On Thursday, August 20, at midday, President Paul Biya, accompanied by his wife Chantal and their delegation, was en route aboard a private Boeing jet, registered P4 – CLA. Their journey commenced in Geneva, with an anticipated late afternoon touchdown in Yaoundé.

Sources indicate that activists from the ruling party, the Democratic Rally of the Cameroonian People (RDPC), have been mobilized to orchestrate a particularly enthusiastic welcome for the head of state.

Cameroonian authorities have meticulously planned this presidential return as a significant public spectacle. A prime example of this elaborate staging is the exceptional deployment of 200 personnel by CRTV, the national public media group. These agents are tasked with providing live radio and television coverage of the event, elevating it to a major national affair. Both the aircraft’s landing and the 22-kilometer motorcade journey from the airport to the presidential palace are slated for broadcast and commentary across their networks.

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, marks precisely 74 days since the Cameroonian head of state was last in the country. This record-breaking absence fueled widespread speculation regarding his condition, particularly his health. Whispers ranged from claims of severe illness and hospitalization following knee surgery to suggestions of routine medical consultations.

The Cameroonian populace eagerly awaits to ascertain whether their head of state utilized this extended period abroad to advance certain key promises. Among these is the formation of a new government, which was announced eight months ago but remains pending. Citizens are also keen to learn who will be appointed to the newly established vice-presidential post, a position created last April, shaping the future of Africa politics in the nation.