Following the long silence and non-public appearance of Cameroon’s President Paul Biya since the commencement of the spread of Coronavirus in the country, some Cameroonians especially critics, have quickly believe reports he had died.
In spite of the his audience recently granted to the French Ambassador to Cameroon, Christophe Guilhou at the Unity Palace, others insist its a make up story.
This set of Cameroonians were highly anticipating the now annulled National Day celebration which is usually chaired by the President himself at the 20th May Boulevard, main celebrations ground in Yaounde.
Political Observer, Richard Alemnkeng told News Upfront that the annulment is seen as an escapist argument from the government, as several frontline opposition leaders would have wanted to see the person they describe as an “absentee President” during the National day outing.
“Thus, the pandemic being one of the main reasons, the fact that the Head of State has not made a public address to the nation like others have done, is a mind disturbing issue and remains an issue of debate” he said.
“So 20th May celebrations have been cancelled in Cameroon. All of us who were waiting for that speech with bated breath have been dribbled,” a concerned citizen said.
Another Cameroonian who prefers anonymity, unequivocally told News Upfront “Mr Biya must be dead. Why cancelling 20th May while other places like major markets are still busy with business activities.”
“People should not allow the dead of Mr Biya to distract them from sociopolitical issues. We should not allow the dead of one person to distract us from our goal and focus to liberate our country,” he concluded.
Since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic in the country, the Head of Government, Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute has been spearheading the country’s strategy to combat Covid-19 and making propitious addresses of unfolding government measures on behalf of the President.
Cameroon has recorded 1134 infected cases of Coronavirus with 42 deaths and 668 patients recovered.
By Macwalter Njapteh
