"Power Play: 3 African Leaders' Strategic Military Moves Amidst Coup Concerns"

 In the wake of a military coup in Gabon on Wednesday, President Paul Biya of Cameroon and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda have taken bold steps to reshape their military hierarchies. Both leaders have been in power for decades and have faced growing concerns about possible coup attempts.

President Biya, who has held office in Cameroon for a staggering 41 years, made significant changes to the country's Ministry of Defence following the Gabonese coup. Among the positions reshuffled were those overseeing the presidency's defence portfolio, the air force, the navy, and the police. Biya, who is 90 years old, has ruled since a coup in 1982 and has shown no clear intentions of relinquishing power.

Similarly, President Kagame, who has governed Rwanda for 23 years and is constitutionally permitted to stay in office until 2034, approved the retirement of 83 senior officers shortly after the Gabonese coup. This move aligns with Kagame's efforts to rejuvenate Rwanda's military and maintain stability in the country.

Both leaders have also initiated discussions to enhance defence cooperation with other nations. Rwanda's Chief of Defence Staff held meetings with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ambassador to Rwanda and the defence attaché of Cameroon, possibly signalling a broader regional strategy to safeguard against potential instability.

The timing of these military reshufflings is notable, as they followed soon after soldiers seized power in Gabon, ending the 53-year rule of President Ali Bongo's family. It underscores the concerns of long-serving African leaders about the fragility of their hold on power, especially in regions with a history of political instability.

President Kagame retired hundreds of soldiers in Rwanda, coinciding with the promotion of younger officers within the nation's security apparatus. New generals have been appointed to lead army divisions across the country. Notably, some retirees had reached the retirement age of 65, while others faced misconduct allegations.

Although the official statements did not explicitly cite the reasons for these retirements, President Kagame had previously emphasized the importance of national unity. He highlighted the destructive consequences of division in Rwanda's history and the transformative power of unity.

In a parallel development, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, who has also been in power for an extended period, retired 48 generals of the Uganda People's Defence Forces. This action was seen as an attempt to rejuvenate the military's leadership and possibly reduce the risk of a coup.

As African leaders take proactive steps to secure their positions in a changing political landscape, these moves raise questions about the future stability and governance of the continent. Some view the retirements and appointments within their militaries as necessary adjustments to safeguard their rule, while others see them as part of a broader strategy to maintain control in a rapidly evolving political environment.

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