Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has appointed his son, Franck Emmanuel Biya, as Vice President and Head of the Armed Forces, reinforcing family control over the country’s political and military institutions amid ongoing unrest.
The announcement, made through a presidential decree dated April 4, 2026, also names Franck Biya as Minister Delegate at the Ministry of Defence, placing him at the centre of Cameroon’s security apparatus.
The decree states: “Mr Franck Emmanuel BIYA is appointed Vice President of the Republic of Cameroon,” and adds: “Mr Franck Emmanuel BIYA is appointed Head of the Armed Forces.”
It further expands his responsibilities: “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.”
Citing constitutional and defence law provisions, the presidency said the appointments were made in line with “service requirements,” and that the decree “shall be registered, published according to the procedure of urgency, and inserted in the Official Gazette.”
The decision comes months after the 92-year-old Biya began his eighth term following a disputed election that triggered nationwide protests and drew international scrutiny.
