The world’s oldest president left for a ‘brief stay’ in Europe. He hasn’t returned in two months

Cameroon’s Elder Statesman Stays in Europe as Questions Mount Over Leadership

Activelifezero.com – More than two months have passed since Paul Biya departed Cameroon for what was initially described as a brief European visit, and the 93-year-old president has yet to return to Yaoundé. His extended absence has reignited debates about the nation’s governance and the health of one of Africa’s most enduring political figures. The world s oldest president left on June 7 for a “private stay in Europe” that has now become his most prolonged uninterrupted departure from the country in recent memory.

Government officials have worked to calm public concerns. René Emmanuel Sadi, the government’s chief spokesperson, confirmed to French radio station RFI that Biya remains in Geneva, Switzerland, and is not currently hospitalized. However, he offered limited additional details regarding the president’s exact location or the duration of his planned stay. Despite these assurances, the prolonged overseas presence has prompted some Cameroonians to wonder who truly directs the nation’s affairs while their leader remains abroad.

A Leader Through Generations

For many Cameroonians, Biya represents continuity across decades of political history. Nformi Bime, now 65 years old and retired from his teaching career, recalls a different era. When Biya first won the presidency in 1984, Bime was merely 23 and still pursuing his studies. Today, his oldest child is 32 and his youngest is 18—ages that mirror the span of Biya’s uninterrupted rule. Bime remembers when Biya first entered politics in the 1970s as secretary-general of the presidency under Ahmadou Ahidjo, Cameroon’s inaugural president following independence in 1960. When Ahidjo stepped down in 1982, Biya assumed the mantle of leadership.

“We believed he was young and dynamic – handsome too. He meant so much to Cameroonians,” Bime recalled of his first impressions of Biya. “Few imagined that the man they saw as a new beginning would remain in power for decades.”

The generational contrast extends beyond personal memories. Biya’s presidency has coincided with dramatic transformations across Cameroon and the broader African continent. While Africa boasts the world’s youngest demographic profile, several nations continue to be governed by aging leaders whose political journeys began during liberation movements or early post-independence eras. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in Cameroon, where Biya has won eight presidential elections—six under multiparty democracy after initially securing victory under a one-party system.

Health Speculation and Political Implications

Rumors concerning Biya’s wellbeing have circulated for years, becoming an almost routine feature of Cameroonian public discourse. The president, who is rarely photographed or seen in public appearances, has repeatedly needed his office to counter narratives suggesting serious illness or even death. In 2024, authorities went so far as to prohibit media outlets from discussing Biya’s health, classifying such coverage as a matter of national security.

The current absence has intensified these longstanding concerns. Samuel Hiram Iyodi, the 38-year-old opposition candidate who finished eighth in last year’s presidential election, has formally requested that parliament direct Cameroon’s Constitutional Council to evaluate whether Biya’s extended overseas stay constitutes a presidential vacancy. Such a constitutional challenge faces significant obstacles given the overwhelming dominance of Biya’s Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement in both legislative and executive branches.

“Growing up, President Biya was the only president I knew, so his presidency has been part of my entire experience of Cameroon,” said Abit Riassai Acha, a 26-year-old doctoral student and community youth leader at the University of Yaoundé II. “But becoming accustomed to something does not necessarily mean that people should stop asking questions about how the country is being governed.”

Acha, who belongs to the generation that came of age under Biya’s leadership, voted for the first time in the 2025 election, casting her ballot for Iyodi rather than the incumbent. Her vote reflects a growing sentiment among younger Cameroonians who, while loyal to the president they have always known, increasingly demand accountability and transparency in governance.

Governing from Afar

Despite his physical distance from Cameroon, Biya has not entirely withdrawn from active leadership. Earlier this month, he authorized a significant military reshuffle, demonstrating that key decision-making continues even as he remains in Europe. Government spokesman Sadi has dismissed suggestions of a power vacuum, insisting that the world s oldest president maintains full control over state affairs.

The international community has also taken note of the situation. Diplomatic sources indicate that European officials have been in regular contact with the Cameroonian presidency, though they have declined to comment on the specifics of these discussions. Meanwhile, in Yaoundé, daily life continues with markets bustling and government ministries operating as usual.

What Comes Next?

As weeks turn into months, Cameroonians are left to speculate about when Biya will return. Some expect him back within the next few weeks, while others believe his stay could extend into autumn. The outcome of this period will likely shape Cameroon’s political trajectory for years to come.

For now, the world s oldest president remains in Europe, his whereabouts closely guarded but his influence still felt across the Central African nation. Whether this chapter marks a transition or simply another pause in Biya’s remarkable political journey remains to be seen.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Paul Biya leave for Europe?

Paul Biya departed Cameroon on June 7, 2026, for what was described as a “private stay in Europe.” As of mid-August, he has remained in Geneva, Switzerland, for more than two months.

Is Paul Biya currently hospitalized?

No. Government spokesperson René Emmanuel Sadi confirmed to RFI that Biya is not hospitalized and remains in good health while staying in Geneva.

What is Samuel Hiram Iyodi’s constitutional proposal?

Iyodi has requested that Cameroon’s Constitutional Council evaluate whether Biya’s extended overseas stay constitutes a presidential vacancy, which could trigger new elections if approved.

How long has Paul Biya been in power?

Biya has been Cameroon’s president since 1982, making him the world s oldest president and one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. He has won eight presidential elections during his tenure.

What is the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement?

The Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) is the political party founded by Biya that has dominated both the legislative and executive branches of Cameroon’s government since he assumed power.