Paul Biya: Cameroon President Missing for 51+ Days

No death has been confirmed as of August 2, 2026. No announcement has been made by his family, the Cameroonian government, any foreign government, or any major wire service. Fact-checkers have flagged death rumours circulating on social media as unverified. Biya, 93, is reportedly receiving medical treatment in Geneva, Switzerland.

As of late July 2026, Paul Biya was reportedly in Europe, likely Geneva, Switzerland, where he was being treated at a private clinic according to Jeune Afrique. He left Cameroon on June 7, 2026, and had not returned after more than 51 days, an unusually long absence even by his standards.

Paul Biya was born on February 13, 1933, making him 93 years old. He is the world's oldest serving head of state and has governed Cameroon since November 6, 1982, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the world.

Paul Biya left Cameroon on June 7, 2026, officially for a 'brief private stay in Europe.' More than 51 days later, he had not returned. Jeune Afrique reported medical reasons; he was reportedly being treated at a clinic in Geneva. There is no confirmed diagnosis or statement from his office about his condition.

Yes, officially. He was re-elected in October 2025 for a new term theoretically running until 2032. No resignation, incapacitation, or death has been officially declared. The Cameroonian government has not invoked any succession procedure, and Biya retains the title of president while abroad.

Cameroon reinstated the post of Vice President in a constitutional amendment passed in April 2026, a change proposed by Biya himself and widely seen as succession preparation. However, as of August 2026, no Vice President has been named. Under existing law, if the presidency became vacant, the President of the Senate would serve as interim head of state.

His prolonged absence has not been officially explained beyond a 'private stay in Europe.' Jeune Afrique, which has historically had good sourcing on Cameroonian affairs, cited medical reasons and reported treatment at a Geneva clinic. Biya has a pattern of long European stays, he spent more than half of 2020 in Switzerland, but 51+ days with no public appearance or verified photograph is unusual even for him.

There is credible but unconfirmed reporting that he is receiving medical treatment in Geneva. No official diagnosis has been shared. Biya is 93 years old, which makes any prolonged absence the subject of health-related speculation. The Cameroonian government has not addressed his health status publicly.

Paul Biya became president of Cameroon on November 6, 1982, succeeding Ahmadou Ahidjo. He has ruled for more than 43 years, making him one of the longest-serving heads of state in history.