Fact Check: Is Cameroonian President Paul Biya Dead? Here’s The Truth

In early October 2024, social media erupted with rumors about the death of Cameroonian President Paul Biya. The viral reports, initially spread by a Facebook post titled “R.I.P. Paul Biya,” quickly gained traction, causing widespread concern. While many took to social media platforms to mourn the alleged passing of the 91-year-old president, it has since been confirmed that these rumors are entirely false. Paul Biya is alive and well.

In this article, we’ll break down how the hoax started, examine the role of ABS Africa TV in spreading the rumor, and how MandyNews.com‘s thorough investigation uncovered the truth.

The Role of ABS Africa TV in Spreading the Rumor

One of the key players responsible for amplifying this false report is ABS Africa TV, a YouTube-based channel known for covering African news. ABS Africa TV shared a now-viral clip on X (formerly Twitter), which falsely claimed that Paul Biya had passed away in Switzerland. According to the channel, the 91-year-old leader had allegedly died while receiving medical treatment abroad. This video quickly garnered attention, adding fuel to the viral fire.

The ABS Africa TV video, viewed by thousands, confidently stated that Paul Biya had passed away and even detailed his presidency of 41 years, claiming he became president of Cameroon in 1982. However, the source of these claims remains dubious, as no credible news outlet in Cameroon or internationally confirmed the report.

MandyNews.com Investigates the Hoax

Amid the confusion, MandyNews.com launched a thorough investigation into the viral rumors surrounding Paul Biya’s alleged death. Our team analyzed the claims made by ABS Africa TV and cross-checked the information with reputable Cameroonian sources.

It quickly became apparent that no official statement had been issued by the Cameroonian government, major news outlets, or any reliable sources. Furthermore, Cameroonian officials confirmed that President Biya was alive and continuing his duties.

This false report follows a pattern seen in recent years, where viral death hoaxes about celebrities and political figures have spread like wildfire on social media platforms.

The Origins of the Hoax

The death rumor first appeared on October 6, 2024, when a Facebook page titled “R.I.P. Paul Biya” began spreading misleading information. The page quickly gathered nearly one million likes, further giving the hoax an air of legitimacy. The page’s description read:

“At about 11 a.m. ET on Sunday (October 06, 2024), our beloved politician Paul Biya passed away. Paul Biya was born on February 13, 1933, in Mvomeka’a. He will be missed but not forgotten. Please show your sympathy and condolences by commenting on and liking this page.”

As the post spread across Facebook, it soon made its way to other platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where many users began to mourn the Cameroonian president. The ABS Africa TV report further compounded the situation, leading to even more confusion as people struggled to discern fact from fiction.

Paul Biya: A Legacy of Leadership

To fully understand the gravity of the situation, it’s essential to recognize Paul Biya’s role as one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. Born on February 13, 1933, in Mvomeka’a, Paul Biya has been the president of Cameroon since 1982, holding power for over four decades.

Political Career

Before assuming the presidency, Biya served as Prime Minister from 1975 to 1982, under the leadership of Ahmadou Ahidjo, who later handed over power to Biya. His presidency has seen both economic progress and political challenges, but he remains a central figure in Cameroonian politics.

Controversial Leadership

While his leadership has helped maintain stability in Cameroon, Biya’s presidency has not been without controversy. Critics accuse his administration of human rights abuses, press restrictions, and electoral manipulation. However, Biya’s supporters argue that his leadership has preserved national unity and peace in a diverse country.

International Influence

Throughout his presidency, Biya has maintained strong international alliances, negotiating deals and securing aid that has helped Cameroon’s economy grow over the years. His political longevity has made him a significant figure not only in Cameroon but also on the global stage.

Social Media: The Hotbed for Misinformation

The viral Paul Biya death hoax is another example of how misinformation spreads rapidly on social media platforms. Whether it’s through Facebook, X, or YouTube, rumors can quickly spiral out of control, leaving people unsure of what to believe.

This incident also shows the dangers of relying solely on unverified social media sources. In the case of Paul Biya, a combination of viral Facebook posts and misleading reports from channels like ABS Africa TV created mass confusion.

Fact-Check: Paul Biya Is Alive and Well

To set the record straight, Paul Biya is not dead. After MandyNews.com conducted a thorough investigation, it was clear that the rumors were baseless. The Cameroonian president continues to serve his country, and no credible sources have confirmed his passing.

On Monday, October 7, 2024, Paul Biya’s representatives officially confirmed that the president is alive and well, dismissing the rumors as yet another celebrity death hoax. In their statement, they said:

“He joins the long list of celebrities who have been victimized by this hoax. He’s still alive and well. Stop believing what you see on the Internet.”

False Reports Debunked

The Paul Biya death rumors have been proven false after thorough investigation by MandyNews.com. While ABS Africa TV and other social media accounts played a role in spreading this misinformation, it is now clear that Paul Biya is alive and well.

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