Cameroonian President Paul Biya arrived on Monday at Yaoundé’s international airport after several weeks abroad amid ongoing speculation about his health, as reported by state broadcaster CRTV.
The 91-year-old leader was shown on television shaking hands with officials alongside his wife, Chantal, as a jubilant crowd gathered to welcome him.
Supporters donned outfits featuring his portrait, chanting to the rhythm of drums while lining the streets as his motorcade departed for the presidential palace. CRTV dedicated a program to his return.
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Concerns about Biya’s health intensified when he faded from public view following his departure from Beijing at the beginning of September after a China-Africa cooperation summit. “Today the president is on his way, and this will put an end to all the speculation,” a CRTV presenter declared.
Flight tracking sites indicated that a Boeing with registration CMR001, previously used by Biya, took off from Geneva, where he had been staying for several weeks.
Large welcome posters adorned the Cameroonian capital, with one billboard stating, “Welcome home, Mr. President of the Republic,” featuring Biya’s portrait on a blue background.
On October 8, amid persistent rumors, the government announced that Biya would return in a few days. Subsequently, they formally prohibited local media from discussing his health status.
Notably, Biya did not attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York or a summit for French-speaking countries in Paris.
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