The world’s longest-serving president reorganizes military, absence fuels apprehension

Cameroonian President Paul Biya, a veteran political figure who has been out of the public eye for nearly two months, has initiated a significant reshuffle within the nation’s armed forces. This move comes amidst mounting concerns over his prolonged stay abroad.

The 93-year-old head of state appointed various officials to crucial military positions and promoted five colonels to the rank of brigadier general.

Such military adjustments are not uncommon during Biya’s administration, particularly during periods of intense public scrutiny or perceived vulnerabilities.

For instance, following an unexpected coup d’état three years ago in neighboring Gabon, which saw the overthrow of the Bongo dynasty and sent shockwaves across the continent, Cameroon promptly reorganized its military command structure.

Furthermore, as he sought a controversial eighth term in last year’s presidential election, President Biya once again reshuffled high-ranking army officers.

Just last June, he also promoted several members of the defense and security forces to higher ranks.

The specific circumstances surrounding these latest changes have sparked considerable debate, particularly across social media platforms.

President Biya issued these distinct decrees on Monday from Geneva, Switzerland, where he has been residing since departing Cameroon on June 7 for what his office described as a “brief private stay.”

Within Cameroon, many have expressed criticism regarding the scarcity of information concerning his activities and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the duration of his international trip.

Following last year’s elections, he pledged to appoint a new government, a promise that remains unfulfilled. Additionally, the position of vice-president, established last April, continues to be vacant.

During his nearly 60-day absence abroad, he has signed several other decrees, including some authorizing his government to finalize loan agreements with international financial institutions.

His prolonged absence has intensified new speculations regarding his health, though the government has consistently refuted reports of the head of state being hospitalized.

Press freedom organizations voiced outrage two years ago when it was announced that Cameroonian media outlets were prohibited from reporting on President Biya’s health status.

Cameroon’s Minister of Communication, René Emmanuel Sadi, affirmed in an interview that the president is alive and will soon return to the country.

He also dismissed opposition claims suggesting that the nonagenarian leader’s absence amounted to a vacancy at the head of state, emphasizing that Biya continues to carry out his duties from Geneva.

However, Mamadou Mota, Vice-President of the opposition CRM party, contends that President Biya’s extended absence signifies a “flagrant institutional void” in Cameroon.

“Executive power is exercised at the heart of the nation, not through smoke signals or telepathy from hotel suites across the world,” he stated last month.