The Head of State joined the capital Yaoundé on August 20, 2026, ending his longest private stay in Europe.
This marks the end of the extended stay of the President of the Republic in Europe. This Thursday, President Paul Biya and his wife Chantal Biya have returned to Cameroon. The presidential couple landed at Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport this afternoon. They are returning from Europe after spending 73 days there. This Thursday is a special day for the Cameroon People’s Democratic Rally. The party deployed its militants and animation groups at the airport to give the presidential couple a special welcome.
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Having left Yaoundé on June 7, 2026, the Head of State gave no explanation for the reasons that caused the extension of his stay in Switzerland. Only his close collaborators, his party the Rdpc, and the government tried to address concerns and reassure the people who were worried due to his prolonged absence.
This unprecedented length of stay sparked a heated debate about the vacancy of the presidency of the Republic. The debate revealed gaps and some unclear points in the legal framework applicable to limiting the presidential stay abroad and on the recognition of vacancy, as the vice-president has not yet been appointed.
The said debate also opened a window on the burning issues awaiting the President of the Republic. The appointment of a vice-president, the renewal of the government, the appointment of new directors-general where mandates have expired, and the reception of the Indomitable Lionesses following their victory in Morocco.