Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has returned to the country after weeks of absence, amid widespread rumors regarding his failing health. The 91-year-old leader, one of Africa’s longest-serving heads of state, was seen on state television arriving at the Yaoundé airport on Monday. Accompanied by his wife Chantal, Biya was greeted by cheering supporters and government officials, appearing in good spirits as he shook hands and engaged in conversation.

State-run broadcaster Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) emphasized his presence, with a presenter commenting, “Finally, this is not a phantom, it is President Paul Biya having a lengthy discussion with government officials.”

Speculation about Biya’s health had grown after his absence from several key international events. He was last seen publicly at the China-Africa summit in Beijing a month ago but missed notable gatherings such as the United Nations General Assembly and the Francophonie summit in France. Biya is known to frequently travel to Europe for medical reasons, though his health status remains undisclosed.

As Africa’s second-longest-serving leader, Biya has been in power since 1982, making him Cameroon’s president for over four decades. His prolonged leadership comes amid ongoing national challenges, including the Anglophone secessionist crisis in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions, which has led to deadly clashes with security forces, and the threat posed by the Boko Haram insurgency from neighboring Nigeria. Despite these difficulties, Biya’s grip on power remains firm, though questions about the country’s future leadership persist as rumors about his health continue to swirl.