Cameroon: Biya Still Calling The Shots From Bedroom In Geneva

Cameroonian President Paul Biya, 93, has now spent more than two months out of the country following his departure on June 7 for what authorities described as a “brief private stay” in Europe.  

It is confirmed that the world's oldest head of state is in Geneva, Switzerland, a city where he has long been in the habit of spending extended periods.  

Despite this prolonged absence, Biya continues to exercise the full scope of his presidential powers from abroad.  

In early August, he signed decrees reshuffling the military high command, including promotions and the reappointment of the commander of the elite presidential guard.  

Government spokespersons insist that the president is alive and in good health, is not hospitalized, and continues to actively review state matters.  

They have repeatedly promised that he would return “soon,” without, however, providing a specific date. 

The opposition criticizes this situation as a source of uncertainty, while authorities maintain that day-to-day business continues as usual under Biya's remote leadership.

On the streets of Yaoundé, residents and some political figures say that the President Biya's expat is due to the fear of a possible coup d'état.