Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, Africa’s longest-serving head of state at 93 years old, has enacted significant changes within the country’s military leadership while remaining abroad for nearly two months.
On August 3, Biya signed a series of decrees from Yaoundé, despite his physical absence, promoting five colonels to the rank of brigadier general and appointing a new commander of the Presidential Guard. These moves represent one of the most extensive military reshuffles in recent months, affecting key positions across the Defence Forces.
Key Military Promotions and Appointments
- Five Colonels Elevated to Brigadier General: Officers from the National Gendarmerie and the Army, including Eloundou E. Mesmin Magloire Aristide and Beko'o Abondo Raymond Jean Charles, received promotions effective immediately.
- New Commander of Presidential Guard: Brigadier General Beko'o Abondo Raymond Jean Charles was appointed to lead the Presidential Guard, with the appointment expedited as an emergency measure.
- Other Senior Military Reassignments: Several general officers were reassigned to strategic roles such as Logistics Adviser, Major General of the Army Staff, and commanders of various military regions and brigades.
Context of the Reshuffle
President Biya's extended stay in Europe, reportedly since early June, has intensified public speculation about his health. Official statements describe his absence as a "brief private stay" and affirm that he continues to work remotely from Geneva.
Biya has governed Cameroon since 1982, marking over four decades in power. His recent re-election last October was marred by opposition protests and allegations of electoral fraud, leading to political tensions within the country.
