Meva’a M’Eboutou, SG of the Senate, slumped onto the red carpet shortly after he wished the President Happy New Year at the Unity Palace on Thursday 8 January 2015.

Reports said the septuagenarian (he is 78) walked up to the president, shook his hand and the traditional “bonne annee monsieur le President.” But just as he moved away in the direction of the others who had performed the ritual before him, he missed his way. As he fumbled he hit his leg on something and fell flat on the floor.

Reports said that it required the spritely intervention of a presidential security aide for Meva M’Eboutou to get up from the turf.

The reports said President Biya took a quick look at his uncle on the ground and immediately turned his eyes in the direction of the next delegation that had to wish him Happy New year.

Meva’a m’Eboutou is a former Minister of Finance. He was also Minister of defence. Sources say he is one of the surviving uncles of President Paul Biya.