Amanze Chinonye
Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has approved a major shake-up of the country’s military command structure, promoting senior officers and replacing commanders in key formations as his extended absence from public view raises fresh concerns over governance, political stability and succession, Prime Business Africa reports.
The 93-year-old leader, who is currently in Geneva, Switzerland, signed three presidential decrees that introduced changes across the armed forces, including the promotion of five colonels to the rank of brigadier general and the appointment of new commanders in four of the country’s five joint military regions.
The reforms also affected the Armed Forces General Staff, motorised infantry brigades and other strategic security units.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelREAD ALSO :
UN, AU Call for Calm as Protests Sweep Cameroon After Biya’s Contested Election Win
A key appointment in the reshuffle was the promotion of Raymond Jean Charles Beko’o Abondo, commander of the Presidential Guard, from colonel to brigadier general. Abondo, who has headed the elite unit responsible for protecting the presidency since 2013, was retained in his position.
The retention of the Presidential Guard chief is seen by analysts as an effort to preserve continuity within a critical security institution amid heightened uncertainty surrounding Cameroon’s leadership.
Other changes included the appointment of a new commander for the Rapid Intervention Brigade, the promotion of Major General Ebaka Hippolyte to a senior role within the Armed Forces General Staff, and the elevation of several other officers within the military hierarchy.
The reshuffle was announced on national radio following the signing of the decrees on Monday, coming at a time when Biya’s prolonged absence has intensified public debate over his health and capacity to govern.
Biya left Cameroon on June 7 for what authorities described as a private stay in Europe and has remained out of public view for nearly two months. The duration of the trip has fuelled speculation over his condition and raised questions about the exercise of presidential authority.
Government spokesperson René Emmanuel Sadi has maintained that Biya is alive, in good health and continues to perform his official duties, adding that the president is expected to return soon. Authorities have dismissed reports questioning his health as attempts to create uncertainty.
READ MORE :
Biya Sworn In for New Term Amid Anger, Deadly Protests, Deepening Political Fault Lines
Opposition figures, however, have criticised the lack of transparency surrounding the president’s absence, arguing that the prolonged stay abroad has created uncertainty at a time when the country is facing security and economic challenges.
Biya, who has governed the oil- and cocoa-producing nation since 1982, is Africa’s oldest serving head of state. While he has frequently spent extended periods abroad, his latest absence has attracted greater attention because of his age and renewed questions about Cameroon’s political future.
The ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) recently convened senior party officials amid mounting criticism over the president’s continued absence.
The military remains a central pillar of Biya’s more than four-decade rule, making changes to senior security positions particularly significant. Analysts say the latest appointments are likely aimed at maintaining stability and reinforcing control within the security establishment as uncertainty persists over the country’s leadership trajectory.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
