Cameroon: President Paul Biya is the world’s oldest serving head of state at 93. He has remained outside the country for over a month, that has sparked renewed debate about his health and the future of political leadership of the nation.
Biya departed from Cameroonian capital – Yaoundé on June 07, 2026 for a private stay in Europe. He is currently believed to be in Geneva, Switzerland. However, the government has not provided any recent update on his condition or indicated when he is expected to return to the country.
Prolonged absence of the veteran leader has prompted widespread public discussion. As many observers are questioning the implications for governance and succession in Cameroon.
The presidency stated that Biya’s trip is private and the lack of official communication has fuelled speculation about his health.
Reportedly, Biya is serving as Cameroon’s president since November 1982, that makes him one of the world’s longest serving national leader. In his period of over four decades in office, he has overseen significant political and economic developments while also facing criticism over governance, democratic reforms and the handling of security challenges in different parts of the country. He was born on February 13, 1933 and became president at the age of 49.
Cameroon 🇨🇲 President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest serving president at 93, has been outside the country for more than a month.
He left Cameroon for what the presidency described as a private stay in Europe and is currently in Geneva, Switzerland.
His long absence has raised… pic.twitter.com/w3ZK1xr492
— Africa View Facts (@AfricaViewFacts) July 13, 2026
At present, he is 93 years old and his latest absence came only weeks after Cameroon introduced significant constitutional reforms. In April 2026, the parliament of Cameroon has approved amendments that established the office of vice president.
Under the new constitutional framework, if the head of state becomes unable to carry out official duties, the vice president will automatically assume presidential responsibilities, replacing the previous succession arrangements.
The constitutional changes have attracted considerable attention, as they are widely viewed as an effort or opportunity to provide greater institutional clarity regarding presidential succession. The reforms have become relevant amidst the ongoing public interest in Paul Biya’s extended stay abroad.
As per the political analysts, the continued absence of the president has intensified discussions about Cameroon’s long-term political transition, especially as the country prepares for future electoral and governance challenges. While there has been no official indication that Biya is unable to perform his duties. Absence of regular updates from the government has contributed to growing uncertainty among sections of the public.
Until now, Cameroon’s government has not announced any timeline for President Paul Biya’s return, that has left them surrounded with questions about his health, leadership and the country’s political future largely unanswered.