Ambazonians Release AI Video Claiming Paul Biya’s Death: Government Responds with Denial

This video, which surfaced on ABS AFRICATV, a YouTube channel associated with fervent Ambazonian activist Chris Anu, has garnered significant attention.

In response to the uproar, Pr. Jacques Fame Ndongo, Minister of State and Secretary of Communication for the ruling RDPC party, reacted strongly. He released a statement on social media to debunk the rumors, stating:

“A foreign television channel announces today, the death of the Head of State, His Excellency Paul BIYA. This is a new devoid of any foundation... This phantasmagorical stratagem must not shake the political maturity, lucidity, and patriotism of Cameroonians.”

Fame Ndongo called for caution and emphasized the importance of adhering to journalistic integrity, truth, and fact-checking. His response underscores the concern within the government regarding the impact of the fake video.

Additionally, political analyst Eric Acha expressed skepticism about the authenticity of the video. He suggested it was AI-generated, linking it to the rising influence of deepfakes in political disinformation. Acha noted that this marks the first time government officials have publicly addressed the persistent rumors regarding President Biya’s health.

Paul Chouta, a whistleblower journalist known for reporting on the president's declining health, took to social media to claim that the video was a strategic fabrication by the Civil Cabinet. He suggested that the goal was to discredit those discussing Biya’s health and the accompanying succession talks. While officials like Fame Ndongo and Grégoire Owona (another high-ranking official) have denied the death rumors, they have not provided clarity on the president's current whereabouts or health status. Chouta urged the public to remain focused on the critical issue of Biya's health and the potential power struggles within his family.

This incident reflects the growing use of AI technology in political deception, complicating an already tense environment in Cameroon, where questions about the health of one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders continue to loom.