya’s long absences and secrecy about his health have led to uncertainty and speculation about a potential power vacuum post-Biya, with factions within the ruling party and opposition parties vying for control in a country already facing political instability.
As Africa’s second-longest-serving leader, Biya’s reign has been marked by extended absences and a lack of transparency, fueling concerns about who will lead Cameroon after his departure. With no clear successor apparent, the political landscape in Cameroon remains uncertain, with potential conflict brewing within the ruling party over succession. Critics warn that the post-Biya era could be turbulent if a clear winner does not emerge among competing factions.
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