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Paul Biya Reshuffles Cameroon's Military Leadership During Prolonged Absence in Switzerland

Cameroon's veteran leader Paul Biya has reshuffled the country's military leadership while remaining abroad for nearly two months. The 93-year-old president, who has been staying in Geneva, Switzerland, since June 7, issued decrees to appoint officials to key positions and promoted five colonels to the rank of brigadier general. This move comes amid growing public scrutiny and speculation regarding his health, despite government efforts to debunk reports of illness. Communication Minister René Emmanuel Sadi defended the president's status, stating that Paul Biya is in good health and continues to work from Geneva. However, opposition leaders have criticized the lack of clarity, with some describing the absence as a "glaring institutional vacuum." The administration has yet to name a new cabinet or fill the newly created vice-president position. This reorganization of the military top brass is a common tactic under the administration to address perceived weakness or intense public surveillance. The president remains in power until 2032, having won his eighth consecutive term last year.

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