President Biya's Health in Question: Is His Absence from the Francophonie Summit a Cause for Alarm?

As rumors circulate regarding the health of Cameroonian President Paul Biya, anxiety is mounting among citizens regarding the status and location of their long-serving leader. Whistleblower journalist Paul Chouta has raised alarms on social media, suggesting that President Biya is currently undergoing intensive care treatment at a hospital in Paris. His absence from the XIX Summit of La Francophonie has heightened concerns, as the president has historically cherished attending such events.

In his absence, Foreign Minister Lejeune Mbella Mbella is representing Cameroon at the summit, which commenced on October 4, 2024, at the International City of the French Language in Villers-Cotterêts and Paris. The summit, attended by 88 heads of state and government from the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), has been deemed significant, especially as it is the first in France in 33 years.

French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the summit's importance, stating, "This Summit of La Francophonie will celebrate the universality of our language." He expressed hopes that it would allow participants to acknowledge the privilege of sharing the French language, which is ranked as the fifth most spoken language globally and the third for business.

The summit’s theme, "Creating, Innovating, and Undertaking in French," presents an opportunity for leaders to engage with young creators and entrepreneurs. The Secretary-General of the OIF, Louise Mushikiwabo, acknowledged the geopolitical and societal challenges facing the world and emphasized the need for unity among OIF members.

Health Rumors and Concerns

Recent reports from Paul Chouta suggest that there have been "nights of prayer and masses" within the presidential family, adding a layer of urgency to the situation. Chouta claims that it has been exactly one month since Biya’s departure from Cameroon, with no official information regarding his whereabouts. The journalist asserts that efforts are underway to ensure the president makes a brief appearance at the Francophonie summit, despite ongoing health issues.

It has been alleged that a medical protocol involving ketamine is being considered to enable Biya to participate, even for a short duration, during the summit ceremonies. However, medical sources reportedly advise against this practice due to the potential risk of irreversible cardiac arrest. Chouta notes that similar methods were used during Biya’s visit to China and the United Nations General Assembly, but these approaches seemingly exacerbated his health problems, leading to the cancellation of his recent trip to the United States and an urgent evacuation to Paris for prostate surgery.

While the details surrounding President Biya’s condition remain unverified, Chouta’s claims reflect insider knowledge regarding the inner workings of Biya's administration. As the situation develops, many Cameroonians are left in a state of uncertainty regarding their long-standing leader's health and the implications for the presidency.