President Paul Biya has returned to Cameroon after spending over ten weeks in Switzerland, marking his longest recorded stay outside the country since he assumed power four decades ago. The 93-year-old leader landed at the international airport in Yaoundé, the capital, on Thursday aboard a flight from Geneva. He had departed Cameroon on 7 June, and his office had described the trip as a “brief private stay in Europe” – yet he did not come back until after 10 weeks had elapsed.
Prolonged absence stokes health and succession worries
Mr Biya’s extended time away intensified concerns about his health and the possibility of a power vacuum in the Central African nation. Speculation over the president’s condition has grown as he increasingly spends long periods in Europe, particularly in France and Switzerland, where he often remains for weeks at a time. During these absences, governance is left to key party officials and family members, a practice that has drawn criticism from opposition leaders who describe the country as running on “autopilot.”
According to Issa Bakary, a prominent opposition figure, Cameroonians widely believe that “all is not well” with the President. Bakary, who was the main opposition candidate in the last election, added: “Biya’s very long stay in Switzerland only aggravates that lack of legitimacy and his desperate attempts to hold on to power by force.” His remarks reflect a growing sentiment among critics that the president’s prolonged foreign trips undermine the credibility of his administration.
Quiet return met by supporters at airport
Mr Biya’s return was not officially announced, yet some government officials and supporters gathered at the airport to welcome him. The Associated Press reported that he was seen waving at supporters from his car as he left the airport. The lack of prior notice and the modest reception underscore the muted nature of his homecoming, which comes amid persistent questions about his ability to govern.
The world’s oldest president, who has led Cameroon since 1982, began his eighth term in office in November after winning a widely disputed presidential election. The October election that preceded his swearing-in triggered protests after Mr Bakary rejected the official result and claimed victory. Those protests led to the deaths of more than 16 people, according to reports.
No term limits and a disputed electoral legacy
Cameroon has no presidential term limits. In 2008, the country’s parliament approved a constitutional amendment that removed the previous two-term limit, making the president eligible for continuous re-election. This change has allowed Mr Biya to remain in power for over four decades, but it has also fuelled opposition accusations that he is clinging to power despite declining health.
The president’s latest return to Cameroon does little to resolve the underlying questions about succession or the stability of the Central African nation. With no clear successor and an ageing leader, observers note that the political landscape remains uncertain. The government has not issued any official statement about Mr Biya’s health since his return, and it remains unclear when he will resume public duties.
