Biya, 92, Dismisses Health Concerns in Push for New Term

By Amindeh Blaise Atabong and Robbie Corey-Boulet

YAOUNDE () - In June 2004, after coming back from another long trip overseas, Cameroonian president Paul Biya stepped off his airplane and joked about rumors claiming he had died.

Individuals have an interest in my funeral," he said to journalists. "I will meet them again in two decades.

It happened 21 years back, and the globe's longest-serving leader hasn't made any moves to leave yet.

He declared on X on Sunday that he will participate in Cameroon's upcoming presidential election set for October 12, aiming for his eighth term which might allow him to remain in power until he reaches almost 100 years of age.

Biya has maintained strong control of power ever since becoming president in 1982, succeeding his former teacher Ahmadou Ahidjo, who he eventually pushed aside and compelled to leave the country.

Currently, an extraordinary wave of criticism in the media and online platforms following his declaration indicates potential weaknesses within his support foundation, along with increasing questions about his capacity to continue.

"We are doomed," was the front-page headline in Monday's issue of Le Messager newspaper alongside an image of Biya.

A central African country known for producing cocoa and oil deals with numerous economic and security issues, including a dispute with English-speaking separatists and dangers posed by Islamic militants based in Nigeria in the northern region.

In the meantime, Biya, aged 92, stays mostly away from the spotlight, leading to much conjecture about who is actually running things.

"Many of us don’t think Biya is truly governing the nation these days. His choice to campaign once more, assuming it’s genuinely his own, highlights how disconnected the system has become," said tech entrepreneur Rebecca Enonchong.

The Communications Minister, Rene Emmanuel Sadi, did not promptly reply to an inquiry for statement on Monday. Previously, he stated that Biya is in excellent condition, calling reports suggesting otherwise "simply fiction and daydreaming" from opponents seeking to create instability within the nation.

Previously, the government prohibited open conversation about Biya's medical condition – although this directive has mostly been disregarded by Cameroon's outspoken media.

CALLS TO STEP ASIDE

Cameroon has only had two leaders since gaining independence from French and British rule in the early 1960s, and it may encounter a complicated transition of power if Biya becomes unable to continue serving or passes away.

In 2008, Biya approved a constitutional change that eliminated the restriction of serving only two terms as president.

This enabled significant victories in 2011 and 2018, as per official data, although his rivals alleged issues such as vote fraud and coercion, claims the administration refuted.

There hasn't been significant change since the previous election, affecting both national security and the everyday challenges Cameroonian citizens face regarding essential services like roads, clean water, power supply, and garbage disposal.

"These problems are not recent. They have only become more severe as conditions continue to deteriorate," stated Pippie Hugues Marcelline, a research policy analyst with the Nkafu Policy Institute based in Yaoundé, a think tank.

What sets this year apart, according to Marcelline, is "the degree of involvement and consciousness" regarding Biya's actions.

A leader must appear capable and in command. The lack of the president's presence in public serves as proof that he is not youthful anymore.

A well-known human rights attorney named Alice Nkom released a video on YouTube recently urging Biya to resign.

"My legs can't support me anymore, and my mind isn't functioning properly. I'm sharing this because I'm experiencing it firsthand, as I'm in my 80s," she stated.

I am aware of the changes within myself and what I can no longer offer to the people of Cameroon.

Possibly more concerning for Biya, two previous allies have exited the governing alliance and revealed intentions to campaign in the election independently.

Enonchong, a technology businessman, stated that she didn't believe Cameroonian people would support another term for Biya.

However, analyst Raoul Sumo Tayo stated that, even with numerous challenges, Biya still has a chance.

"He stated that the governing party can effectively mobilize the bureaucratic leadership and employ obsolete voting methods," he remarked, referencing what he called deceptive strategies.

It could potentially grant Paul Biya his eighth term.

(Reported by Amindeh Blaise Atabong and Robbie Corey-Boulet in Dakar; Edited by Andrew Heavens)