Biya Reshuffles Cameroon’s Military Leadership Amid Prolonged Absence

Yaoundé, August 4, 2026 - Cameroonian President Paul Biya has reshuffled the country’s military leadership following his nearly two-month absence from Cameroon, introducing new appointments and promotions across the armed forces.

The changes were announced through three presidential decrees signed on August 3 and subsequently broadcast on national radio. Major General Ebaka Hippolyte was appointed as the new Chief of Staff of the armed forces, replacing an officer who retired on July 28.

Colonel Raymond Jean Charles Beko’o Abondo, who heads the General Staff Protection Unit, was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. Several other colonels also received promotions to brigadier general, while new commanders were appointed to six military districts across four regions.

The reshuffle comes as questions have grown over Biya’s prolonged absence from the country. The 93-year-old president left Cameroon on June 7 for Europe on what was initially described as a short trip but had not returned by August 4.

The government has sought to ease concerns over his absence. On August 2, government spokesman René Emmanuel Sadi said Biya was alive and would return to Cameroon soon, without providing a specific date for his return.