Biya axes police chief, overhaul security

Written by APA

Wednesday, 01 September 2010 11:49

YAOUNDE--Cameroonian President Paul Biya on Tuesday dismissed the heads of police security Emmanuel Edou and intelligence service Bienvenu Obelabout.

The head of the police investigation department, Emmanuel Edou, who was appointed in July 2009, was replaced by the Cameroonian serving ambassador to Spain, Martin Mbarga Nguele, who held this post in the 1980s.

The head of the intelligence service (DGRE), Bienvenu Obelabout, was taken over from this post by Léopold Maxime Eko Eko.

In the same ambit, former Premier Peter Mafany Musongue, Grand chancellor of national orders, was replaced by Leon Honore Tikolo, the Prime minister’s former attaché.

President Biya also appointed Paul Atanga Nji as permanent secretary at the National Security Council (CNS). Until his new duty, Atanga was minister-official representative at the Presidency.

Created in January, CNS is tasked with working out a periodic report on the country’s domestic and foreign security.

Reporting to the secretary general of the Presidency, the CNS is in charge of drafting guidelines on the forward-looking information and give its advice on the issues the Head of State would entrust him.

In addition, President Biya massively reshuffled the permanent secretariats in 15 ministerial departments.