Cameroon's ruling party meets as Biya's long absence draws criticism
A portrait of Cameroon President Paul Biya is displayed during the official opening ceremony of the 51st Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie (APF) at the National Assembly in Yaounde, Cameroon on July 10, 2026.
Cameroon's ruling party called a rare meeting of senior leaders on Wednesday as criticism mounted over the continued absence of President Paul Biya, 93, who has spent the last 45 days abroad.
Biya, the world's oldest head of state, left Cameroon on June 7 for what the civil cabinet described as "a brief private stay in Europe" and has since not returned. The government has provided no information as to when he might be back.
