Cameroon's Biya Ends Record 73-Day European Absence

President Paul Biya, 93, the world's oldest sitting head of state, returned to Yaoundé on August 20, 2026, ending a 73-day stay in Europe — the longest absence of his 44-year rule. State TV aired his arrival. He had not been seen publicly for 58 days by August 4, when Reuters reported a senior military reshuffle he conducted from abroad. Biya left Cameroon on June 7.