The Cameroon Presidential Guard (French: Garde présidentielle du Cameroun, GP), is a military protection unit of the Cameroon Armed Forces. Unlike the Republican Guard, which existed until early 1984 and was placed under the authority of the General Delegate for the Gendarmerie, the GP reports directly to the President.[1]

History

In the spring of 1984, the presidential Republican Guard became responsible for an attempted coup d'état against President Paul Biya. The violence ended several days later and resulted in the execution of 35 members of the guard as well as the declaration of a 6-month state of emergency in Yaoundé and the surrounding region.[2] Accusations arose of former President Ahmadou Ahidjo's involvement, given his ethnic connection to the majority Hausa guard. After the coup, the GC's ethnically Fulani and Hausa personnel were replaced with personnel from the Bulu subgroup of the Beti-Pahuin peoples.[3]

An indirect result of the coup was the foundation of Golden Sounds (also known as Zangalewa) in November 1984, identifying as a makossa group formed from by active members of the presidential guard. It originally included musicians such as Jean Paul Zé Bella, Dooh Belley, Luc Eyebe and Emile Kojidie.[4] They were known for their comical musical entertainment, often dressing in military uniforms and pith helmets. It is most famous for its 1986 song, "Zangalewa".

In December 2012, a video was published by a site run by Cameroonians expats in Belgium, depicting presidential guards beating up a protester who refused to move off a road that was used for President Paul Biya's motorcade through the capital.[5]

List of commanders

  • Raymond Charles (2013-Present)
  • Raymond Thomas (2011-2013)
  • Jean Mendoua (1999-2001)
  • Jean Paul Mengo (2001-2011)
  • Titus Egobo (1985-1999)

Purpose

It engages in the following ceremonial and protective duties:

The government of Cameroon uses Israeli armored vehicles,[7]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Garde Présidentielle". Osidimbea La Mémoire du Cameroun. Encyclopédie, annuaire. Histoire des organisations.
  2. ↑ Burnham, Philip (1996). The politics of cultural difference in northern Cameroon. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press for the International African Institute. p. 39. ISBN 978-0-7486-0812-6.
  3. ↑ T, Onyebadi, Uche (January 15, 2019). Music and Messaging in the African Political Arena. IGI Global. ISBN 9781522572961 – via Google Books.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. ↑ "Zangalewa Official Site - The band". Retrieved 16 January 2014.
  5. ↑ "Video shows man beaten up by Cameroonian presidential guard". The France 24 Observers.
  6. ↑ "Palais de l'Unité: la GP au garde-à-vous". www.cameroon-tribune.cm.
  7. ↑ "Cameroon's Presidential Guard first known user of Israel Musketeer vehicle". IHS Jane's 360.
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