Cameroon President Paul Biya Returns After 10-Week European Absence

The world’s oldest serving head of state, Paul Biya, has returned to Cameroon following an absence of more than ten weeks in Europe, bringing an end to intense speculation surrounding his physical health and capacity to govern. The 93-year-old leader arrived back in the Central African nation on Thursday amidst growing public discourse regarding succession plans in the country he has ruled for over four decades.

Touching down at Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport aboard a chartered flight from Geneva, Switzerland, Biya concluded what is considered his longest overseas stay since assuming power in 1982. He had departed Cameroon on 7 June on what his civil cabinet initially described as a “brief private visit to Europe”.

Accompanied by First Lady Chantal Biya, the nonagenarian president landed at approximately 4:45 pm local time before travelling in a heavily guarded motorcade towards the official presidential residence, Unity Palace. Hundreds of supporters from the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) lined key thoroughfares across the capital to welcome him. Waving party banners and displaying portraits praising his leadership, the crowd cheered as Biya offered a brief wave through the partially lowered window of his limousine.

The extended period spent abroad had fuelled widespread concern across Cameroon, where state authority remains intensely concentrated within the presidency. Government spokespersons repeatedly sought to dampen rumours by asserting that the head of state remained in good health and would return shortly. Nevertheless, the protracted silence prompted opposition politicians and civil society figures to urge the Constitutional Council to determine whether the presidency should be declared vacant or temporarily handed over. The council took no action on the matter.

Under the Cameroonian constitution, should the presidency become vacant through death, resignation, or permanent incapacity, interim executive duties fall to the President of the Senate in the absence of a Vice-President.

Although the office of the Vice-President was formally reinstated in April, Biya has yet to appoint anyone to the post. This continuing vacuum has heightened anxieties among analysts and critics, who warn that the lack of a clearly designated successor leaves the country vulnerable to severe institutional instability and power struggles whenever the long-serving leader eventually steps down.