Cameroon’s President Paul Biya names son Vice President, assigns him key defence role
Cameroon’s President, Paul Biya, has reportedly appointed his son, Franck Emmanuel Biya, as Vice President of the Republic, while also assigning him a central role in the country’s military leadership.
The appointment, confirmed in an official decree dated April 5, 2026, names Franck Biya as Head of the Armed Forces and Minister Delegate at the Ministry of Defence, placing him at the core of Cameroon’s security structure.
According to the decree, “Mr Franck Emmanuel Biya is appointed Vice President of the Republic of Cameroon.”
It further states, “Mr Franck Emmanuel Biya is appointed Head of the Armed Forces.”
Expanding his responsibilities, the document adds: “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.”
Citing constitutional provisions and defence laws, the presidency said the appointments were made in line with “service requirements,” adding that the decree “shall be registered, published according to the procedure of urgency, and inserted in the Official Gazette.”
The development comes just months after Biya, 92, was sworn in for an unprecedented eighth term following a contested election that triggered nationwide protests and drew international scrutiny.
He secured 54 percent of the vote, defeating opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who polled 35 percent. Bakary has rejected the results, alleging electoral fraud and insisting he was the rightful winner—claims the government denies.
Biya described the election as “satisfactory” and commended the electoral body for its conduct. He also praised security forces for managing the protests, though he did not address allegations of excessive force.
The Constitutional Council dismissed several petitions challenging the outcome, citing insufficient evidence or lack of jurisdiction.
Biya, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982 after succeeding former president Ahmadou Ahidjo, now faces renewed criticism from opponents who accuse him of consolidating power through both political and military channels.
