Authorities dismiss rumours of ill health as ‘pure fantasy’, set up ‘monitoring cells’ to track online debate.
Cameroon has enforced a ban on discussing the health status of President Paul Biya, who has not been seen in public since early September. Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji issued a letter on October 9 prohibiting any media debate on the president’s health. The letter, marked as “highly urgent”, stated that discussions on Biya’s health are a matter of national security and violators will face legal consequences.
Despite speculation, government spokesperson Rene Sadi has denied rumors of President Biya’s ill health and assured the public of his well-being. The ban on discussing Biya’s health has sparked criticism, with many viewing it as state censorship.
As concerns grow over Biya’s absence and the lack of a clear succession plan, the situation in West and Central Africa remains uncertain. Biya, who has been in power for over 41 years, holds one of the longest presidential tenures in Africa.