Cameroon’s Biya hands vice presidency to son

Cameroon’s Biya hands vice presidency to son

President Paul Biya has appointed his son, Franck Emmanuel Biya, as Vice President of Cameroon and Head of the Armed Forces, strengthening his family’s hold on the country’s political and military leadership amid rising tensions.Politics

The appointment was announced in an official decree dated April 4, 2026, which also named Franck Biya as Minister Delegate at the Ministry of Defence, placing him at the centre of Cameroon’s security structure.

According to the presidency, the decision was made in line with constitutional provisions and defence laws, citing “service requirements” as the basis for the appointments.

The decree further stated that the directive would be registered and published urgently in the country’s official gazette.

The move comes months after President Biya, 92, was sworn in for an unprecedented eighth term following a disputed presidential election that sparked nationwide protests and drew international scrutiny.

Biya reportedly secured 54 percent of the vote in the election, defeating opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who polled 35 percent.

Bakary rejected the outcome, insisting he was the rightful winner and accusing authorities of electoral fraud, allegations the government has denied.

Despite the controversy, President Biya described the election as satisfactory and commended security forces for managing the protests, while the Constitutional Council dismissed petitions challenging the results, citing insufficient evidence.

Biya, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982 after succeeding former president Ahmadou Ahidjo, is facing renewed criticism from opponents who accuse him of consolidating power through both political and military channels.Politics