President Paul Biya’s anticipated return to Cameroon after extended absence

President Paul Biya, accompanied by his wife Chantal and their entourage, was airborne aboard a private Boeing jet, registration P4-CLA, by midday on Thursday, August 20. Their journey originated in Geneva, with an anticipated late afternoon touchdown in Yaoundé.

Members of the ruling party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (RDPC), have reportedly mobilized extensively, orchestrating a particularly enthusiastic welcome for the head of state upon his arrival.

Authorities in Cameroon are meticulously staging this presidential homecoming, transforming it into a significant national event. A prime example is the unprecedented deployment by CRTV, the public broadcasting group, which has assigned 200 of its staff to provide live radio and television coverage. The broadcast will encompass the aircraft’s landing and the entire 22-kilometer route from the airport to the presidential palace, complete with ongoing commentary.

Over 70 days away from the nation

This return flight, for which neither the Presidency of the Republic of Cameroon nor the government issued any official communication, marks the end of precisely 74 days of the Cameroonian head of state’s absence from his homeland. This record-breaking duration abroad fueled a surge of speculation regarding his condition, particularly his health. Whispers ranged from serious illness and hospitalization following knee surgery to routine medical consultations.

Cameroonians are eagerly awaiting to see if their leader utilized this extended period to advance some of his long-standing promises, such as the formation of a new government, which was announced eight months ago but remains pending. There is also keen interest in the appointment to the newly created vice-president position, established last April.