NAIROBI, Kenya – Cameroon’s veteran president, Paul Biya, has elevated his son, Franck Emmanuel Biya, to two of the country’s most powerful roles, vice president and commander of the armed forces, placing him at the heart of both government and military leadership amid growing unrest.
The decision was formalised in a presidential decree dated April 4, 2026, confirming Franck Biya’s dual appointment.
Authorities said the move aligns with constitutional and defence frameworks, describing it as necessary to meet ‘service requirements,’ and ordered its immediate publication in the official gazette.
The appointments come shortly after sweeping constitutional amendments were passed by Parliament, including the restoration of the vice presidency.
Lawmakers overwhelmingly backed the change, which officials argue is intended to guarantee stability in the event of a leadership vacuum.
Under the revised provisions, the vice president would automatically take over should the presidency become vacant.
However, critics say the restructuring deepens executive dominance and raises concerns about succession planning, particularly given the president’s advanced age.
The developments follow Biya’s recent re-election to an eighth term, a result that has been strongly contested by opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary.
He rejected the official outcome, alleging widespread irregularities, claims the government has dismissed.
Despite the dispute, Biya defended the electoral process, commending both election officials and security forces for maintaining order during the vote, while avoiding direct engagement with accusations of excessive force.
Legal petitions challenging the results were later thrown out by the Constitutional Council, which cited insufficient evidence or lack of jurisdiction.
Having ruled Cameroon since 1982 after succeeding Ahmadou Ahidjo, Biya now faces renewed scrutiny, with observers warning that placing his son in such influential positions could signal a calculated effort to secure political continuity.
