The Cameroonian presidency has denied reports claiming that President Paul Biya has passed away.
The 91-year-old leader, who has been the subject of health-related speculation, had missed several international events, fueling rumors of his death.
ABS Africa TV, on Tuesday, falsely announced Biya’s death. The president had not been seen publicly since leaving Beijing on September 8 after attending the Forum on China-Africa Co-operation.
Despite expectations of his return to Cameroon, he remained in Switzerland on medical advice.
A statement from Samuel Ayolo, the director of the presidency’s civil cabinet, reassured the public that Biya is alive and in good health, continuing to work from Geneva. Ayolo condemned the spread of false information aimed at destabilizing national and international opinions.
Biya, in power since 1982, is Africa’s oldest head of state and has faced accusations of electoral fraud and authoritarianism during his four-decade rule.
Analysts fear that his eventual passing without a clear succession plan could trigger instability in Cameroon.
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