Cameroon's President Paul Biya returns after over two months abroad, reigniting leadership debate

Paul Biya, Cameroon's president since 1982 and the world's longest-serving head of state, has returned to Yaoundé after an absence of more than two months. The 93-year-old leader's extended stay abroad, which began on June 7 for a "short private stay in Europe" according to the presidency, has reignited controversy within the country regarding his capacity to lead.

Biya, who is known to frequently travel to Geneva, Switzerland, was greeted by dozens of supporters at the Yaoundé airport upon his arrival Thursday evening. Accompanied by his wife Chantal Biya, he acknowledged the crowd with a wave from his car as he headed to his residence. Rumors about his health have often circulated, with the government previously denying reports of his hospitalization.

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For a democracy like ours, it is normal for the prolonged absence of a president to raise questions. But it has not changed the functioning of the country, which has continued to operate.

This latest absence, lasting 73 days, has intensified discussions about the Cameroonian government's inertia and led to sharp criticism from the opposition. They have denounced an "institutional vacuum" and described the country as being on "automatic pilot," especially as the appointment of a new government and a vice-president has been pending for months.

Despite the criticisms, some, like 30-year-old teacher Gilles Owono, defended the situation, stating that the country's functioning was unaffected by the president's absence. However, many Cameroonians express frustration over these repeated absences, which have occurred for over two decades. Prosper Nkou Mvondo, leader of the opposition party Univers, criticized the spectacle, stating, "It doesn't change anything whether he is here or not. When he is here, he does nothing."

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It doesn't change anything whether he is here or not. When he is here, he does nothing. I don't think it's necessary to participate in this spectacle.