Cameroon’s Paul Biya has appointed his son Franck Emmanuel Biya as Vice President of country he currently leads as President.
President Biya also appointed the younger Biya Head of the Armed Forces and Minister Designate of the Ministry of Defence.
Franck Biya’s appointment was announced in an official decree dated 4 April, 2026.
“Mr Franck Emmanuel BIYA is appointed Vice President of the Republic of Cameroon” the document reads.
“Mr Franck Emmanuel BIYA is appointed Head of the Armed Forces,” it added, expanding his role, 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.”
Frank Biya will be the first Vice President the country will be having since 1972 after the position was scrapped
Opposition voices has criticized the appointment in what it described as a succession plan and move to consolidate power, however, the presidency citing constitutional provisions and defence laws, the 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”.
