Toba Owojaiye reportingÂ
Abuja, Nigeria
Paul Biya, the long-serving president of Cameroon, has passed away at the age of 91 in a Parisian hospital following a brief illness. His death comes after he cancelled his scheduled attendance at the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) summit in France, held on October 4 and 5.
Truth Live News gathered that this sudden cancellation had raised concerns regarding his health, especially given his earlier absence from other key diplomatic events.
Biya had initially planned to continue his summer of diplomatic engagements, which began in France in July and extended to China in August. He had also been expected to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York in late September but had cancelled his appearance to rest in Switzerland, where he had been since early September. He had hoped to return to the international stage at the OIF summit but was once again forced to withdraw.
Despite official confirmation of his participation until the eve of the event, Biya was represented by his foreign minister, Lejeune Mbella Mbella, alongside Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of La Francophonie, and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Paul Biya served as Cameroon’s president for over four decades, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the world. He first ascended to the presidency in 1982 after the resignation of his predecessor, Ahmadou Ahidjo. Biya’s time in power saw the transition of Cameroon from a one-party system to a multiparty democracy, although his leadership was marked by allegations of authoritarianism and corruption.
Biya’s administration navigated the country through several economic challenges, particularly during the downturns of the 1980s and 1990s. He was also pivotal in maintaining the country’s relative stability in a region known for political unrest. However, his later years in office were marred by internal conflict in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon, where separatist movements have called for greater autonomy or independence.
Despite controversies, Biya was revered by his supporters for ensuring the long-term stability and peace of Cameroon. He was also an important figure on the African diplomatic stage, frequently engaging in international negotiations and partnerships that kept Cameroon strategically relevant within Central Africa.
The news of Biya’s death has drawn a mix of reactions. While some have praised his ability to maintain relative peace during his tenure, others have pointed to his extended rule and the challenges faced by many Cameroonians, including political suppression and limited press freedom. His passing leaves a significant void in Cameroon’s political landscape, raising questions about the future leadership of the country.
With the OIF summit underway, the absence of Biya in international diplomacy will likely be felt keenly, especially given his consistent engagement with multilateral organizations over the years.
Biya’s death also underscores the importance of leadership transitions in Africa, as several other African nations face similar questions about long-serving leaders. As Cameroon prepares for a new era, the international community will closely watch the country’s next steps.
Paul Biya’s passing marks the end of a long chapter in Cameroon’s history, a country he led through economic and political shifts while maintaining a strong grip on power. His death opens a new chapter for Cameroon, as the country faces the challenge of navigating its future without its long-time leader. His legacy will remain a topic of debate, both in Cameroon and beyond.
As Cameroon mourns, the world waits to see how the nation will proceed in the wake of this significant transition.