WATCH: Cameroon President Paul Biya "Unaware" He's Attending A US-Africa Summit
A video circulating on social media suggests that the President of Cameroon Paul Biya, was completely unaware of where he was at the United States–Africa Leaders Summit 2022.
The summit was an international conference held in Washington, D.C., from December 13–15, 2022.
It was viewed as an opportunity for the U.S. to listen to and collaborate with African counterparts on key areas the United States and Africa define as critical for the future of the continent and our global community.
The 89-year-old Paul Biya, however, is heard asking where he was, who else was there and what he was supposed to be doing. His microphone was on.
His aides are heard briefing him but still he went on to open the pamphlets they gave him without giving his speech. Watch the video below for more:
He eventually spoke about limited financial resources as an impediment to Africa’s development. He urged Africans to establish a capital market that might provide flexible means for financing the continent’s growth.
Biya has been the President since 1982 and was the Prime Minister from 1975 to 1982.
He took over the presidency following the resignation of President Ahmadou Ahidjo, and has since been re-elected multiple times.
Biya’s rule has been characterised by authoritarianism and suppression of political opposition, and he has faced criticism for human rights abuses and corruption. Despite this, he remains a powerful figure in Cameroonian politics and in the African Union.
He has been re-elected multiple times, but many of the elections have been marred by allegations of voter fraud and manipulation.
