Is Paul Biya in Switzerland for Hormone Treatments?

Whether true or not, the story reflects the larger reality: a leader who rarely appears in public, whose health is tightly hidden, yet who insists on running for another term after more than four decades in power.

By Timothy Enongene The independentist

The Rumour

Once again, questions surround Paul Biya, the 92-year-old President of La République du Cameroun. Many believe he recently traveled to Switzerland not for diplomacy, but for secret hormone treatments to “artificialise” his strength — boosting his stamina to face another election campaign.

Whether true or not, the story reflects the larger reality: a leader who rarely appears in public, whose health is tightly hidden, yet who insists on running for another term after more than four decades in power.

What the Science Says

Doctors explain that treatments like testosterone, growth hormones, or steroids may give short bursts of energy. They can make an elderly man appear stronger for a while — able to walk onto a stage, wave, or read a speech.

But they do not restore the full physical and mental sharpness needed to govern a nation. In fact, these drugs are risky at Biya’s age: they can cause heart strain, mood swings, swelling, or even cancer concerns. At best, they help create a temporary image of vitality.

The “Election Results” Already Written?

While Biya’s health is debated, leaked documents are spreading online that appear to show the “results” of the October 12 election already decided:

Paul Biya — 61%

Bello Bouba Maigari — 22%

Issa Tchiroma Bakary — 8%

All other 9 candidates combined — 9%

These figures, circulated by journalist Boris Bertolt, suggest that the outcome may have been scripted even before citizens cast their votes. Whether confirmed or not, such leaks deepen public doubt about the fairness of Cameroon’s elections.

A Rising Challenger

Ironically, the exclusion of Maurice Kamto opened space for another figure: Issa Tchiroma Bakary. Once seen as a regime loyalist, he is now pulling unexpected crowds, not just in the north but also in towns like Bertoua and Bafoussam. Whether this momentum can overcome the system’s control remains uncertain.

Ambazonia’s Position

For Ambazonians, the choice is already made: #NoElectionInAmbazonia. These elections do not concern us. Past experience shows that CPDM campaign teams enter Ambazonian territory under the protection of soldiers disguised as civilians, often carrying weapons. Citizens are strongly warned to stay away from these gatherings.

Our focus is not on Yaoundé’s stage-managed ballots, but on ending the illegal occupation of Ambazonia. This year marks a decisive moment in our struggle.

The Bottom Line

With or without hormone treatments, Paul Biya cannot escape the truth of time. Drugs may help him appear energetic for a few minutes on stage, but they cannot give him the capacity to govern a complex, troubled country.

What citizens are being offered is not genuine leadership — it is a performance.

And performances, no matter how well rehearsed, cannot solve Cameroon’s deep political crisis.

Timothy Enongene The independentist