Cameroon president restructures army from abroad

On August 4, 2026, Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, aged 93, announced a new restructuring of the Armed Forces while remaining abroad. The announcement, made through decrees signed in Geneva, reinforces the continuity of the government despite the prolonged absence of the head of state.

Military restructuring announced in Geneva

The decrees published on Monday appointed new officers to strategic positions within the army, demonstrating the usual practice of adjustments to the military hierarchy under Biya’s administration.

Promotions to brigadier-general and new guard leadership

Among the changes, five colonels were promoted to the rank of brigadier-general. One of the promoted, Raymond Jean Charles Beko’o Abondo, was immediately reconfirmed as commander of the elite presidential guard, a post he has held since 2013 and is responsible for the president’s direct protection.

Context of recurring changes in Biya’s government

Similar reorganizations occurred after the unexpected coup in Gabon three years ago, as well as during the campaign for Biya’s eighth term the previous year. In June of the same year, the president also promoted members of the defence and security forces.

Reactions to the president’s prolonged absence

The decision, taken from abroad, reignited the debate about the lack of transparency regarding Biya’s activities and the length of his stay outside the country. Critics point to the lack of information as a source of uncertainty, while the Minister of Communication, René Emmanuel Sadi, assured that the president is alive and will return soon.

Perspectives on Cameroon’s institutional future

Opposition figures, such as CRM party vice-president Mamadou Mota, describe the situation as a "blaring institutional vacuum" and emphasize that executive power must be exercised in the heart of the nation, not by "smoke signals or telepathy from hotel suites on the other side of the world". Meanwhile, the appointment of a new vice-president, created in April, remains pending.

With information from BBC News.