Cameroon Minister Issues Stern Warning Over President Biya Death Rumours
Cameroon’s Minister of Labor and Social Security, Gregory Owona, has issued a stern warning to those spreading false information about President Paul Biya’s health.
Owona emphasised that anyone announcing the president’s death will face severe consequences, stating, “Those who attempt to deceive public opinion by announcing the death of the Cameroonian Head of State must pay a heavy price for such a gross lie.”
He urged authorities to take action against these rumor-mongers, stressing that while Cameroon is a democracy, there’s a limit to the harm caused by malicious falsehoods. Owona’s statement was shared on the verified Facebook page of the News Agency of Cameroon, serving as a official declaration.
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This isn’t the first time President Biya has been at the center of controversy. As Africa’s second-longest-serving president and the world’s oldest head of state, Biya has faced criticism for his authoritarian rule and allegations of election irregularities ². Despite this, he has maintained power since 1982.
In a similar vein, Owona previously dismissed election complaints as “distractions” during the 2018 presidential elections, which Biya won with 71% of the votes ¹. The election was marred by accusations of vote rigging and human rights violations.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how authorities will address the spread of misinformation and its implications for Cameroon’s political landscape.