Cameroon's Biya returns home after longest absence in decades

Cameroon's President Paul Biya returned to the capital Yaoundé on Thursday, ending a more than 10-week stay abroad — his longest recorded absence since assuming power over four decades ago.

The 93-year-old leader, the world's oldest head of state, landed at Nsimalen International Airport aboard a chartered flight from Geneva, Switzerland, at around 4:45 p.m. local time. He was accompanied by First Lady Chantal Biya.

Biya had left Cameroon on June 7 for what the civil cabinet described as a "brief private stay in Europe." His extended absence triggered widespread speculation about his health and ability to govern, despite repeated official assurances that he would return soon.

Hundreds of supporters of the ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM) lined the streets of the capital to welcome him, waving party colours and banners. The president waved through a half-open window as his motorcade headed to the Etoudi Unity Palace.

The prolonged absence also reignited questions about political succession in a country where power is highly centralized around the presidency. Opposition politicians had urged the Constitutional Council to consider whether an interim leader should be appointed, but the council took no action.

Under Cameroon's constitution, the president of the Senate would assume interim duties if the presidency were declared vacant due to death, resignation, or permanent incapacity — there is no vice president. Biya has not appointed a vice president despite the role being reintroduced in April, and critics argue the lack of a clear succession framework raises uncertainty about a potential transition.