Cameroon's President Paul Biya made a rare public appearance. The 92-year-old held a campaign rally ahead of the upcoming October 12 election, seeking his eighth term in office, after spending 43 years in power. Addressing a gathering in the country’s far north, Biya promised to curb unemployment and improve infrastructure. His latest public appearance followed his recent trip to Switzerland, the reason for which is not known. The President has been in and out of public view. Recently, reports of his disappearance and even his death made headlines in the country. After a long absence, Biyah has started his election campaign from the far northern town of Maroua, a region that has been reeling under extremist attacks and kidnappings for ransom by outfits like the Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province. Biya vowed to step up the region's security during his speech.