{
  "id": 2531256,
  "title": "Paul Biya Is Back in Cameroon After Ten Weeks. The New No. 2 Job Is Empty",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/paul-biya-is-back-in-cameroon-after-ten-weeks-the-new-no-2-job-is",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-22T07:59:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Rio Times",
    "slug": "the-rio-times",
    "url": "https://www.riotimesonline.com/paul-biya-return-cameroon-vice-presidency-2026/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "President Paul Biya returned to Cameroon on 20 August after a 74-day absence that ended a long-standing question about the succession. The return came after critics spread false allegations on social media about his health. The 93-year-old leader, who has been in power since 1982, was greeted by officials who found him in perfect health. Despite the presidency announcing the trip as a short private visit to Europe, no vice-president has been appointed to fill the empty chair created in April 2026. The post would have stepped in should Biya's seven-year term end prematurely. A decree purportedly appointing a vice-president circulated on social media but was dismissed as false. The absence has raised concerns, as the country's ability to manage its external debt and maintain stability depends on a smooth succession.",
  "summary": "Cameroon’s 93-year-old president is back in Yaoundé after 74 days in Europe, and the vice-presidency his parliament created in April is still vacant. The post Paul Biya Is Back in Cameroon After Ten Weeks. The New No. 2 Job Is Empty appeared first on The Rio Times .",
  "key_points": [
    "President Paul Biya returned to Cameroon on 20 August after 74-day absence.",
    "93-year-old leader greeted by officials in perfect health.",
    "No vice-president appointed to fill empty chair created in April 2026."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}