On Thursday, August 20, by midday, President Paul Biya, accompanied by his wife Chantal and their delegation, was en route to Yaoundé aboard a private Boeing jet, registered P4 – CLA, having departed from Geneva. Their arrival in the Cameroonian capital was anticipated for late afternoon.

Members of the ruling party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (RDPC), have been mobilized extensively, preparing a particularly enthusiastic reception for the head of state upon his return.

Cameroonian authorities have meticulously orchestrated this presidential homecoming as a significant public spectacle. A prime example is the exceptional deployment of 200 personnel by CRTV, the national public media group, for live radio and television coverage. This extensive broadcast will feature the aircraft’s landing and the entire 22-kilometer journey of the presidential motorcade from the airport to the palace, with continuous commentary across their channels, turning the event into a major national broadcast.

Over 70 days away from the nation

This return flight, for which neither the Presidency of the Republic of Cameroon nor the government issued any official communication, concludes an exact 74-day absence of the Cameroonian head of state from his country. This record period away fueled widespread rumors concerning his status, particularly his health. Speculations ranged from reports of severe illness and hospitalization following knee surgery to suggestions of routine medical consultations.

The Cameroonian populace eagerly awaits to see if their leader has utilized this prolonged absence to advance some of his long-standing promises. Among these are the formation of a new government, which was announced eight months ago but remains pending, and the crucial designation of an individual to the newly established vice-presidential post, a position created since last April.