Cameroon president returns home after 10-week absence

Cameroon's long-serving President Paul Biya has returned to the African nation after a lengthy absence, ending months of uncertainty surrounding his health and whereabouts. The 93-year-old leader, the world's oldest head of state, touched down at Yaounde's Nsimalen International Airport on Thursday, having been away for over 10 weeks. Biya, accompanied by his wife Chantal Biya, flew from Geneva, Switzerland, on June 7, according to the civil cabinet's description of his trip as a "brief private stay in Europe."

Upon his arrival, the president was greeted by thousands of supporters of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) who lined the streets of the capital in a warm welcome. Biya waved through a partially-open window to the cheers of the crowd, who displayed party colors and banners in his honor. Despite assurances from officials that he would return soon, Biya's prolonged absence had sparked speculation about his health and governance capabilities.

This raised concerns about political succession in a country with a highly centralized power structure around the presidency.

Opposition politicians had urged the Constitutional Council to investigate whether a temporary head of state should be appointed during Biya's absence. However, the council declined to take any action. Under Cameroon's constitution, if the presidency becomes vacant due to death, resignation, or incapacity, the president of the Senate should assume interim duties.

However, Biya has yet to appoint a vice president, despite the reintroduction of the role in April. This absence of a clear succession framework has raised questions about potential transitions if Biya were to become unable to govern.