President Biya Overhauls Defence Ministry Amid Regional Coup Threats Following Gabon Unrest

Growing Unease as 90-year-old Cameroonian Dictator Shores Up Military Power in Response to Gabonese Coup

By Tchiyiwe Chihana

President Paul Biya of Cameroon (Image: Mimefo)

YAOUNDÉ – President Paul Biya, the long-standing leader of Cameroon with a nearly five-decade rule, has initiated sweeping changes within the Ministry of Defence, raising concerns about his response to regional instability after the recent coup in Gabon. The move follows ominous murmurs among the population, with the chilling refrain "you are next" aimed at the Cameroonian dictator, as neighboring governments topple amidst internal strife.

Amid the political turmoil and heightened tensions in the West and Central African region, President Biya's decision to overhaul the defence apparatus of Cameroon has sparked both apprehension and speculation. Critics argue that the changes could be construed as a consolidation of military power, aiming to suppress any challenges to Biya's lengthy and autocratic rule.

The latest development comes on the heels of the overthrow of Gabonese President Ali Bongo, carried out by his own cousin, Brice Oligui Nguema, who commands the presidential guard. The swift coup in Gabon – the eighth of its kind in the region within the past three years – has served as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of long-standing regimes to internal dissent and discontent.

President Biya's decades-long grip on power has raised questions about his response to mounting domestic and international pressure for political reform. The spectre of "you are next," echoing in the corridors of power, reflects a populace increasingly willing to vocalize their desire for change in a region where democratic transitions have been hampered by entrenched leadership.

However, while the situation raises concerns about potential repression, it also underscores the fragility of leadership in an era of rapid information dissemination and growing civil society activism. The actions taken by President Biya could be seen as a bid to maintain his hold on power, even in the face of regional destabilisation.

As Cameroon witnesses a reorganization of its military structure, the wider international community watches with cautious interest. While leaders across the globe emphasize the importance of democratic principles, the dynamics of regional politics often complicate the path to change.

With the specter of political unrest looming over West and Central Africa, President Biya's response to mounting pressures will not only shape the future of Cameroon but will also have implications for the broader regional stability. As the international community grapples with balancing the need for political reform with the realities of complex regional dynamics, the fate of Cameroon remains intertwined with the uncertain trajectories of its neighbours.

Tchiyiwe Chihana is a senior correspondent specializing in African politics and regional affairs.