Cameroon Bans Media from Discussing President Biya’s Health
The Cameroonian government has imposed a ban on media discussions regarding the health of President Paul Biya, following rampant rumors about his wellbeing, including speculation about his death.
Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji addressed regional governors, stating that such stories “disturb the peace of Cameroonians,” and emphasized that any media debate on the president’s condition is strictly prohibited. He warned that violators would face legal repercussions.
At 91 years old and in power for over 40 years, President Biya has not been seen in public since September 8, when he attended a China-Africa forum in Beijing.
Government officials have pushed back against concerns about his health, insisting he is in good condition and currently on a private stay in Geneva, Switzerland.
Nji characterized the health status of the president as a matter of national security, urging governors to create units to monitor compliance among private media outlets and social media.
Many journalists in Cameroon view this decision as a violation of press freedom. One anonymous journalist told the BBC that such restrictions infringe on their rights and could significantly affect their reporting.
The ban has also raised alarms about the safety of journalists in a country where media professionals are often targeted by authorities and insurgent groups.
In the past, Anglophone separatists have kidnapped journalists, while the government has detained several media members.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has condemned the government’s actions, urging an end to threats against journalists covering the president’s health.
Angela Quintal, head of CPJ’s Africa Programme, highlighted that the president’s health is a public interest issue and suggested that a public appearance by Biya could help quell speculation.
As rumors persist, many Cameroonians are eagerly awaiting the president’s promised return to the country.
