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Paul Biya returns to Cameroon after 73-day absence
Cameroonian President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest head of state, returned to Yaoundé on Thursday, August 20, 2026, after an absence of over 70 days. Biya, 93, arrived at Nsimalen International Airport via a chartered flight from Geneva, Switzerland, following a trip to Europe that began on June 7.
His prolonged absence sparked significant political debate and speculation regarding his health and the stability of the country's leadership. While the government maintained that Biya continued to exercise his constitutional powers from abroad, opposition leaders criticized the situation, describing the nation as being in an 'institutional vacuum' and operating on 'autopilot.'
Upon his arrival, Biya was greeted by supporters of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) in a festive atmosphere. He was seen waving to crowds from his vehicle as he traveled to the Etoudi Unity Palace, accompanied by First Lady Chantal Biya. The return has intensified discussions regarding political succession and the need for a clear framework for leadership transition in Cameroon.
Entities
Cameroon · Chantal Biya · Geneva · Paul Biya · René Emmanuel Sadi · Switzerland · Yaoundé
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 10 SOURCES] The president had been in power since 1982. www.lalsace.fr · www.mersinhaber.com · fr.news.yahoo.com · www.yenisafak.com · www.sozcu.com.tr · +5 more
- [DISPUTED] The opposition criticized the president's absence, describing the country as being in 'autopilot' and facing an 'institutional vacuum'. www.lalsace.fr · www.mersinhaber.com · fr.news.yahoo.com · mymotherlode.com · www.theheritagetimes.com · +2 more
- [● 11 SOURCES] The president is 93 years old. www.lalsace.fr · www.mersinhaber.com · www.camer.be · fr.news.yahoo.com · www.yenisafak.com · +6 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Minister of Higher Education stated that the president continues to follow official files while abroad. www.lalsace.fr
- [● 11 SOURCES] Paul Biya returned to Yaoundé on Thursday, August 20, 2026, after a 73-day absence. www.lalsace.fr · www.mersinhaber.com · www.camer.be · fr.news.yahoo.com · www.yenisafak.com · +6 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Minister of Communication denied rumors that the president was hospitalized in a Geneva clinic on June 18. www.lalsace.fr · fr.news.yahoo.com · www.camer.be
- [● 9 SOURCES] The president left Cameroon on June 7, 2026, for a private trip to Europe. www.lalsace.fr · www.mersinhaber.com · www.camer.be · fr.news.yahoo.com · www.yenisafak.com · +4 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] The president arrived at Nsimalen International Airport in Yaoundé from Geneva. www.mersinhaber.com · www.yenisafak.com · www.sozcu.com.tr · africazine.com · www.theheritagetimes.com · +2 more