Cameroon's President Biya Reshuffles Army During Two-Month Absence From Public View

President Paul Biya of Cameroon, aged 91 and the longest-serving non-royal head of state globally, has overseen a significant reshuffle within the country's army. This development occurs while President Biya has not been seen in public for two months, a period that has fuelled considerable speculation.

Official Silence on President Biya's Health

Official communications from Yaoundé have remained sparse regarding the President's prolonged absence. Despite the lack of transparency, his administration has vigorously denied numerous reports and rumours circulating about his health. The specific rationale for the military changes during this period of opacity has not been publicly detailed.

Such extended periods of absence from public duties by President Biya are not unprecedented, having occurred several times throughout his lengthy tenure. However, the current reshuffle, enacted without his direct public presence, underscores the persistent lack of accountability from his government, particularly concerning the well-being and operational capacity of its leader.