Cameroon's President Biya returns after 10-week absence
YAOUNDE — Cameroon's President Paul Biya returned to the capital Yaoundé on Thursday after a more than 10-week absence, ending what several outlets described as his longest recorded stay abroad and a period of intense speculation about his health and the country's leadership.
The 93-year-old, the world's oldest serving head of state, arrived at Yaoundé's Nsimalen International Airport aboard a chartered flight from Geneva, accompanied by First Lady Chantal Biya. He waved from a car as he departed for the Etoudi Unity Palace, greeted by dozens of ruling party supporters, some wearing clothing bearing his image, as reported by France 24 and the South China Morning Post.
The president had left for Geneva in June for what his office called "a short private stay" or, per the civil cabinet, "a brief private stay in Europe," according to multiple sources. His absence, lasting more than 10 weeks, dominated headlines and fueled debate over his health and who was effectively running the country, as noted by Africa News and others.
Speculation and official response
During his absence, speculation about Biya's health intensified. On June 18, Cameroon's Communication Minister, René Emmanuel Sadi, denied reports that Biya had been hospitalised at a Geneva clinic, a claim also noted by Vanguard News. Higher education minister James Fame Ndongo dismissed claims of a power vacuum last month, as cited by France 24.
Despite these reassurances, the prolonged absence drew sharp criticism from the opposition. France 24 reported opposition figures condemning an "institutional vacuum" and a country on "autopilot," with appointments for a new government and vice-president pending for months. Prosper Nkou Mvondo, leader of the Univers party, called the return a "spectacle" and said, "...when he is here, he does nothing," according to France 24.
However, not all voices echoed that sentiment. Teacher Giles Owono, 30, who came to welcome Biya, told France 24: "For a democracy like ours, it's normal for a president's prolonged absence to raise questions. But it changed nothing in the functioning of the country."
Succession questions persist
The absence highlighted a constitutional question. Under Cameroon's constitution, the Senate president, Aboulaye Abdoulaye, would be next in line if the presidency were declared vacant until an election is held. However, the president has not appointed a vice president since the role was reintroduced in April, according to the Straits Times. The senate president is next in line if the presidency is declared vacant, the outlet noted. An opposition lawmaker had asked the Constitutional Council to declare the presidency vacant, but the council did not act on that request, as reported by The Straits Times.
Biya's return may ease immediate concerns, but the underlying questions about succession remain. With no vice president in place sparks debate about institutional continuity likely to persist.
Context: Age, tenure, and recent elections
Biya, who has been in power since 1982, is the world's oldest serving head of state. His re-election to an eighth term in October 2025 triggered protests that were violently suppressed, according to France 24. The government acknowledged several dozen deaths but no definitive toll has been established. A 2008 constitutional amendment abolished term limits. With a population of nearly 30 million, more than half of whom are under 35, questions about the country's future leadership remain a sensitive topic.