Speculation surrounding the health and whereabouts of Cameroon’s 91-year-old President Paul Biya has sparked conversations across Africa this week. After his appearance at the China-Africa summit in Beijing earlier this month, his absence from the UN General Assembly in New York initially went unnoticed. However, when he also missed the La Francophonie summit in Viller Cotterêts, near Paris, concerns heightened, particularly since he hasn’t been seen in public for almost a month.

Cameroon’s ambassador in France was quick to reassure the public, stating that President Biya is “in good health” and currently in Geneva, which he typically visits when away from home. On the other hand, some sources suggested that his absence may be due to a need for rest under medical supervision following a demanding diplomatic schedule over the summer. As Africa’s oldest head of state and the second-longest-serving leader after Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, such speculation is not entirely unexpected.

The uncertainty around Biya’s health has ignited discussions within media and political circles throughout Africa. In response to the growing rumors, government spokesperson René Sadi officially denied any concerns, claiming that Biya would be returning to Cameroon “in the next few days.” Furthermore, the head of his private office, who is accompanying him in Geneva, asserted that the president is “in excellent health.”

Cameroon occupies a vital strategic position as a gateway for the landlocked nations of Chad and the Central African Republic. The country continues to contend with jihadist violence around Lake Chad and a persistent crisis in its English-speaking regions. Biya’s approach to these challenges has often been characterized by a low-key presence, shying away from the spotlight and frequently avoiding participation in diplomatic gatherings, often opting out of meetings with fellow African leaders.

Despite his cautious engagement, rumors about his health frequently resurface, mainly due to his unexplained absences. Nevertheless, his reserved demeanor belies a determined resolve, having ascended to power in 1982 by outmaneuvering his predecessor, Ahmadou Ahidjo. Biya initially promised reforms, but he has since consolidated his hold on the presidency, navigating numerous political challenges with strategies that often involve tweaking electoral outcomes.

As Biya’s current seven-year term nears its conclusion in November 2025, some supporters are encouraging him to seek another term, while critics argue it’s time for a generational change in leadership. Following protests in 2016 by educators and lawyers in the English-speaking regions over unmet demands for language rights and public service resources, calls for reform have grown louder. His slow responses to these issues have led to armed conflict, underscoring the complexities of his governance.

While many citizens appreciate Biya’s reserved leadership—viewing him as a symbolic figure akin to a constitutional monarch—his absence from daily affairs raises concerns. Still, he remains steadfast in making key political and strategic decisions, often retreating to his village or his favored home in Geneva, while continuing to influence vital areas of policy.

The political landscape surrounding Biya raises questions about his intentions for the upcoming elections and potential successors. However, many of the individuals viewed as future leaders are not exactly youthful, either. There are emerging support groups advocating for a transition to the president’s son, Franck Biya, despite his lack of any expressed interest in politics.

In a continent where discontent with traditional political structures is growing, especially among urban youth, efforts to maintain power come with considerable risks. Recent events in neighboring Gabon and Senegal highlight the unpredictable nature of political succession in the region—suggesting that Biya and his administration must stay attuned to public sentiment, particularly among the younger population in urban centers like Yaoundé and Douala.

Paul Melly, a consulting fellow with the Africa Programme at Chatham House in London, emphasizes the delicate balance required for leadership in such a volatile climate.