Cameroon’s President Biya returns after a long stay abroad raises health concerns

President Paul Biya, Cameroon's longest-serving leader at 93 years old, returned to the country Thursday after an extended stay abroad that raised health concerns and speculation about a possible power vacuum. The ex-president arrived at Yaoundé's international airport from Geneva, Switzerland, where he had been for over 10 weeks.

Biya, who has been leading Cameroon since 1982, began his eighth term in office following a controversial election in October. His lengthy absence has been a subject of speculation due to his frequent trips to Europe, where he often leaves governance to key party officials and family members. While Cameroon's constitution does not explicitly forbid a president from staying away for months, the absence without a vice president has been viewed as a potential threat to the country's stability.

Opposition groups have described the situation as "running on autopilot." Biya's close associates were present at the airport, but he was not shown leaving the plane and did not hold any briefings. He was seen waving to supporters from his vehicle. During his lengthy tenure, Biya's leadership has been marked by both achievements and challenges, including insurgencies and separatist movements, as well as an economy that has stagnated.

His reelection last year sparked protests that left at least 16 people dead, highlighting the tensions between Cameroon's young population and its aging leader. In April, the parliament reinstated the vice president's post, a move that critics have labeled as a power grab by Biya, as he can appoint and dismiss the deputy at will.