Old President Biya Shuffles Military Amid Weeks‑Long Absence

Sun Sep 06 2026 02:27:38 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Paul Biya, 93, reorganises Cameroon’s army while staying abroad, sparking unease in a country already rattled by neighbour's coup.

Paul Biya, Cameroon’s 93‑year‑old president, appointed new military leaders while remaining in Geneva for nearly 60 days. The reshuffle includes five colonels promoted to brigadier general and the reinstatement of Raymond Beko’o Abondo as commander of the presidential guard. Critics argue that the move masks a lack of transparency and fuels speculation about Biya’s health and the state’s leadership vacuum. The decision follows a history of frequent military re‑arrangements amid elections, regional instability, and pressures on the presidency.

Old President Biya Shuffles Military Amid Weeks‑Long Absence

Cameroonian President Paul Biya, 93, appointed new military leaders while remaining in Geneva for nearly 60 days. The reshuffle, announced through separate decrees, promoted five colonels to brigadier general and re‑appointed Raymond Beko’o Abondo as commander of the presidential guard, a post he has held since 2013.

The move comes after a coup in neighboring Gabon last year, which put the region in shock, and following Biya’s controversial bid for a fourth term in last year’s election. Critics argue that the rapid appointments lack transparency and have deepened fears over Biya’s health and the country’s leadership gap.

Biya’s absence, described by his team as a brief private stay, has sparked speculation that the country may be governed from a distance. Government officials repeatedly denied reports that Biya is hospitalized and insisted he continues to work from Geneva. Opposition leaders, however, say the nation faces a “glaring institutional vacuum” that cannot be filled remotely.

Cabinet appointments and a new vice‑presidency created in April remain unfilled, adding to concern. The military reshuffle, coupled with several loan agreements signed abroad, highlight the administration’s effort to maintain control amid scrutiny and regional instability.