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.

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".

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.

YAOUNDE (Reuters) - 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.

At 91, Paul Biya holds the record for Africa’s oldest sitting Head of State. He also is the second longest-serving president in Africa. Over the past few days, Biya made the news, especially in his country that he had passed on but this turned out to be untrue.

Authorities dismiss rumours of ill health as ‘pure fantasy’, set up ‘monitoring cells’ to track online debate ANALYSIS | AGENCIES | Cameroon has banned the media from discussing the health of 91-year-old President Paul Biya,

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 authorities have banned the media from discussing the health of President Paul Biya, following rumours of his death. Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji told regional governors that these stories “disturb the tranquillity of Cameroonians”.

Cameroon’s government banned media debate about the health of President Paul Biya, whose absence from public view since last month has stoked speculation about his wellbeing.