Cameroon’s President Paul Biya’s month-long absence from the public eye is causing intense speculation about his health and raising fears of a post-Biya power struggle among political factions in the central African country.

The 91-year-old head of state has not appeared in public since the China-Africa summit in Beijing in early September, but the government has 'strictly prohibited' any media discussion of his state of health.

After weeks of silence, the Cameroonian presidency and government have finally decided to speak out and deny the rumors of Paul Biya’s illness and death.

Since early September, Cameroon’s president has disappeared, fueling rumors about the 91-year-old’s health and even his death. The government denies these claims, but speculation continues as the succession of the “father of the continent” remains unclear.

Authorities have gone so far as to ban the media from discussing the health of Biya. Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji told regional governors that discussing the president's health was a matter of national security, and that "any debate in the media about the president's condition is therefore strictly prohibited".

Paul Biya, the president of Cameroon, cancelled his attendance at the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) summit, held in France on 4 and 5 October. The decision has raised concerns regarding his health.

Cameroon's 91-year-old president, Paul Biya, is in good health, the government said on Tuesday in a statement, calling widespread reports saying otherwise "pure fantasy."

The Cameroonian presidency has debunked reports alleging that Paul Biya, the nation's 91-year-old leader, is dead.

His Excellency Paul BIYA was born on February 13, 1933, in Mvomeka'a, Meyomessala Subdivision, Dja-et-Lobo Division, South Region, Cameroon. He is the son of Etienne MVONDO ASSAM and Anastasie EYENGA ELLE.

Cameroon has outlawed any discussion about the health of 91-year-old President Paul Biya, a letter shared by the interior ministry said, after Biya's prolonged absence fuelled widespread speculation he was unwell.

The expected return of Cameroon’s president Paul Biya to Yaoundé has not occurred. Financial markets are reacting to growing concerns about his health, while several key government figures have been called to Geneva.