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Biya Replaces Four Military Commanders Amid Swiss Health Rumors

8/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Paul Biya reshuffled top military leadership, replacing commanders in four of the five joint regions and promoting senior officers.
Since June 7, the 93-year-old president has remained in Switzerland, a two-month stay that fuels health speculation.
Opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary, the second-place candidate, said the prolonged stay undermines Biya’s legitimacy.
Professor Wilson Tamfuh noted that cabinet reshuffles over the past 15 years have merely recycled the same officials.

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Story summary

President Paul Biya reshuffled top military leadership, replacing commanders in four of the five joint regions and promoting senior officers.
Since June 7, the 93-year-old president has remained in Switzerland, a two-month stay that fuels health speculation.
Opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary, the second-place candidate, said the prolonged stay undermines Biya’s legitimacy.
Professor Wilson Tamfuh noted that cabinet reshuffles over the past 15 years have merely recycled the same officials.