Cameroon’s President Paul Biya landed back in Yaounde on Thursday, ending his longest trip outside the country since he took office more than 40 years ago.
The 93-year-old, the world’s oldest sitting head of state, touched down at Nsimalen International Airport at about 4:45 p.m. local time on a chartered flight from Geneva.
He was with First Lady Chantal Biya. From the airport, the couple drove in a motorcade to the Etoudi Unity Palace as supporters from the ruling CPDM party lined the streets, waving flags and banners.
Biya had left Cameroon on June 7 for what officials called “a brief private stay in Europe.” More than 10 weeks later, his absence had sparked intense speculation about his health and who was running the country.
Authorities repeatedly said he would return soon, but opposition leaders had urged the Constitutional Council to consider appointing an interim leader during the gap. The council took no action.
The episode also renewed debate over succession. Cameroon’s constitution says the Senate president would step in if the presidency becomes vacant, but the vice president role — reinstated in April — remains unfilled. Critics argue that without a clear line of succession, any prolonged absence raises uncertainty about a future transition.
Biya has governed Cameroon since 1982.
