Paul Biya Finally Back Home After 73 Days Abroad

 

By Lasha Kingsly

 

President Paul Biya returned to Cameroon yesterday, August 20, after a 73-day stay abroad. The Head of State landed at Yaoundé-Nsimalen International Airport aboard a chartered flight from Geneva, Switzerland, accompanied by First Lady Chantal Biya.

The presidential couple was received at the airport by senior State officials, including the Minister of State, Secretary-General of the Presidency of the Republic, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh.

From the airport, the presidential motorcade proceeded to the Unity Palace in Yaoundé. Along the route, large crowds of supporters of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) gathered to welcome the Head of State. Supporters waved party flags and banners as the motorcade made its way into the capital.

73-Day Stay Abroad

The President’s return brings to an end a 73-day absence from national territory, one of the longest periods he has spent outside the country.

The stay in Switzerland was initially announced by the Civil Cabinet of the Presidency as a “short private stay”. The prolonged duration of the trip subsequently generated considerable public interest and political debate, particularly regarding the President’s health and his ability to continue exercising his functions from abroad.

Throughout the period, the Government maintained that the Head of State continued to carry out his duties while in Switzerland.

The expression “short private stay” has become commonly associated with official announcements concerning President Biya’s foreign travels, particularly his stays in Geneva. Its repeated use, despite some trips lasting several weeks or months, has nevertheless continued to attract public scrutiny.

Political Debate

President Biya’s prolonged absence also prompted reactions from opposition figures and civil society actors, who raised questions about the country’s centralised system of governance and the exercise of presidential powers when the Head of State is away from the country for an extended period.

Government officials have maintained that the Constitution does not prescribe a specific period limiting the President’s stay outside Cameroon.

The latest return has thus brought the President physically back to the seat of the institutions of the Republic after more than two months abroad.

Paul Biya has been President of Cameroon since November 1982 and is one of Africa’s longest-serving heads of State.