Cameroon Bans Discussion of President Biya's Health

Cameroon's government has imposed a ban on any discussions regarding the health of President Paul Biya, citing national security concerns amid speculation about his wellbeing due to his absence from public view for over a month. Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji's directive, dated October 9, threatens legal action against those who violate the prohibition and instructs regional governors to monitor media broadcasts and social networks. Critics have condemned the ban as an act of state censorship, arguing that public concern over a leader's health is a norm in democratic societies. Biya, who is 91 years old and has been in power for more than 40 years, has not been seen since attending the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing in early September. Government officials, however, have stated that he is in good health and currently in Geneva. This situation raises concerns about potential political instability in Cameroon, particularly regarding succession if Biya were to become incapacitated.