Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, aged 93, has returned to the country after a record 74-day absence abroad. His plane landed at Yaoundé-Nsimalen International Airport late yesterday afternoon, concluding a trip that began on June 7, 2026, initially described as a private visit to Switzerland.

This prolonged absence sparked widespread speculation about his health and the possibility of a power vacuum. Opposition figures repeatedly questioned the government’s transparency regarding his whereabouts and condition. State-run broadcaster CRTV aired delayed footage of his motorcade to reassure the public.

Pro-government RDPC activists lined the roads to the Etoudi Presidential Palace, where Biya briefly greeted supporters from his vehicle upon exiting the airport’s presidential pavilion.

Reactions and implications

Biya’s extended absence has intensified debates about leadership continuity in Cameroon. Critics argue that his prolonged absence underscores the need for clearer succession plans. Meanwhile, government officials have emphasized stability, with state media providing minimal updates during his trip.

The president’s return comes amid heightened political tensions, with opposition leaders calling for greater accountability. As the country’s longest-serving leader, Biya’s health remains a sensitive topic, with no official medical updates provided.