Military appointments raise questions 

On August 3, a presidential decree announced the appointment of several general officers to critical positions within Cameroon’s military hierarchy. Notably, General Raymond Jean Charles Beko’o Abondo was named head of the presidential guard—a significant move, as this unit was previously led by a senior officer of a lower rank. These shifts come as President Biya’s absence from the country approaches two months. Jean-Bruno Tagne finds the timing of these appointments particularly intriguing. “No official explanation has been provided, but many interpret these appointments as maneuvers related to the eventual replacement of Paul Biya as Cameroon’s head of state,” he observed. The journalist suggests these changes could represent an effort to fortify the power structure in anticipation of a potential transition. “Many believe this is a security lockdown being implemented ahead of the appointment of a vice-president, a position outlined in the recently amended Constitution,” he added.

The vice-president position at the heart of speculation 
 

The constitutional reform introduced the role of vice-president, who is mandated to assume the presidency in the event of a vacancy and serve out the remainder of the term. This prospect has drawn considerable criticism within Cameroon, as highlighted by Jean-Bruno Tagne. He argues that the potential ascension of a president not directly elected by the Cameroonian populace could ignite social tensions. “This is a very important function, meaning that if such an event occurred today, Cameroonians would find themselves governed by a president they did not directly elect.” In this context, Tagne believes the government may be seeking to strengthen its security apparatus before the vice-president is designated. “Perhaps, aware of this reality—that Cameroonians have not always agreed with this vice-presidential post—they are attempting to organize this security lockdown prior to the vice-president’s appointment.” 

Two-month absence fuels rumors 

Paul Biya, who is 93 years old, departed Cameroon on June 7 for what the presidency described as a “short private stay in Europe.” Since then, no precise public information has been released regarding his location or schedule. This lack of transparency is fueling widespread speculation, according to Jean-Bruno Tagne. “This time, his absence raises numerous questions. At 93, many are wondering about his health, where he is, and even if he is still alive.” The Cameroonian government, for its part, maintains that there has been no deterioration in the president’s health and assures the public that he will return to the country soon. 

Jean-Bruno Tagne: “My conviction is that president biya is not doing very well” 

When asked for his personal assessment of the situation, Jean-Bruno Tagne shared his conviction. “My conviction is that President Biya is not doing very well. There are rumors he underwent surgery and is currently in rehabilitation. That is my personal belief.” He also underscored the institutional ambiguity surrounding extended presidential absences. Tagne noted that no legal provision specifies a maximum duration for the Cameroonian president’s stay abroad. “The President of the Republic could remain abroad for six months, and no legal issue would arise. There is no legal provision that sets a deadline beyond which he cannot stay abroad.” For the journalist, this situation exposes the limitations of Cameroon’s institutional framework. “This is a terrible situation for Cameroon, making it difficult for Cameroonians to ascertain the exact status of the President of the Republic.” As Paul Biya’s absence lengthens and significant changes occur within the security apparatus, questions surrounding the succession at Cameroon’s helm are expected to continue dominating political discourse.