YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon (CNA) — The Government of Cameroon has dismissed claims published by the French-language news magazine Jeune Afrique alleging that President Paul Biya is receiving medical treatment in a private clinic in Geneva, Switzerland.
In a communiqué signed on June 18, 2026, Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson René Emmanuel Sadi described the report as “malicious and unfounded speculation” that undermines the principles of professional journalism.
Jeune Afrique had reported that President Biya was admitted to a private clinic in Geneva following an illness allegedly suffered during Cameroon’s National Day celebrations on May 20, 2026.
Rejecting the claims, the government confirmed that the Head of State is currently in Geneva but insisted that he has not been admitted to any medical facility and is not in a health condition requiring the level of medical care suggested by the publication.
The government further stated that while the President may take advantage of his stay in Geneva to undergo routine medical check-ups, he continues to oversee state affairs and take necessary decisions concerning the management of the country.
“The President of the Republic is therefore not hospitalised and will return to Cameroon as soon as possible,” the communiqué said.
The government also expressed regret that the allegation originated from what it described as a well-established media outlet.
President Biya, 93, has been in Switzerland in recent days, prompting speculation about his health and whereabouts.
