Cameroon Reshuffles Army Amid President Biya's Absence.
Cameroon's veteran leader Paul Biya has been absent from public view for nearly two months, prompting concerns about his health and activities abroad. Despite assurances from the government that he is well and working from Geneva, Switzerland, where he left Cameroon on June 7 for a "brief private stay," many citizens remain uncertain about the duration of his absence.
During Biya's prolonged absence, the Cameroonian military underwent significant changes. The president appointed officials to key positions within the army and promoted five colonels to brigadier generals. One notable promotion was that of Raymond Jean Charles Beko'o Abondo, who was immediately reappointed as commander of the elite presidential guard—a position he has held since 2013.
These military reshuffles are not uncommon under Biya's administration, especially during periods of intense public scrutiny or perceived weakness. For instance, following an unexpected coup in neighboring Gabon three years ago that overthrew the Bongo dynasty, Cameroon immediately reshuffled its military leadership. Similarly, after running for a controversial eighth term last year, Biya reshuffled the top brass of the army. In June this year, he promoted several members of the defense and security forces to higher ranks.
The circumstances surrounding these latest changes have sparked debate, particularly among social media users. Biya made the appointments in separate decrees from Geneva on Monday, where he has been staying since his departure. The lack of information about his activities and the uncertainty regarding the duration of his foreign trip have drawn criticism from many Cameroonian citizens.
After last year's election, President Biya promised to name a new cabinet but has yet to do so. Additionally, a newly created post of vice-president remains unfilled. During his nearly 60-day absence thus far, he has signed several other decrees, including those authorizing his government to sign loan agreements with international financial institutions.
Press freedom groups have expressed outrage over the ban on reporting Biya's health status imposed two years ago. The government maintains that President Biya is alive and well, working from Geneva. However, opposition leaders argue that his absence constitutes a "glaring institutional vacuum," as executive power should be exercised within the country rather than through remote communication.
In an interview with French-language broadcaster RFI, Cameroon's Communication Minister René Emmanuel Sadi dismissed allegations by the opposition that Biya's nonagenarian leadership amounts to a state vacancy. He stated that Biya continues to work from Geneva and will return to Cameroon soon.
