President Paul Biya returns to Cameroon
Cameroon’s head of state, Paul Biya, officially touched down on Cameroonian soil this Thursday, August 20, 2026. His aircraft landed at Yaoundé-Nsimalen International Airport in the late afternoon, marking the conclusion of an extended 74-day sojourn in Europe.
The 93-year-old President departed from Geneva, Switzerland, having left Cameroon on June 7, 2026, for what was initially described as a “brief private stay.” This period now stands as the longest continuous absence from the nation during his tenure, drawing significant attention to African politics.
Supporters of the ruling party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (RDPC), gathered in significant numbers along the routes leading to the presidential palace in Etoudi. Upon exiting the airport’s presidential pavilion, President Biya offered a brief wave to the assembled crowd from his vehicle.
The extended period without a public appearance had fueled widespread rumors and speculation regarding the President’s health. Opposition factions consistently raised concerns about a potential power vacuum in Cameroon. In an effort to reassure the populace, state media outlets, including CRTV, broadcast the atmosphere and the progress of his motorcade with a slight delay.
