Cameroon: Reshuffle within the military hierarchy in the absence of Paul Biya

Several appointments within the Cameroonian military hierarchy have been announced by decree, while the prolonged absence of Head of State Paul Biya for almost two months is raising serious questions in society.

The Cameroonian president has thus locked down his own security apparatus, with four generals now at the head of the units that ensure his protection, appointed by a decree bearing his signature dated August 3.

Among these appointments is Raymond Jean Charles Beko'o Abondo, 54, named commander of the presidential guard. This is the first time the presidential guard has been headed by a general.

The head of state also appointed Major General Hypolite Ebaka to the post of Major General of the Armed Forces. Aged 73, Mr. Ebaka also retains his position as Major General of the Army.

The major-general of the armed forces is the second in command of the Cameroonian defense forces after the chief of staff of the armed forces, General René Claude Meka.

These appointments come as President Paul Biya's prolonged absence raises many questions and has reignited the debate about his ability to perform his duties.

Mr. Biya, aged 93 and in power since 1982, is the oldest head of state in the world. He left Cameroon on June 7 for a "short private stay in Europe," according to the presidency.

The government, however, denies any deterioration in his health and has assured that he will return to Cameroon soon.

This unprecedentedly long absence has also sparked strong criticism from the opposition, which denounces in particular an "institutional vacuum" and a country on "autopilot", while the appointment of a new government and a vice-president has been expected for several months.