Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has finally returned to his country after weeks of speculation about his health.
The 91-year-old leader arrived at Yaoundé’s international airport on Monday.
His return came after several weeks spent abroad, raising questions about his well-being.
As Biya’s presidential plane touched down, he appeared on television shaking hands with officials beside his wife, Chantal.
A jubilant crowd awaited him, cheering as he exited the airport.
Supporters lined the roads, wearing outfits emblazoned with his portrait.
They chanted and drummed, celebrating his homecoming as his motorcade swiftly left for the presidential palace.
According to the state broadcaster CRTV, this was a moment of joy for many Cameroonians.
The speculation surrounding Biya’s health began when he disappeared from public view.
He left Beijing at the beginning of September after attending a China-Africa cooperation summit.
As his absence continued, doubts grew about his health status.
A CRTV presenter noted, “Today the president is on his way and this will put an end to all the speculation.”
Flight tracking sites confirmed that Biya’s plane departed Geneva, where official sources said he had been staying for several weeks.
Upon his return, large posters appeared throughout Yaoundé, welcoming the president back.
One billboard read, “Welcome home, Mr. President of the Republic,” adorned with Biya’s portrait.
On October 8, amid ongoing rumors, the government announced that Biya would return in a few days.
However, they also banned local media from discussing his health.
In recent weeks, Biya had missed significant international events.
He did not attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York or a summit for French-speaking countries in Paris.
During his absence, Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute represented him at various events.
Biya has been in power for over 41 years, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
He ranks second in the continent’s leadership tenure, only behind Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has ruled for 45 years.
Throughout his presidency, Biya has frequently traveled abroad for medical visits and stays at luxurious hotels.
The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) reported that over a 35-year period, he spent a total of four-and-a-half years outside Cameroon, costing approximately $65 million.
Despite his long rule, Biya has not designated a successor.
He has also not ruled out running for re-election in the upcoming presidential elections set for October 2025.
Since 2018, he has intensified his crackdown on opposition groups, leading to the imprisonment of many peaceful protestors.
One notable case is that of Maurice Kamto, the runner-up in the last presidential election, who was jailed for nine months without charges in 2019.
Kamto’s release came only after significant international pressure.
The atmosphere in Cameroon remains tense as political dynamics evolve.
With Biya’s return, supporters are hopeful for stability in the government.
However, many still question the direction of the country under his long-standing leadership.
In light of his absence and the health rumors, Cameroonians are looking for reassurance from their leader.
Biya’s return has sparked discussions about the future of governance in Cameroon.
Many wonder whether he will address the pressing issues facing the nation.
These include economic challenges, security threats, and rising calls for political reform.
As celebrations unfold, the nation is eager to see how Biya will navigate the complexities of governance.
His health will likely remain a topic of discussion among citizens and analysts alike.
Supporters hope that Biya’s return will usher in renewed efforts to address the nation’s challenges.
However, skeptics continue to question the effectiveness of his long tenure.
