France, Aug. 21 -- Biya, the world's oldest serving head of state, landed in the Cameroonian capital Yaounde on Thursday after travelling from Geneva, where he had been staying since 7 June on what the presidency described as a "short private stay".

Cameroonian media reported that the president, who has led the Central African country since 1982, had been accompanied in Switzerland by family members and close aides.

Dozens of supporters of the ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement gathered at the airport to welcome him, some dressed in clothing carrying the veteran president's image.

While his return ends the speculation surrounding his whereabouts, questions over his health, the functioning of the presidency and his eventual su...