Cameroon’s President Paul Biya was last seen in public on August 15, in Provence, France, where he paid tribute to the heroes who liberated France from German occupation in 1944. Since then, his whereabouts have become a mystery to many Cameroonians.
Speculation is rife that Biya may be in Switzerland, a country where he has frequently vacationed during his 42-year tenure. The most recent official update from the government was on August 15, when it was announced that French President Emmanuel Macron had invited Biya to the 80th anniversary of the Provence Landing. During this event, Biya delivered a speech on behalf of his African counterparts.
Prior to that, on July 24, 2024, the Cameroonian public was informed that Biya had left the country to attend the Olympic Games and to honor an invitation from the French President and the President of the International Olympic Committee. Since then, over 25 days have passed, and Cameroonians remain uncertain about their president’s current location.
Absent from Domestic Affairs
Paul Biya appears to be more attuned to events in France than those at home. He attended the Olympics and the Provence Landing anniversary but was notably absent from the funeral of Issa Hayatou.
Hayatou, a prominent figure who served as the long-time president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and once held the position of interim president of FIFA, was buried recently in his hometown of Garoua. Despite his contributions to football in Cameroon, Biya, often referred to as the country’s “number-one sportsman,” was conspicuously missing from the event, which drew influential figures from across the globe, including the presidents of CAF and FIFA.
Meanwhile, as Gabon, Cameroon’s neighbor, celebrated its independence with world leaders in attendance, Biya remained out of sight. Instead, he sent the Minister of External Relations, Lejeune Mbella Mbella, to represent him at the event in Gabon, a nation recently in the spotlight after its leadership was overthrown in a coup.
Governing from Afar
From his undisclosed location, Biya’s presence is felt only through the decrees he signs, appointing officials to various positions. In his absence from the country, he has issued four decrees, naming new officials to state universities and the Douala General Hospital.
How Long Will the President Remain Away?
President Biya has a history of vanishing after visits to France, leaving Cameroonians to speculate about his whereabouts. In 2017, after attending a summit in France, he disappeared from public view for approximately 60 days. It is widely believed that during such times, Biya retreats to the Swiss Intercontinental Hotel, where he spends much of his private time.
As Cameroonians wonder how long their president will remain out of sight, the question of leadership and presence looms large over the nation.
