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

The world’s oldest serving head of state was on a ‘private stay’ in Europe for over 70 days, raising questions about his ability to govern

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has returned to the country after a more than two-month absence that has fuelled fierce debate about his ability to rule after 44 years in power.

Biya, who at the age of 93 is the world’s oldest serving head of state, landed in Yaounde in the late afternoon from Geneva, where he had been staying since June 7 on what his office called “a short private stay”.

Cameroonian media had reported that Biya, leader since 1982, had been in the Swiss city with family members and close aides.

After more than two months away, the president left the airport alongside first lady Chantal Biya, waving from a car on its way to the presidential palace. Dozens of ruling party supporters gathered at the airport to welcome him home, some wearing clothes bearing Biya’s image.

Biya’s health has long been the subject of rumours, often linked to his frequent stays in Geneva.

A few weeks after he left on the most recent trip, the government firmly denied media reports that Biya’s health had deteriorated and insisted that he was at work.