Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, who at 92 is the world’s oldest sitting head of state, has carried out a sweeping shake-up of his military leadership just months before the country heads to the polls.
The reshuffle, announced late Tuesday through a series of presidential decrees, affects nearly every major branch of the armed forces. New chiefs of staff were named for the army, air force and navy, while eight senior officers were promoted from brigadier to major general. A new special presidential military adviser was also appointed.
Among the promoted is the commander of the elite Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR), a powerful special forces unit that plays a critical role in Biya’s security strategy. The BIR has long been viewed as fiercely loyal to the president.
The changes came only two days after Biya declared he would seek an eighth term in the presidential election set for October 12. If re-elected, the seven-year term would see him remain in power until nearly age 100.
Public Backlash and Growing Concern
Biya’s announcement sparked an unusually strong reaction across Cameroon, with critics on social media and in the local press questioning his ability to continue ruling. His age, prolonged absences from public life, and lack of clear succession planning have all fuelled frustration and uncertainty.
Still, the government insists Biya is in good health and fully capable of governing.
But analysts say the timing and scale of the military reshuffle send a clear political message.
“This is a strategy by President Biya and his close allies to surround themselves with loyal generals who can ensure there is no dissent before or after the election,” said Anthony Antem, a peace and security analyst at the Nkafu Policy Institute in Yaoundé.
Celestin Delanga, a senior researcher with the Institute for Security Studies, called the move “a sign that the government is preparing for a potentially tense electoral period.”
“This comes in a very unique political and security context,” he said. “The president wants to avoid any surprises. He’s bringing in trusted hands to manage what could be a volatile situation.”
A Country Under Strain
Biya has ruled Cameroon since 1982, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. Over the years, his grip on power has remained firm, often bolstered by strong military loyalty and limited opposition.
But his government now faces growing pressure on multiple fronts. In the north, Boko Haram and other Islamist groups based in Nigeria continue to pose a threat. In the southwest and northwest, a separatist conflict in the English-speaking regions has dragged on for years, claiming thousands of lives and displacing many more.
While the government has offered no formal explanation for the military changes, many Cameroonians view it as a calculated move to keep the army close and power even closer.
The last major military reshuffle came in late 2024, just weeks after Biya returned from another prolonged stay abroad, once again raising questions about his health and grip on day-to-day governance.
What Comes Next?
Despite the public unrest and criticism, Biya has not hinted at stepping down or grooming a successor. His supporters argue that the president’s experience is irreplaceable in such uncertain times. Opponents, however, warn that Cameroon’s democracy is growing weaker with every passing year under his rule.
As the October election nears, all eyes will be on the president’s next steps and whether the country’s military, now led by freshly appointed loyalists, will play a larger role in how that future unfolds.
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