Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has made a televised address to his people after more than two months of silence as the country dealt with an increasing coronavirus crisis.
Biya’s long silence to supporters was a sign of gravitas but for critics it was one of failure.
He finally reappeared on the eve of a national day.
“Like most countries in the world Cameroon is suffering from COVID-19,” Biya said Tuesday night on state channel CRTV.
“The number of people infected rises day after day, bringing proof that the fight against the pandemic is complex and difficult.”
Biya urged people to respect “measures taken by the government, such as the obligatory wearing of masks”.
He also asked them “not to give in to panic and not to believe false information put out on social networks”.
The last time he spoke to the nation was on March 5, although Cameroon had counted by Monday a total of 3,500 cases including 140 deaths and has been hit harder by the virus than most Sub-Saharan African countries.
In late April, speculation had circulated on the internet of his death and the government was moved to put out a denial.
In his 37 years in power, citizens of the nation have become accustomed to Biya’s long absences mainly because of his poor health.
However, his silence over the epidemic raised questions for a leader who has overseen many crises since he took power in 1982.
His frequent absences from the public has led to the opposition to question his role.
According to the main opposition leader, Maurice Kamto, runner-up to Biya in the 2018 elections, he had launched proceedings for the Constitutional Council to declare the presidency vacant.
Last week, six opposition activists were arrested in Cameroon for ‘illegally’ distributing face masks and disinfectant gel but were released five days after.
All Kamto supporters whose initiative to collect funds to fight the virus has been banned by government.
“Most of you have fully understood that faced with the silent danger that COVID-19 represents it was time to set aside political quarrels and form a united front,” Biya said.
