Journalist Paul Chouta Reveals Paul Biya's Alleged Medical Evacuation to France

Paris, France — Cameroonian investigative journalist Paul Chouta has penned an explosive report detailing the alleged whereabouts of President Paul Biya, claiming that the long-serving leader is currently receiving intensive medical care in France.

According to Chouta, Biya was urgently flown to France aboard a private Boeing 767, raising speculation about his health and capacity to continue leading the Central African nation.

Chouta, known for his insider reports and investigations, reveals that Biya, aged 91 and the world’s oldest sitting president, was flown out of Geneva, Switzerland, where he had been receiving medical attention. On Tuesday morning, the Boeing 767 with the registration number P4-CLA landed at Paris-Le Bourget Airport, fueling rumors of Biya’s deteriorating health.

According to Chouta's sources, Biya had undergone prostate surgery and is currently under treatment, potentially at the Hôpital d'instruction des armées (HIA) of Val-de-Grâce in Paris. While the exact location remains uncertain, Chouta suggests that Biya might be in one of two military hospitals in the Paris region: the Hôpital militaire de Percy in Clamart, or the Hôpital militaire Bégin in Saint-Mandé.

Medical Facilities and Their Significance

The Hôpital militaire de Percy, known for treating critical conditions and elderly patients, has a history of caring for high-profile figures, including former French presidents Jacques Chirac and Nicolas Sarkozy, as well as Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. The facility is equipped to handle complex medical issues, making it a possible location for Biya’s treatment. On the other hand, the Hôpital militaire Bégin specializes in cardiology and endocrinology, housing over 300 beds and staffed by 1,000 personnel, including 100 doctors.

Paul Biya's advanced age and frequent medical trips to Europe have long been the subject of speculation. His most recent planned appearance was at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. However, his trip was abruptly canceled following a health scare in Switzerland. Despite efforts to downplay the incident, Chouta's report suggests that Biya’s condition required immediate intervention from French doctors, prompting the sudden medical evacuation to Paris.

The Journey to France: A 38-Minute Flight

Chouta backs his claims with flight tracking data, including screenshots showing the route of Biya’s Boeing 767. According to the report, the aircraft—chartered at a cost of approximately $100,000 per hour—had previously transported Biya from Cameroon to China and then to Switzerland. On Monday, September 23, 2024, at 18:39, the Boeing flew from Lyon, France, to Geneva, Switzerland, before taking off again the following day for Paris-Le Bourget. The aircraft used the callsign "CMR1," which is reserved for the Cameroonian president, further confirming that the flight was for Biya.

Rumors, Denials, and Misinformation

Since Chouta’s revelations, there have been numerous attempts by Cameroonian authorities and media to discredit the report. Some claimed that Biya was still in Geneva and would return to Cameroon shortly, while others have suggested his planned trip to New York was only delayed. Nevertheless, the precise details of Biya’s health remain elusive, with his administration keeping a tight lid on the situation.

The secrecy surrounding Biya's health is not new. Throughout his four decades in power, Biya has often sought medical treatment abroad, particularly in Switzerland and France. However, this latest episode, which saw him rushed to a hospital in Paris, has raised fresh concerns about his ability to continue governing.

Political Implications

The sudden evacuation of Biya to France has sparked widespread discussion both within and outside Cameroon. For many, it underscores the growing uncertainty surrounding the future of Cameroon's leadership. Biya has been in power since 1982, and there is no clear successor in place, leading to speculation about potential power struggles within the ruling elite.

Critics argue that Biya's prolonged absence from Cameroon—often for medical reasons—leaves the country in a political limbo, with major governance issues and economic challenges left unresolved. With a growing youth population and increasing demands for political reforms, Biya's health crisis could serve as a catalyst for change in Cameroon’s political landscape.

What’s Next?

As of now, there has been no official statement from the Cameroonian government regarding Biya's health or his whereabouts. Whether this latest health scare will prompt a transition of power or lead to further instability in the country remains to be seen. However, Chouta’s investigation has shed new light on a long-standing issue—Biya’s frequent medical trips abroad and the secrecy surrounding his condition.

Cameroonians and international observers alike are keeping a close eye on the unfolding situation, with many wondering what the future holds for the nation under the leadership of one of Africa’s longest-serving presidents. Whether or not Biya will return to Cameroon in the near future—and in what state of health—remains the subject of intense speculation.

For now, all eyes are on Paris, as the Cameroonian leader reportedly fights for his health in a foreign hospital.