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Cameroon President Reappears Amid Rumors About His Health

Cameroon President Reappears Amid Rumors About His Health

(Bloomberg) -- Cameroon’s President Paul Biya received French ambassador Christophe Guilhou this afternoon to discuss the fight against coronavirus, Biya said in a tweet.

The 87-year-old Biya was last seen by Cameroonians on March 11, when he received U.S. ambassador Peter Barlerin.

Africa’s second-longest serving president has been criticized on social media for his silence amid the rapid spread of the coronavirus in Cameroon, which diagnosed its first case of the virus on March 6. The country is now among the most affected in sub-Saharan Africa, with 996 patients.

Known for his secretive leadership style and his frequent, months-long stays in Switzerland, Biya’s silence has also fueled widespread speculation about his health.

©2020 Bloomberg L.P.