Paul Biya, Cameroon’s undefeated ruler for 44 years, returns after long absence

Cameroon's President Paul Biya has returned to the country after an absence of over two months. The 93-year-old, who is the world's oldest serving head of state and has been in power since 1982, landed in Yaounde after staying in Geneva since June 7. His office described the trip as a "short private stay," though Cameroonian media reported he was in the Swiss city with family and close aides. Biya's extended absence had sparked significant debate regarding his capacity to govern.

Cameroon's President Paul Biya, aged 93, has returned to the capital, Yaoundé, after an absence of over two months spent in Europe, his longest recorded stay abroad. This extended absence had fueled concerns regarding his health and the potential for a power vacuum in the Central African nation. Biya, who has led Cameroon since 1982, arrived from Geneva on Thursday. His office had described the trip as a "brief private stay." The country's constitution does not prohibit such lengthy absences, but the lack of a vice president, whom Biya appoints and dismisses, has led the opposition to describe the nation as being run on "autopilot." Biya's return follows a disputed election victory and ongoing challenges including armed insurgencies and economic stagnation.