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The world’s oldest president left for a ‘brief stay’ in Europe. He hasn’t returned in two months
August 15, 2026
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The world’s oldest president left for a ‘brief stay’ in Europe. He hasn’t returned in two months

Money
Policy
Growth

Key Points

  • Paul Biya, 93, has been president of Cameroon since 1982, making him one of the world's longest-serving leaders.
  • He recently completed his longest uninterrupted absence from Cameroon, staying in Europe for over two months, sparking questions about his health and who is running the country.
  • Biya's prolonged rule means many Cameroonians have known no other president, leading to growing frustration over governance, corruption, poor infrastructure, and lack of jobs.
  • Despite his absence, Biya has continued to make key decisions, though government officials have had to publicly assure citizens of his well-being and impending return.
  • Critics highlight the stark contrast between Biya's access to quality healthcare abroad and the struggling public services and low life expectancy for ordinary Cameroonians.

Why This Matters

This article on Cameroon's long-serving president and governance challenges offers pertinent lessons for Ghana. It underscores the importance of robust democratic institutions, smooth transitions of power, and addressing youth frustration over economic stagnation and limited opportunities. Ghana can draw insights from the potential pitfalls of prolonged single-person rule and the need for responsive, accountable governance to prevent similar issues.

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