Paul Biya has returned to Cameroon after 74 days abroad. However, his return has done little to silence questions about his ability to lead.
The 93-year-old president arrived at Yaoundé Nsimalen Airport on Thursday, August 20. He had spent more than two months outside the country amid growing speculation about his health.
Yet Cameroonians were not given a clear public view of their president.
Airport footage showed First Lady Chantal Biya and other senior officials. However, Biya was not shown stepping out of the aircraft or walking across the tarmac.
Instead, television cameras captured his motorcade leaving the airport. A hand briefly appeared from inside the presidential vehicle as supporters waved.
For a president returning after 74 days, the absence of a clear public appearance speaks volumes.
The government had repeatedly insisted that Biya was well. It also maintained that his return was imminent.
Yet the manner of his return has raised even more questions.
During his absence, Cameroon faced serious challenges. Flooding affected several communities, including Limbe, Kumba and Bamenda. The disasters reportedly caused deaths and extensive damage.
Meanwhile, insecurity, rising living costs and shortages of essential commodities continued to affect ordinary Cameroonians.
In the Southwest and Northwest, cooking gas shortages reportedly created long queues and sharp price increases. Security forces were even deployed around some distribution points.
Despite these problems, the country remained without a visibly active president for more than two months.
Biya was also absent when the Indomitable Lionesses made history by winning their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.
Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute attended the final in Morocco. Yet officials said the historic trophy should be presented to Biya first.
That raises an uncomfortable question.
Why must every national achievement still revolve around a 93-year-old president who was absent when history was being made?
After 44 years in power, Biya’s return should represent more than a motorcade and a waving hand.
Cameroonians need leadership they can see, hear and hold accountable.
Instead, they received another carefully controlled appearance.
The issue is therefore bigger than Biya’s 74-day absence.
It is about whether a president who rarely appears before the people can still provide the leadership Cameroon desperately needs.
For Ambazonians, the spectacle carries an even deeper meaning.
While Biya remains shielded behind tinted windows and official ceremonies, communities across the Southern Cameroons continue to endure the consequences of the prolonged conflict.
The return of one man does not change that reality.
Biya is back in Yaoundé.
But the fundamental question remains.
Is he truly back to govern, or merely back to occupy the presidency?
By Lucas Muma | BaretaNews
