President Biya makes rare public appearance at eye institute

By Daniel D.

In a rare public appearance since the New Year, President Paul Biya was spotted outside the Unity Palace gates on Sunday, March 3.

The president, accompanied by First Lady Chantal Biya and the Director of Cabinet at the presidency, Samuel Mvnondo Ayolo, visited the Magrabi ICO Cameroon Eye Institute in Obak, on the outskirts of Yaoundé.

While the purpose of President Biya’s visit has not been officially disclosed, speculation among Cameroonians suggests it may have been for an eye check-up.

The Magrabi ICO Cameroon Eye Institute, inaugurated in 2017 by the Prime Minister, Head of Government, is known for its specialized eye care services.

The President’s health is typically a subject of public discussion in Cameroon, but official information regarding his visit to the eye institute remains limited.

The facility is renowned for its commitment to providing comprehensive eye care, and its inauguration was an initiative aimed at improving eye health services in the country.

President Biya’s recent public appearance follows the tradition of New Year wishes he conveyed to the nation in January.

Since then, Cameroonians have not had the luxury of seeing him until his recent appearance at the eye institute.

President Paul Biya’s Sunday was interpreted as part of his political campaign for the 2025 presidential election.

In its banner headline, the French language newspaper, InfoMatin, wrote that the visit was the beginning of President Biya’s political campaign for 2025.

While Biya has maintained sealed lips about his participation in next year’s elections, the 91-year-old is the natural candidate of the ruling CPDM party.

Mimi Mefo Info