‘Missing’ President Biya expected in France this October

President Paul Biya is expected in France from October 5 to 6, 2024, for the 19th summit of La Francophonie.

The 91-year-old leader has confirmed his participation, according to Jeune Afrique Magazine.

In July, Mr Biya attended the opening Ceremony of the Olympic games in Paris.

Last month he was given the pride of place to address a special ceremony to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the allied landing in Provence, France.

The whereabouts of the Cameroonian Head of State remained unknown since he left China on September 8 after taking part in the China-Africa summit.

He is amongst a host of African leaders who have confirmed their participation at the La Francophonie Summit.

Some of the African leaders to attend the summit include Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, Alassane Draman Ouattara of Ivory Coast, Brice Clotaire of Gabon and Paul Kagame of Rwanda.

The summit shall unfold under the theme, “Create, innovate and undertake in French.”

It is the first time France, which is the head of the organization, is hosting the summit since 1991.

While some five countries shall be officially welcomed to the fold, some African countries have been suspended from the organization.

Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso were suspended after their leaders seized power through a military coup.

Many have described such suspensions as selective given that Gabon and Chad did same and were not sanctioned.

©Mimi Mefo Info