Professor Jean Gatsi, a well-known academic and vocal supporter of President Paul Biya, has spoken out after being attacked at Douala International Airport. In a strongly worded statement, he asserts that the assault was a direct consequence of his unconditional backing for the head of state.
“I was cowardly assaulted at Douala airport by an activist following orders,” Gatsi declared. “This is an attempt at intellectual assassination to make me pay for my unwavering support for President Paul Biya.”
The attack and its context
According to Gatsi, the incident occurred days ago when he was confronted by an individual who later posted footage of the attack online, accompanied by defamatory remarks. The professor has since filed a formal complaint, and security forces are reportedly searching for the suspect. He sees the timing as no coincidence: just days earlier, on May 20, he published a 600-page book titled “Paul Biya, the Sanctuary of Peace Facing the Challenges of Contemporary History: The Art of Quiet Strength as a Shield for a Sovereign Nation.”
“This book is a heavy ideological weapon that crushes revisionist tales,” Gatsi said. “The attack was orchestrated to tarnish my honor and sabotage the promotion of my work.”
A long record of loyalty
Gatsi claims to have been the first in Cameroon to call on the academic community and civil society to support Biya’s candidacy for the October 2025 presidential election, even before his party, the RDPC, did so officially. He also says he vigorously opposed the candidacy of Kamto Maurice and fought against what he calls “insurrectional lies” from Issa Tchiroma Bakary. “The losers of history are now trying to make me pay for the victory of truth,” he stated.
Defiant stance
Despite the attack, Gatsi remains defiant. “No intimidation, no death threat, no cyber-harassment will make me back down one millimeter,” he insisted. He frames his support for Biya as obedience to divine will, saying, “Supporting Paul Biya is respecting God’s will, the supreme being who placed him at the head of Cameroon to make it a haven of providence.”
He concluded by announcing upcoming book signing ceremonies across the country and vowing to continue mobilizing youths behind Biya. “Our fidelity to Paul Biya is an unattainable divine decree. Through him, with him, and in him.”
The statement was dated June 20, 2026, from Kribi.
