Paul Biya, Africa’s Longest-Serving President, Dies

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Africa’s Longest-Serving President, Paul Biya, Dies.

Paul Biya, Africa’s longest-serving leader and President of Cameroon since 1982, has died at the age of 91, sources within the government have confirmed. The news comes after weeks of speculation about his health, following his extended absence from public life.

Biya’s death marks the end of an era for Cameroon, where he ruled for over four decades, shaping the nation’s political landscape with an iron grip.

Paul Biya, Africa's Longest-Serving President, Dies

He had recently attended the China-Africa Summit in early September 2024 but disappeared from the public eye soon after, sparking widespread rumors about his condition. There were reports that he had been receiving treatment in Switzerland or was hospitalized in France, but no official statements were made at the time.

The absence of clear information on Biya’s health had led to growing concerns within the country about the future of its political leadership. Public figures, including prominent lawyer Christian Ntimbane, had openly called for transparency from the government regarding the president’s health. “If he is on vacation, say so. If he is sick, say that too,” Ntimbane had urged, echoing the concerns of many Cameroonians.

Paul Biya, Africa's Longest-Serving President, Dies at 91 | Latest News

Paul Biya’s 42-year rule leaves a legacy of stability but also one marred by accusations of authoritarianism, human rights abuses, and suppression of political opposition. His tenure as president was marked by a strong centralization of power and a controversial approach to dissent, which his critics say stifled democracy in the country.

Biya, who had ascended to power following the resignation of Cameroon’s first president, Ahmadou Ahidjo, ruled the country with few challengers and consolidated control over the nation’s institutions. His death now raises questions about the future political landscape in Cameroon.

Political Succession

Biya’s passing has ignited discussions about his succession, particularly given the recent speculations surrounding his eldest son, Franck Emmanuel Biya. Public rumors and social media chatter suggest that there may have been plans in motion to position Franck as his father’s successor, with critics decrying the potential for dynastic politics.

Cameroon Concord, a local publication, reported that Biya’s brother-in-law, Robert Nkili, could serve as interim president. However, opposition figures, including Maurice Kamto of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement, are expected to challenge any non-democratic succession processes, calling for transparency and reforms.

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The opposition leader had, in recent years, garnered significant support and challenged Biya’s legitimacy following the controversial 2018 presidential elections, in which Kamto claimed widespread fraud.

A Global Political Giant

Internationally, Biya’s death closes the chapter on one of Africa’s most enduring political figures. Biya was the world’s longest-serving non-royal leader and one of the oldest heads of state globally. His influence stretched beyond Cameroon, where he played a significant role in regional politics within the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC).

Despite his long tenure, Biya remained a reclusive figure, rarely engaging with the media or the public. His governance style has been described as highly centralized, with power concentrated within the presidency and a close-knit group of advisers.

As Cameroonians now look ahead, the nation faces a potentially turbulent political transition. While some argue that Biya’s stability-oriented governance helped preserve peace in the country, others believe it hindered democratic development. His death may open a new chapter in Cameroonian politics, with calls for reform expected to grow louder.

For now, the government has called for calm as it begins preparations for a formal transition, though the path ahead remains uncertain.

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