As Cameroon prepares for presidential elections on October 12, 2025, the country faces an unusual situation: its leading candidate, President Paul Biya, has left for Europe just as campaigns are beginning.
Biya, who is 92 years old and the world’s oldest head of state, has ruled Cameroon since 1982. He is now seeking his eighth term in office.
According to his office, the president left for a “private trip to Europe” on Sunday, though no details were given. Diplomatic sources say he is in Geneva, Switzerland, a city he often visits for personal stays.
The president’s absence has raised questions about his health and fitness to lead. Last year, he spent several weeks in Switzerland, sparking rumors of his death until the government released a statement denying it.
Although a video released by the presidency this time showed Biya looking well as he departed with his wife Chantal and advisors, his absence from the UN General Assembly in New York on Thursday has fueled further speculation. Cameroon was instead represented by its foreign minister.
Analysts suggest that keeping Biya out of the public eye helps maintain the “illusion” that he is still fit for office.
Biya announced his candidacy on July 13 through social media but has not directly addressed Cameroonians since then. His party, the RDPC, has promised rallies, including one in the northern city of Maroua, though it is unclear if Biya will attend.
Meanwhile, the opposition is struggling to unite behind a single candidate. This division has given Biya an advantage, despite growing frustration among citizens.
Adding to the drama, Biya’s daughter, Brenda Biya, posted a video on TikTok last week urging Cameroonians not to vote for her father.
Although she later deleted it and apologized, the message went viral, causing embarrassment for the ruling family.
Brenda, who spends much of her time in Geneva, has also faced legal issues, including a defamation case involving a Cameroonian-Nigerian artist.
Critics accuse Biya of spending large amounts of public money on luxury trips abroad. A 2018 investigation found that he had spent 4.5 years abroad during his presidency, mostly in Switzerland, at an estimated cost of $65 million.
Meanwhile, nearly a quarter of Cameroon’s population lives in poverty, with shortages of clean water, electricity, and adequate healthcare.
Cameroonians living in Europe are planning demonstrations in Geneva to protest Biya’s absence from his country during such a critical time.
“We want to chase Paul Biya out of Europe and send him back to Cameroon,” said Diosky Moresmo, a spokesperson for the diaspora community.
Protesters accuse the president of enjoying comfort abroad while “his people suffer” at home.
