Cameroon's Biya, unseen for 58 days, reshuffles military leadership
The moves promote five colonels and replace commanders in four of five joint military regions as debate grows over Biya’s prolonged absence.
- On Monday, President Paul Biya issued decrees from Geneva reshuffling senior military staff, replacing commanders in four of Cameroon's five joint military regions and promoting the head of the Presidential Guard to brigadier general.
- Biya has remained in the Swiss city for nearly 60 days for what his team described as a "brief private stay," fueling speculation about his health and ability to govern from abroad.
- Opposition CRM party vice-president Mamadou Mota warned of a "glaring institutional vacuum," arguing that "Executive power is exercised at the heart of the nation, not through smoke signals or telepathy from hotel suites on the other side of the world."
- Communication Minister Emmanuel Sadi dismissed vacancy allegations during an interview with French-language broadcaster RFI, telling the outlet that "The president is alive" and will return soon.
- Such military shake-ups are not unusual under Biya, who previously restructured leadership following a coup in neighboring Gabon three years ago amid periods of intense public scrutiny.
47 Articles
47 Articles
The Toronto Star
Cameroon’s president draws concern and criticism by staying abroad for 2 months
YAOUNDE, Cameroon (AP) — Cameroon President Paul Biya on Thursday reached two months since the last time he was inside the borders of his country, a prolonged absence that has raised concerns for his health and criticisms about a possible…
Associated Press News
Cameroon's president draws concern and criticism by staying abroad for 2 months
Cameroon's President Paul Biya has been abroad for two months, sparking criticism and concerns. At 93, Biya is the world's oldest leader who has ruled since 1982.
Mind-Blowing Facts About The 93-Year-Old African President Governing His Country From A Swiss Hotel
1. He has been missing for over 60 straight daysPaul Biya left Cameroon on June 7, 2026, for what his administration labeled a "short, private stay" in Europe. He has not been seen in public since. This two-month absence sets a record even for a leader famous for prolonged European getaways throughout his 43-year rule.2. He is reshaping the military command structure from a hotel roomDistance has not stopped executive actions. Operating directly…
Absent Cameroon president boosts personal security corps
He is one of four generals heading units now responsible for presidential protection, according to a decree dated August 3. The post Absent Cameroon president boosts personal security corps appeared first on Vanguard News.
Cameroon's president reshuffles military as speculation on whereabouts persists
Cameroon's President Paul Biya reshuffled senior military staff, promoting the head of the Presidential Guard to a brigadier general and replacing commanders in four of the country's five joint military regions, according to three separate presidential decrees signed on August 3. Biya, the world's oldest head of state, has been out of the public eye since June 7.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
