President Biya returns to Cameroon after a month-long stay in France and Switzerland

Cameroon’s President, Paul Biya, returned to Cameroon today after spending nearly a month abroad, shuttling between France and Switzerland.

The 91-year-old President left Cameroon on July 25, 2024, following an invitation from French President Emmanuel Macron to attend the opening ceremony of the international games in Paris on July 26.

After the ceremony, President Biya and his delegation alternated their stay between France and Switzerland. Sources reveal that on August 5, Biya traveled to Switzerland for a private stay at the Continental Hotel in Geneva, a long-time favorite retreat during his presidency.

On August 15, he returned to France to participate in a special ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the Allied landings in Provence during World War II.

Biya is known for extending his stays abroad whenever he travels for official or private reasons. However, Cameroon’s constitution forbids the President from remaining outside the country for more than 30 days without risking legal consequences.

Critics argue that his return just days before the one-month mark is a calculated move to avoid breaching constitutional limits that could lead to potential removal from office.

President Biya is scheduled to visit China on September 3, 2024, for the China-Africa Summit in Beijing.

Mimi Mefo Info