20.08.2026 22:41
Cameroonian President Paul Biya has returned to the capital, Yaoundé, after a 74-day trip to Europe. The 93-year-old leader's prolonged absence from the country sparked controversy, while his return was broadcast live on state television. Biya, who has ruled the country for 44 years, holds the title of the world's oldest head of state.
Cameroonian President Paul Biya returned to the capital Yaounde 74 days after a trip announced on June 7 as a "short private visit to Europe." The prolonged stay abroad of 93-year-old Biya had sparked debates about his health condition and the functioning of state governance.
BIYA'S PLANE LANDS IN YAOUNDE
Cameroon state television CRTV broadcast live the landing of the private plane carrying President Biya, which took off from Geneva, Switzerland, and landed at Yaounde-Nsimalen International Airport around 6:00 PM local time.
While leaving the airport, Biya greeted those who came to welcome him by waving from the window of his official car, and then proceeded with his convoy to the Presidential Palace.
74-DAY TRIP SPARKS CONTROVERSY
In a statement issued by the presidency on June 7, it was announced that 93-year-old Biya was on a short private visit to Europe. However, the visit lasting for weeks brought about various debates in the country.
While the Cameroonian government stated that Biya continued to exercise his constitutional powers during his time abroad, opposition representatives and some civil society organizations demanded more transparency about the President's health condition.
Following the prolonged absence, debates about the constitutional functioning and how state governance was maintained in the country have also come back to the agenda.
IN POWER FOR 44 YEARS
Paul Biya assumed the presidency through the constitutional process on November 6, 1982, following the departure of Cameroon's first President, Ahmadou Ahidjo.
Biya, who previously served as Prime Minister between 1975 and 1982, was re-elected President in the 1984, 1988, 1992, 1997, 2004, 2011, 2018, and 2025 elections.
THE WORLD'S OLDEST SITTING LEADER
With the constitutional amendment made in 2008, the term limit applied to the presidency was removed. Following this regulation, Biya continued his candidacy.
Biya, who also won the presidential election in October 2025, continued his 44-year rule. The 93-year-old Cameroonian leader currently serves as the world's oldest sitting head of state and is among the leaders who have been in power the longest in Africa.