Cameroon's Biya reshuffles army amid prolonged absence abroad

Cameroon's President Paul Biya has reshuffled key military posts while remaining out of public view for nearly two months. The 93-year-old leader appointed new officials to senior army positions and promoted five colonels to brigadier general. The changes were announced as concern grows over his prolonged stay abroad.

Sponsored

One of those promoted, Raymond Jean Charles Beko'o Abondo, was immediately reappointed as commander of the elite presidential guard. That unit is responsible for protecting Biya, and he has held the post since 2013. The decrees were issued on Monday from Geneva, where Biya has been staying since leaving Cameroon on 7 June for what his team described as a brief private stay.

The latest reshuffle comes at a sensitive moment for the country's security leadership. Such changes are not unusual under Biya, particularly when his administration faces intense public scrutiny or perceptions of weakness. Cameroon also moved quickly to reshuffle its military leadership after the coup in neighbouring Gabon three years ago, and Biya made further changes to the top brass during last year's presidential election campaign.

The timing has added to debate in Cameroon about the president's absence and the lack of information about his activities. Many people have criticised the uncertainty over how long he will remain abroad. His absence has also fuelled speculation about his health, although the government has repeatedly denied reports that he has been hospitalised.

Sponsored

The developments matter because the army remains central to political stability in Cameroon, and the presidential guard is one of the most closely watched units in the system. Biya has also continued to sign decrees from abroad, including measures authorising his government to sign loan agreements with international financial institutions. That suggests the machinery of state is still functioning, even as questions persist over who is directing it day to day.

There are also wider institutional questions. After last year's election, Biya promised to name a new cabinet, but has not yet done so. A vice-president post created in April also remains unfilled.

Press freedom groups were angered two years ago when media in Cameroon were banned from reporting on Biya's health, adding to the sensitivity around any discussion of his condition. What remains unclear is when Biya will return to Cameroon and whether further changes in the security or political leadership will follow. It is also not known whether the latest military appointments are part of a broader reshuffle or a response to the president's absence.

#Cameroon #PaulBiya #armyreshuffle #presidentialguard #Geneva

Sponsored