Cameroon's Biya Ends Record 73-Day Absence; Health Questions Persist

Cameroon's President Paul Biya returned to the capital Yaounde on Thursday after a record 73 days abroad, ending a prolonged stay in Switzerland that sparked intense speculation about his health and the functioning of the government in his absence. The 93-year-old leader, who has governed Cameroon for nearly 44 years, is the world's oldest serving head of state.

Biya arrived at Yaounde's Nsimalen International Airport on a chartered flight from Geneva around 4:45 p.m. local time. He was accompanied by First Lady Chantal Biya. After disembarking, the president departed in a motorcade for the Etoudi Unity Palace. Eyewitnesses reported that Biya waved to hundreds of supporters of the ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM) who lined the streets, waving party banners and cloth bearing his image.

The president's departure on June 7 was initially described by his civil cabinet as a "brief private stay." However, the trip extended for more than ten weeks, the longest recorded absence of his presidency. This fueled widespread public and political speculation about his ability to govern and rumors regarding medical treatment in Geneva. On June 18, Communication Minister Rene...