Politics 4 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Cameroon's President Biya Reshuffles Military Amid Extended Absence
Cameroon's President Paul Biya, unseen for 58 days during a private European stay, has ordered a significant reshuffle of senior military leadership, including promotions and new regional commanders. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/cameroon-s-biya-unseen-for-58-days-reshuffles-military-leadership-5547206
President Paul Biya of Cameroon has made substantial changes to the nation’s military leadership while he remains abroad for what has been described as a “brief private stay” in Europe. Biya, the world’s oldest head of state, has been out of public view for approximately two months, having departed Cameroon on June 7.
Three presidential decrees, signed and announced via national radio, detailed the appointments. These include the promotion of the head of the Presidential Guard from colonel to brigadier general. Additionally, commanders in four out of the country’s five joint military regions have been replaced. The Rapid Intervention Brigade also received a new commander.
The reshuffles also saw Major General Ebaka Hippolyte elevated to Major General of the Armed Forces General Staff. Several colonels were also promoted to brigadier general, and changes were made within the motorized infantry brigades.
Biya, 93, who has led Cameroon since 1982, frequently travels abroad for extended periods. However, his advanced age has recently intensified speculation regarding his health, whereabouts, and capacity to govern. This current trip is noted as one of his longest overseas visits.
The prolonged absence prompted a rare meeting of senior leaders from Cameroon’s ruling party last month amid mounting criticism. Government spokesperson Rene Emmanuel Sadi assured the public on Sunday that the president is alive and will return soon.