On Thursday, August 20, at midday, President Paul Biya, accompanied by his wife Chantal and their retinue, embarked on a private Boeing jet, registered P4 – CLA. Their flight originated from Geneva, with a scheduled late afternoon landing in Yaoundé, Cameroon’s capital.

The presidential party, the Democratic Rally of the Cameroonian People (RDPC), has reportedly mobilized its members, preparing a particularly enthusiastic welcome for the head of state upon his arrival.

Cameroonian authorities have meticulously orchestrated this presidential return as a significant public event. Illustrating this, the public media group CRTV has deployed an exceptional force of 200 agents to provide live radio and television coverage. The broadcast will encompass the entire event, from the moment of the jet’s touchdown to the 22-kilometer journey of the presidential motorcade from the airport to the palace, complete with ongoing commentary.

Extended presidential absence: over 70 days

This return flight, for which neither the Presidency of the Republic of Cameroon nor the government issued any official communication, marks the end of precisely 74 days of the Cameroonian head of state’s absence from the country. This record-breaking period away from home fueled a surge of rumors concerning his condition, particularly his health. Speculations ranged from claims of severe illness and hospitalization following knee surgery to suggestions of routine medical consultations.

Cameroonian citizens eagerly anticipate whether their head of state has utilized this prolonged absence to advance some of his pending commitments. Among these are the formation of a new government, which was announced eight months ago but remains awaited, and the designation of an individual to the Vice President position, a role created last April.