Cameroon: Paul Biya absent from country, significant reshuffle in military hierarchy

The Cameroonian president has reinforced his security apparatus, with four generals now heading the units responsible for his protection, appointed by a decree signed by him on August 3. Among these appointments is Raymond Jean Charles Beko'o Abondo, 54, named commander of the presidential guard, marking the first time the presidential guard is led by a general. The head of state also appointed Major General Ebaka Hypolite, 73, as Major General of the Armies.

Mr. Ebaka will also retain his duties as Major General of the Army. The Major General of the Armies is the second-highest official in the Cameroonian defense forces, after the Chief of Staff of the Armies, General René Claude Meka. These appointments occur as President Paul Biya's extended absence raises many questions and has reignited debate about his capacity to perform his duties.

Mr. Biya, 93 years old and in power since 1982, is the world's oldest head of state. He left Cameroon on June 7 for a "short private stay in Europe," according to the presidency. The government, however, denies any deterioration of his health and has assured his imminent return to Cameroon.

This unprecedentedly long absence has also drawn strong criticism from the opposition, which denounces an "institutional vacuum" and a country on "autopilot," while the a