Biya Ends 73-Day Stay Abroad, Returns to Yaounde Amid Cheers
The President of the Republic of Cameroon HE. Paul Biya arrived Cameroon on Thursday 20th August, 2026 after spending 73 days in Europe. He travelled to Europe on the 7th June, 2026 for a brief private stay in Europe.
TAC
Journalist · Yaounde, Cameroon
Image of President Paul Biya, shaking hands with HE. Chief, Dr. Joseph Dione Ngute, Prime Minister of the Republic of Cameroon, at the Nsimalen international airport.
Yaounde, Cameroon — CPDM militants and other Cameroonians lined major streets of the nation's capital on Wednesday, August 20, 2026, to receive the President of the Republic, Paul Biya, who returned home with his wife, First Lady Chantal Biya, after staying abroad for 73 days
This is the longest stay abroad by President Biya since he came to power in 1982. The Head of State, who left Cameroon on June 7, 2026 for what the Civil Cabinet described as "a short private stay in Europe" had been staying in Geneva, Switzerland, according to multiple reports.
His return puts an end to widespread rumours about his health and his ability to govern from abroad. The 93-year-old, the world's oldest serving head of state, had faced criticism from the opposition over an "institutional vacuum" during his absence.
Yaounde inhabitants expressed joy and optimism that his return will "make things happen."
Contacted, Communication Minister Rene Emmanuel Sadi had on June 18 denied reports that Biya was hospitalized in Geneva, insisting the President was alive and would return soon.
President Biya is expected in the days ahead to receive the Indomitable Lionesses, who won the 2026 edition of the Women African Cup of Nations, WAFCON, for the very first time in history.
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The transparency section is especially helpful.