Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya has reshuffled top military ranks, months to the general elections.

Biya named new chiefs for the infantry, air force, and navy, as well as promoting eight brigadier generals to the rank of major general.

The announcement came three days after Biya declared his bid for an eighth term in elections scheduled for October 12, 2025. Biya, who is the world’s oldest head of state, has been in power for 43 years. If elected for another seven-year term, he could remain in office until the age of 99.

Among the most significant changes are; General René Claude Meka was confirmed as Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, a post he has held since 2001. In the Air Force, General Benoît Bède Eba Eba was appointed Chief of Staff, succeeding Brigadier General Jean Calvin Momha, who was recently elevated to the rank of Major General.

The reshuffle also included new promotions to general rank. Colonel Ngolo Ngomba, former Chief of Staff of the Presidential Guard and most recently Deputy Military Secretary at the Ministry of Defense, was among those awarded a general’s stars. In the National Gendarmerie, Colonel Raymond Boum Bissoue, formerly Deputy Director of Employment and Infrastructure, was promoted to Brigadier General and appointed Commander of the 3rd Gendarmerie Region.

Meanwhile, General Pierre Louba Zal became the new Central Director of Coordination at the Gendarmerie, replacing General Daniel Elokobi Njock. The latter was promoted to Major General and named Inspector General of the National Gendarmerie, along with Generals Emmanuel Amougou, Hypolite Ebaka, and Ahmed Mahamat, who also advanced to the same rank.

The Navy also experienced significant advancements. Rear Admirals Joseph Fouda, Jean Mendoua, and Pierre Njine Djonkam were each promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral.

Generals Baba Souley and Camille Nkoa Atenga were moved to the second section, signaling their retirement from active service.

The announcement sparked an unprecedented public outcry in Cameroon’s public, as Biya’s advanced age and frequent absences continue to fuel doubts about his ability to govern.

The government has maintained that Biya is in good health, dismissing any claims to the contrary.

Cameroon’s last major military shake-up occurred just last year, shortly after Biya returned in October from an extended trip abroad that reignited speculation about his health.