Cameroon Enforces Media Blackout on President Biya’s Health Status

The Cameroonian government has prohibited media outlets from covering the health status of 91-year-old President Paul Biya, who has been absent from public view since early September.

The directive, issued by Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji in a letter dated October 9, mandates a strict ban on any media discussions regarding the president’s health. Additionally, the minister ordered the establishment of monitoring units to oversee online content related to this matter.

A letter marked with a “highly urgent” red stamp was sent to regional governors, emphasising that discussions regarding the health of the 90-year-old president are “a matter of national security.” The letter warned that any breaches of this directive would result in severe legal consequences.

Biya was last observed in public at the China-Africa summit in Beijing a month ago. Since that time, he has declined to attend events at which he had anticipated, such as the United Nations General Assembly in New York or a summit of French-speaking countries in Paris.

Rene Sadi, the government spokesperson, dismissed rumours regarding the president’s health on Tuesday, asserting that Biya had conducted a private visit to Europe after visiting Beijing.

He stated, “Rumours of all kinds have been circulating through the conventional media and social networks about the president’s condition.

“The government unequivocally states that these rumours are pure fantasy … and hereby issues a formal denial.”

Sadi affirmed that Biya was in good health and scheduled to return to Cameroon soon. The ban faced criticism, being labelled as an act of state censorship.

Observers predict that the lack of a defined succession plan following Biya’s death could lead to increased political instability in West and Central Africa. This region has already experienced eight coups and multiple failed military coups since 2020.

Frances Ibiefo

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