Cameroon’s 91-year-old President Paul Biya has been seen in public for the first time in six weeks amid speculation about his ailing health.
His absence from the public eye led to unfounded rumors about his death.
But on Monday afternoon, state television showed images of the president’s arrival at the airport of the capital Yaoundé, on a flight from Switzerland.
The government had banned the media from discussing the health of Biya – who has been in power since 1982 – classifying it as a matter of national security.
Rumors of his death have circulated on and off for twenty years.
Thursday’s television images show the president dressed in his usual smart, conservative suit and looking visibly strong.
The last time Biya was seen was on September 8 when he attended a China-Africa summit in Beijing.
Since then, the government has been under immense pressure to prove the long-serving leader was alive.
Government officials eventually denied the claim that he had died, saying Biya was in good health and on a private visit in Geneva. He is known for his frequent visits to the Swiss city.
After landing, Biya was welcomed by state officials and members of the ruling party.
The unusual mobilization of people in some streets of the capital indicates that the government’s clear intention is to put an end to speculation about his well-being.
His reappearance could spark calls within his CPDM party for a new seven-year term in next year’s elections.
While the ‘Lion Man’, as he is known by his supporters, has yet to publicly declare whether he will run, his critics say his recent political moves signal an attempt to challenge the ruling party’s tight grip on power. strengthen.
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