On Thursday, August 20, President Paul Biya, accompanied by his wife Chantal and their delegation, was airborne aboard a private Boeing jet, registered P4 – CLA. Their journey commenced in Geneva, with an anticipated touchdown in Yaoundé scheduled for late afternoon. This highly anticipated Paul Biya Cameroon return marks a significant moment for the nation.

Militants of the ruling RDPC party have been extensively mobilized, meticulously preparing for a particularly enthusiastic reception for the head of state. This organized welcome underscores the political significance of his return.

Cameroonian authorities have orchestrates a notable staging for this presidential return. A prime example is the exceptional mobilization of 200 agents by CRTV, the public service media group, to provide live radio and television coverage of the event. The aircraft’s landing and the subsequent 22-kilometer motorcade journey from the airport to the presidential palace will be broadcast and thoroughly commented on across these channels, elevating the event to national prominence.

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 extended period away set a new record, fueling numerous rumors concerning his well-being, particularly his health. Speculations ranged from serious illness and hospitalization following knee surgery to routine medical consultations.

Cameroonians are eagerly awaiting to discover whether their head of state utilized this prolonged absence to advance certain unfulfilled promises, such as the formation of a new government, which was announced eight months ago but remains pending. There is also keen anticipation regarding the appointment to the newly created vice-president position, established last April.