President Paul Biya, accompanied by First Lady Chantal Biya and their delegation, was airborne mid-day Thursday, August 20. Their private Boeing jet, registered P4 – CLA, departed from Geneva, with an expected late afternoon touchdown in Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon.
Anticipation is high among militants of the ruling Democratic Rally of the Cameroonian People (RDPC), who are preparing a particularly enthusiastic welcome for the head of state upon his return.
Cameroonian authorities have meticulously orchestrated this presidential homecoming, evident in the exceptional deployment by CRTV, the national public media group. A contingent of 200 agents has been mobilized to provide live radio and television coverage, elevating this return to a major national event. Both the aircraft’s landing and the 22-kilometer journey of the presidential motorcade from the airport to the palace will be broadcast and commented upon 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 exactly 74 days since the Cameroonian head of state was last in the country. This record-breaking absence fueled a flurry of speculation regarding his condition, particularly his health. Rumors ranged from serious illness and hospitalization following knee surgery to routine medical consultations.
The Cameroonian populace now awaits to see if President Biya utilized this prolonged absence to advance some of his long-standing pledges. Among these is the formation of a new government, announced eight months ago but still pending. Citizens also anticipate the appointment of a vice-president, a position established last April.