Cameroon’s military reshuffle has put President Paul Biya’s prolonged absence back at the center of national debate. The 93-year-old leader, who has not appeared in public for nearly two months, approved changes to senior army posts while staying in Geneva, where he left Cameroon on 7 June for what his team called a brief private stay.
The latest army changes include appointments to key positions and the promotion of five colonels to brigadier general. Among those elevated is Raymond Jean Charles Beko'o Abondo, who was immediately returned to command the elite presidential guard, the unit assigned to protect Biya. He has held that post since 2013.
Such moves are familiar under Biya’s rule. His government has repeatedly turned to military reshuffles during moments of pressure or uncertainty, including after the coup in neighboring Gabon three years ago, during last year’s presidential election campaign, and again in June when several members of the defense and security forces were advanced in rank. The pattern has given the current military changes added weight, especially as questions grow over who is effectively steering the country.
The decrees were signed separately on Monday from Geneva, underscoring how much of this latest chapter has unfolded while the president remains abroad. Over nearly 60 days outside the country, Biya has also signed other decrees, including orders authorizing his government to pursue loan agreements with international financial institutions.
At home, the lack of detail about his activities has fueled frustration and speculation. Critics say Cameroonians have been left guessing about the length of the trip and the president’s condition, while supporters of the government have pushed back against claims that he is seriously ill or incapacitated.
