The "death" of President Paul Biya of Cameroon has been on the lips of Cameroonians at home and abroad for the past week. Rumour or fact?
The Presidency of Cameroon replied with a communiqué saying it was a "malicious rumour" originated by the "enemies of the state". Who are the enemies of the state? Those who pillage the country or those who want change. In any case there is no surprise about the death of a man who has been Prime Minister and then President for half of his life. At 71 years of age and running for a presidential reminds me of USSR-style politics post 1970.
What are the mechanics of rumour mongering ... or what is the danger of calling a fact "rumour"...or the reverse. As the issue was played over state TV on Sunday night it came to my realisation that all the journalists, institutions and public figures involved had staked their careers on the opposite side of a nation's hope. Like dancing, when you miss a beat, the music does not stop. I love maggots ... i even trust them.
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