Cameroon's president reshuffles military as speculation on whereabouts persists

Cameroon's President Paul Biya has made significant changes to his military leadership team, promoting the head of the Presidential Guard to brigadier general and replacing commanders in four of the country's five joint military regions, according to three presidential decrees. The 93-year-old leader, the world's oldest head of state, has been absent from public view for two months, leaving Cameroon on June 7 for an undisclosed private visit in Europe. He has not returned as of the recent announcements.

Biya's reshuffling of military personnel includes the promotion of Major General Ebaka Hippolyte to Major General of the Armed Forces General Staff, several colonels being advanced to brigadier general, and changes in motorized infantry brigades. The decrees were signed on Monday and officially announced on national radio, though the government spokesperson, Rene Emmanuel Sadi, has not commented on the matter. On Sunday, Sadi assured French broadcaster RFI that "the president is alive" and will soon return to Cameroon.

This decision comes amid criticism over Biya's prolonged absence, with the ruling party convening a rare meeting of senior leaders last month. Biya, who has governed Cameroon since 1982, is known for frequently traveling abroad, though his age has sparked speculation about his health and governance capabilities. The recent trip appears to be one of his longest overseas assignments.