Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, 93, has returned to the country after spending 74 days in Switzerland, marking his longest stay outside Cameroon since he became president nearly 44 years ago. Biya was seen arriving at the airport in Yaoundé on Thursday, with state television broadcasting images of his return. His extended stay in Switzerland is widely associated with medical care and health screenings, which he has undergone during previous visits to the European country.

Biya has been in power since 1982 and is currently the world’s oldest serving head of state. His prolonged absence had attracted attention both within Cameroon and among international observers, particularly because of concerns about his health and the lack of clarity surrounding a potential succession process. The president has traditionally spent extended periods abroad, but the latest 74-day stay was unusually long and became a source of heightened speculation about the country’s political future.

The president’s absence also had financial implications, with international bond investors closely monitoring developments in Cameroon. The yield on the country’s 2033 eurobond rose to 9.8 per cent on July 31, its highest level in more than three months, before easing to around 9.4 per cent. Investors have expressed concern that uncertainty surrounding Biya’s eventual departure could create political instability, particularly if a sudden transition occurs without a clearly established successor.

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Questions over succession have become more prominent following Biya’s re-election last October for an eighth term in a highly contested election. Earlier this year, Biya approved a constitutional amendment that restored the position of vice president. Under the amended arrangement, a vice president could assume office and complete the presidential term if the presidency becomes vacant. However, Biya has not yet appointed anyone to the position, leaving uncertainty over who could take charge in the event of an unexpected transition.

Biya’s return therefore comes at a politically sensitive moment for Cameroon. While his arrival provides some immediate reassurance about his presence in the country, questions about his health, the eventual transfer of power and the stability of the political system remain. His exceptionally long tenure has made succession planning an increasingly important issue, particularly as the president enters his mid-90s and the country prepares for a future beyond his leadership.

For now, Biya’s return to Yaoundé marks the end of his 74-day stay in Switzerland and places him back at the centre of Cameroon’s political affairs. His government will continue to face scrutiny over the country’s economic outlook, political stability and succession arrangements. The absence of a named vice president means that uncertainty over the eventual transition of power is likely to remain an important issue for both domestic observers and international investors.

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