
Paul Biya has appointed his son, Franck Emmanuel Biya, as Vice President of Cameroon, while also assigning him key roles within the country’s defence structure.
The appointment was confirmed in an official decree dated April 5, 2026, which also names Franck Biya as Head of the Armed Forces and Minister Delegate at the Ministry of Defence—positions that place him at the center of Cameroon’s security and military leadership.
According to the decree, the appointments were made in line with constitutional provisions and national defence laws, citing “service requirements” as justification for the move. Authorities indicated that the directive would be implemented with urgency and formally published in the Official Gazette.
The development comes shortly after President Biya, 92, was sworn in for an eighth term in office following a highly contested election. The results of the election sparked protests across the country and drew criticism from opposition figures.
Opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary rejected the outcome, alleging electoral irregularities and claiming victory—an assertion the government has denied.
President Biya, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982 after succeeding Ahmadou Ahidjo, defended the electoral process, describing it as satisfactory and commending security forces for maintaining order during the unrest.
The latest appointments have intensified criticism from political opponents and analysts, who argue that the move signals a consolidation of power within the Biya family, particularly given the expanded military authority granted to his son.
Observers say the decision could have significant implications for Cameroon’s political future, especially as questions continue to mount over leadership succession and governance in the country.
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