Paul Biya appoints son as Cameroon’s Vice President

Paul Biya has elevated his son, Franck Emmanuel Biya, to key national positions, naming him Vice President and Head of the Armed Forces in a move that tightens his grip on both political and military power amid rising unrest.

The appointments were confirmed in an official decree issued on April 4, 2026, which also places Franck Biya as Minister Delegate at the Ministry of Defence, positioning him at the core of the country’s security leadership.

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.”

Expanding his responsibilities, the decree notes: “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.”

Referencing constitutional and defence provisions, the presidency explained that the decision was taken based on “service requirements,” adding that the directive “shall be registered, published according to the procedure of urgency, and inserted in the Official Gazette.”

The development comes just months after Biya, aged 92, took the oath of office for an eighth term following a controversial election that sparked protests across the country and drew international attention.