Cameroon’s veteran leader, Paul Biya, has triggered fresh controversy after appointing his son, Franck Emmanuel Biya, as Vice President of the Republic and Head of the Armed Forces.
The emove, confirmed in an official decree dated April 4, 2026, also installs Franck Biya as Minister Delegate at the Ministry of Defence, placing him firmly at the heart of the nation’s security and power structure.
The document states: “Mr Franck Emmanuel BIYA is appointed Vice President of the Republic of Cameroon.”
It further adds: “Mr Franck Emmanuel BIYA is appointed Head of the Armed Forces.”
Tightening his grip on key institutions, the decree also reads: “The Vice President of the Republic, Mr Franck Emmanuel BIYA, is also appointed Minister Delegate at the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Cameroon.”
The presidency said the appointments were made based on constitutional provisions and defence laws, citing “service requirements,” and stressing that the decree “shall be registered, published according to the procedure of urgency, and inserted in the Official Gazette.”
The development comes on the heels of Biya’s controversial re-election for an unprecedented eighth term at age 92, following a poll that sparked nationwide protests and drew international criticism.
Official figures showed Biya secured 54 percent of the vote, defeating opposition challenger Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who scored 35 percent.
But the opposition candidate rejected the outcome, insisting he won and alleging electoral fraud, claims the government has denied.
Biya, however, described the election as “satisfactory” and praised the electoral body, while commending security forces for quelling protests without addressing allegations of excessive force.
With his son now occupying powerful positions across government and the military, the move is already stirring intense debate over succession, power concentration, and the future of leadership in Cameroon.
