World's oldest president reshuffles army as his absence stokes unease

President Paul Biya, the world’s longest-serving leader, has once again moved to reshape the military hierarchy, just weeks after announcing his prolonged absence from Cameroon. The 92-year-old ruler, who has held office since 1982, issued several decrees from Geneva, Switzerland, where he has remained since departing the country on June 7. His recent promotions within the armed forces come amid growing concerns over his whereabouts and the stability of the executive branch. The reshuffling follows a pattern of similar moves. After a political upheaval in neighboring Gabon, which saw the fall of the Bongo family, Cameroon swiftly adjusted its military leadership. Then, ahead of his controversial bid for an eighth term in 2023, Biya restructured key positions within the defense sector. This summer, he continued the trend by promoting several officers to higher ranks, all done remotely from his current location. The timing and context of these actions have ignited discussions online, particularly on social media platforms. Many Cameroonian citizens question the transparency of the process and the rationale behind the decisions. Biya’s team has described his stay in Geneva as a “brief private stay,” but the lack of clear communication has fueled skepticism. During his nearly 60-day absence, he has signed multiple decrees, including those authorizing loans from international financial institutions. In addition to reshuffling the military, Biya has delayed the announcement of a new cabinet following last year’s election. A newly created position of vice-president remains vacant, raising eyebrows among political analysts. The delay has led to calls for greater accountability and clarity regarding governance structures. Press freedom advocates have long criticized the government’s control over information, particularly concerning the president’s health. Two years ago, media outlets were barred from reporting on Biya’s condition, a restriction that has since been partially lifted. However, the Communication Minister, René Emmanuel Sadi, recently stated during an interview with RFI that Biya is alive and will return to Cameroon shortly. He also refuted claims that his absence equates to a void in leadership, insisting that the president is still actively governing from Geneva. Opposition leaders, however, remain unconvinced. Mamadou Mota, the vice-president of the Cameroon Revolutionary Movement, argues that the situation represents a “glaring institutional vacuum.” He emphasized that executive authority should reside within the nation, not through indirect channels. “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,” Mota remarked in a recent statement. As the political landscape continues to shift, the implications of Biya’s actions, both domestic and international, are likely to unfold over time. With the president’s health and intentions remaining shrouded in secrecy, the future of Cameroon’s governance hangs in balance. For now, the focus remains on the immediate effects of his leadership style and the responses from both supporters and critics alike.