Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, 92, has overhauled the military’s top ranks in a bid to secure army support for his eighth-term bid, amid public outcry over his age and fitness to rule.
The personnel moves affect nearly all branches of the armed forces, including new chiefs of staff for the infantry, air force, and navy, as well as promotions of eight brigadier generals to major general.
One promoted general is the coordinator of the elite Rapid Intervention Battalion, crucial to Biya’s security apparatus. Analysts view this move as an effort to build a “fortress” of loyal generals around Biya to suppress potential protests.
Cameroon faces serious security challenges, including a conflict with Anglophone separatists and threats from Nigeria-based Islamist fighters.
The government has dismissed concerns about Biya’s health, saying he is fit to rule.
