President Paul Biya, accompanied by First Lady Chantal Biya and their delegation, was airborne aboard a private Boeing jet, registration P4 – CLA, at midday on Thursday, August 20. The presidential party departed from Geneva, with their arrival at Yaoundé scheduled for late afternoon, marking a highly anticipated moment for the nation.

Sources close to the presidential party, the RDPC, confirm that activists have been extensively mobilized. They are meticulously preparing a particularly enthusiastic welcome for the head of state, signaling the importance of his return to the Cameroonian political landscape.

Cameroonian authorities have orchestrated a grand spectacle around this presidential homecoming. This is evident in the unprecedented deployment by CRTV, the national public media group, which has assigned 200 personnel for live radio and television coverage. The event, elevated to national significance, will feature real-time broadcasts and commentary on the jet’s landing and the 22-kilometer journey of the presidential motorcade from the airport to the palace.

Over 70 days away from the nation

This return flight, which neither the Presidency of the Republic of Cameroon nor the government officially announced, concludes an exact 74-day absence of the Cameroonian head of state from his country. This record-breaking period away fueled a surge of speculation regarding his condition, particularly his health. Rumors circulated widely, with some suggesting severe illness and hospitalization after knee surgery, while others indicated routine medical consultations.

As President Biya returns, Cameroonians are keenly awaiting developments on several fronts. There is significant public interest in whether this prolonged absence has facilitated progress on unfulfilled promises, such as the formation of a new government, which was announced eight months ago but remains pending. Citizens also anticipate the designation of an individual to the newly created position of vice-president, established last April.