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Inside The Rule Of Paul Biya: Cameroon's 93-Year-Old President And His Prolonged Absences
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Firstpost•20-10-2026, 17:43
Inside The Rule Of Paul Biya: Cameroon's 93-Year-Old President And His Prolonged Absences
- •Paul Biya, the world's oldest leader and Cameroon's president, returned to the country after spending 73 days abroad in Europe.
- •Biya first came to power over four decades ago in 1982 and has won every election in the past two decades with over 70 percent of the vote.
- •His frequent and prolonged absences abroad for holidays and medical treatment have sparked intense public debate, health rumors, and criticism regarding public spending.
- •In 2008, Biya abolished presidential term limits and has maintained control by appointing loyalists to key posts and utilizing a divide-and-rule strategy.
- •Citizens and analysts continue to raise concerns over governance, poor infrastructure, electricity shortages, and the lack of quality healthcare and employment in Cameroon.
Key Questions Answered
President Paul Biya spent 73 days, or over 10 weeks, abroad in Europe before returning to Cameroon on August 20, 2026. He had originally left the country on June 7, 2026, marking the longest recorded absence of his presidency.
Paul Biya has been in power for over four decades, having first taken office in 1982 following the resignation of Cameroon's first president, Ahmadou Ahidjo. He began his eighth term in office in November 2025.
Biya's prolonged stays in Europe for holidays and medical treatment have sparked public debate, health rumors, and worries about who governs Cameroon. Critics have also alleged that his expensive overseas trips consume significant amounts of public funds.
