Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has appointed his son, Franck Emmanuel Biya, as Vice President of the Republic and Head of the Armed Forces, consolidating management over the nation’s political and army buildings at a time of heightened unrest.
The appointment, introduced in an official decree dated 4 April 2026, additionally designates Franck Biya as Minister Delegate on the Ministry of Defence, putting him on the centre of Cameroon’s safety structure.
The doc states: “Mr Franck Emmanuel BIYA is appointed Vice President of the Republic of Cameroon.”
It additional provides: “Mr Franck Emmanuel BIYA is appointed Head of the Armed Forces.”
Increasing his position, the decree notes: “The Vice President of the Republic, Mr Franck Emmanuel BIYA, can also be appointed Minister Delegate on the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Cameroon.”
Citing constitutional provisions and defence legal guidelines, the presidency stated the appointments had been made according to “service necessities,” including that the decree “shall be registered, printed in line with the process of urgency, and inserted within the Official Gazette.”
The transfer comes months after Biya, 92, was sworn in for an unprecedented eighth time period following a disputed election that has triggered nationwide protests and worldwide scrutiny.
Biya secured 54 p.c of the vote within the election, defeating opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who polled 35 p.c. Tchiroma Bakary has rejected the end result, insisting he was the rightful winner and accusing authorities of electoral fraud, claims the federal government denies.
Regardless of the controversy, Biya described the election as “passable” and recommended the electoral physique for its conduct, whereas congratulating safety forces for holding the demonstrations with out addressing allegations of extreme pressure.
The Constitutional Council dismissed a number of petitions difficult the outcomes, citing inadequate proof or lack of jurisdiction.
Biya, who has dominated Cameroon since 1982 after succeeding former president Ahmadou Ahidjo, now faces renewed criticism from opponents who accuse him of tightening his grip on energy by means of each political and army channels.
The elevation of his son to the vice presidency and management of the armed forces is more likely to intensify considerations over succession planning and democratic governance within the Central African nation, as requires reform proceed to develop.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
Times Nigeria