President Paul Biya, 93, has returned to Cameroon on Thursday after a 73-day absence that fuelled speculation about his health.
The world’s oldest serving head of state landed in the capital Yaounde at around 1600 GMT after having left for Geneva on June 7 for what his office called “a short private stay”. He waved to supporters from his car as he left the airport.
The lengthy period spent out of the country had prompted intense public debate and growing concern regarding the leader’s health and capability to manage state affairs.
Government officials had previously pushed back against rumors, insisting that the president remained in good health and continued to manage official duties remotely from Europe.
Biya has maintained a tight grip on power for decades, making his prolonged disappearances a sensitive political subject within Central Africa.
Authorities had previously cracked down on public discussions surrounding his physical well-being during prior extended trips abroad.
His arrival back in the capital aims to project stability following weeks of political uncertainty and conflicting official statements from ruling party members regarding the nature of his extended European stay.
Crowds of supporters gathered near the airport corridors to catch a glimpse of the veteran leader’s motorcade as it headed toward the presidential palace.
