After an unexpected coup three years ago in neighbouring Gabon, which toppled the Bongo dynasty sending shockwaves across the continent, Cameroon immediately reshuffled its military leadership. Then, while running for a controversial eighth term in power at last year's presidential election, Biya reshuffled the top brass of the army. Again in June this year, he promoted several members of the defence and security forces to higher ranks. His absence sparked further speculation about his health, but the government has continually debunked reports that the head of state has been in hospital. But President Biya's continuing absence means Cameroon has a "glaring institutional vacuum", says the opposition CRM party's vice-president, Mamadou Mota.