The President of the Republic of Cameroon, His Excellency Paul BIYA, and First Lady Chantal BIYA have returned to Cameroon. The Presidential Couple arrived at the Yaounde–Nsimalen International Airport from Europe on 12 April 2017.

H.E. Paul BIYA and Mrs. Chantal BIYA’s stay in Europe was marked by a State visit to Italy on 20 to 22 March 2017 and an official visit to the Vatican City State on 23 March 2017. The Presidential Couple met with President Sergio MATTARELLA and Pope FRANCIS respectively.

President Paul BIYA granted six audiences at the airport before his departure to the Unity Palace. He met with the Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon, Piero PIOPPO; the Italian Ambassador to Cameroon,  Samuela ISOPI; the Senate President, Marcel NIAT NJIFENJI; the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Right Honourable Cavaye YEGUIE DJIBRIL; Prime Minister Philemon YANG; and the Secretary General of the Presidency of the Republic, Ferdinand NGOH NGOH.

The motorcade of the Head of State took off from the airport at about 5 p.m. amid cheers and dancing by various groups of militants and well-wishers on hand all along the itinerary until the very gates of the Unity Palace. A befitting welcome home for the Presidential Couple after a very successful stay in Europe.