Cameroon President Paul Biya Returns After Two Month Absence

President Paul Biya returned to Cameroon on Thursday after spending more than two months in Geneva, Switzerland. The 93 year old leader, who is the world's oldest serving head of state, arrived at the international airport in Yaounde aboard a flight from Geneva. His office had previously described the trip, which began on June 7, as a brief private stay in Europe. He was seen waving to supporters from his car as he left the airport alongside First Lady Chantal Biya.

Biya has led Cameroon since 1982 and recently began his eighth term in office following a widely disputed election in October. That election triggered protests that resulted in more than 16 deaths after opposition candidate Issa Bakary rejected the results. Cameroon currently has no term limits following a 2008 constitutional amendment.

The president's prolonged absence has intensified concerns regarding his health and his ability to govern. While the government previously denied reports that his health had deteriorated, opposition figures have claimed the country was running on autopilot during his absence. Outlets with a center lean framed the event around the resulting power vacuum and the lack of legitimacy regarding Biya's hold on power. Outlets with a center right lean framed the event as a debate over the ability of a long term ruler to govern at his advanced age.