“Paul Biya is in good health and working”: Samuel Mvondo Ayolo denies rumours of the president’s death

On October 15, 2026, an account called “Human Rights Forum” claimed on X that Cameroonian President Paul Biya had died and that officials were discussing his succession. The posts also spread unverified claims of unrest at the Unity Palace in Yaoundé. Contacted by Jeune Afrique on October 16, civil cabinet director Samuel Mvondo Ayolo called the reports fake and said Biya was “in good health and working.” He cited a decree signed by the president and published the previous day.