Agency Reporter
91-Year-Old Leader’s Arrival in Yaoundé Ends Rumors of Health Issues
Cameroonian President Paul Biya has returned to the capital, Yaoundé, landing at the international airport on Monday after several weeks abroad, which had sparked widespread speculation regarding his health. State broadcaster CRTV captured the moment as the 91-year-old leader appeared on television, greeting officials alongside his wife, Chantal, while a jubilant crowd welcomed him home.
Welcoming Celebration and Public Sentiment
Supporters of Biya, adorned in outfits featuring his portrait, lined the streets and chanted joyfully to the rhythm of drums as his motorcade made its way from the airport to the presidential palace. CRTV dedicated a special program to cover his return, emphasizing the excitement among his supporters.
The speculation surrounding Biya’s health intensified after he went silent following his departure from Beijing at the beginning of September, where he attended a China-Africa cooperation summit. A CRTV presenter remarked, “Today, the president is on his way, and this will put an end to all the speculation.”
Flight Tracking and Recent Travels
Flight tracking services indicated that a Boeing aircraft with the registration CMR001, previously associated with Biya, departed from Geneva late Monday morning. Official sources confirmed that he had been residing in Switzerland for several weeks. Large welcome posters adorned the streets of Yaoundé, with one billboard reading, “Welcome home, Mr. President of the Republic.”
On October 8, amidst ongoing rumors about the president’s health, the Cameroonian government announced he would return shortly. Subsequently, local media were banned from discussing his health status.
Absence from Major Events
During his absence, Biya did not attend significant international gatherings, including the United Nations General Assembly in New York and a summit for French-speaking nations in Paris. His Prime Minister, Joseph Dion Ngute, represented him at various events during this time.
Long Tenure and Health Concerns
President Biya has been in power for over 41 years, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in Africa, surpassed only by Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea. Throughout his presidency, Biya has frequently traveled abroad for medical visits and extended stays, primarily at a luxury hotel in Geneva.
In a report by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) in 2018, it was estimated that Biya had spent over four-and-a-half years outside Cameroon over the past 35 years, costing the nation approximately $65 million.
Future Prospects
As he returns, Biya has not publicly designated a successor nor ruled out running for re-election in the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for October 2025. His administration has faced significant criticism, particularly for its crackdown on opposition, resulting in the imprisonment of numerous peaceful protesters, including Maurice Kamto, the runner-up in the last elections, who spent nine months in jail without charges in 2019 before being released under international pressure.
