YOUNDE: Cameroon’s President, Paul Biya, has returned to the country after spending more than 10 weeks abroad, ending his longest recorded absence from Cameroon since he came to power more than four decades ago.
Biya, 93, arrived at Nsimalen International Airport in Yaoundé on Thursday aboard a chartered flight from Geneva, Switzerland, according to Reuters.
The president, who is the world’s oldest serving head of state, left Cameroon on June 7 for what officials initially described as a brief private stay in Europe. His prolonged absence subsequently generated widespread speculation about his health and ability to continue governing.
Biya arrived at about 4:45 p.m. local time, accompanied by First Lady Chantal Biya, before travelling by motorcade to the Etoudi Unity Palace.
Hundreds of supporters of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) reportedly lined the streets of Yaoundé, waving party colours and banners as they welcomed the president back to the capital.
Biya’s extended stay outside the country had intensified concerns over his health and raised questions about the country’s political succession.
Despite repeated assurances from government officials that the president would return, opposition politicians had urged the Constitutional Council to consider whether an interim arrangement was necessary during his absence. The council, however, took no action.
Cameroon’s constitutional framework provides for the president of the Senate to assume interim presidential duties if the presidency becomes vacant because of death, resignation or permanent incapacity.
The issue of succession has remained particularly sensitive because Biya has not appointed a vice president, despite the reintroduction of the position in April 2026.
The absence of a clearly defined succession arrangement has continued to fuel uncertainty over how power would be transferred should the president become unable to govern.
Biya has ruled Cameroon since 1982, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
His return is therefore likely to ease some of the immediate speculation surrounding his whereabouts, while questions about his health, political future and succession remain significant issues in the country.
