The return of Cameroon’s presidential couple to Yaoundé continues to animate debates in the country. In a televised commentary on CRTV, editorialist Dora Shey shared her thoughts on President Paul Biya’s reappearance after a 43-day absence from the public eye. “I am certain that, over these past weeks, the President of the Republic has come back to life—he has fully come back to life,” Shey said on State TV. Her analyses followed the 91-year-old president’s return, after weeks of speculation and curiosity regarding his health.
President Paul Biya has been in power for over 40 years, with many questioning his ability to run the country.
While commenting on the atmosphere at Yaoundé Nsimalen Airport and along the streets of the capital, Shey said: “The mobilization was massive at the airport and along the streets of the nation’s capital, right up to Unity Palace.” She observed that the enthusiastic reception highlighted that President Biya “is still very much in the hearts of Cameroonians.” Shey added that the diversity in the crowd, ranging from the young to the elderly, showed the warmth with which the presidential couple was welcomed home.
Shey also noted that the president’s prolonged absence had fueled public curiosity and speculation, prompting many to seek reassurance about his well-being. “Everyone wanted to come out and confirm for themselves whether this was truly their president and if he was in good health,” she said in her analysis.
Despite his advanced age, Shey pointed to the scenes of the president’s return as evidence of his enduring popularity and significance. “Even at 91, President Biya remains deeply cherished by Cameroonians,” Shey added.
As she addressed the broader issue of ‘rumors’ and ‘fake news’ in the digital age, Shey noted that while such misinformation can cause unease, it is also a reflection of a dynamic society. “Sometimes rumors benefit the subject, and sometimes they don’t. In President Paul Biya’s case, the rumors worked in his favor because today, everyone wanted to see him,” she concluded.
