President Paul Biya has named his son, Franck Emmanuel Biya, Vice President of Cameroon and head of the armed forces, tightening the family’s grip on the country’s political and military leadership.
The decree, signed 4 April 2026, also installs Franck Biya as minister delegate at the Ministry of Defence, situating him at the heart of Cameroon’s security apparatus. The presidency said the move follows constitutional provisions and defence laws, citing “service requirements.” The directive will be printed and published in the official gazette.
The announcement lands six months after Biya, 92, was sworn in for an eighth term following a disputed election that set off nationwide protests and drew international scrutiny. Biya won 54 % of the vote; opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary took 35 %. Bakary rejected the result, calling himself the rightful winner and alleging fraud, which the government denies. The Constitutional Council dismissed petitions for lack of evidence.
Biya, in power since 1982, faces fresh complaints that he is consolidating power through both civilian and military channels.
