By Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
YAOUNDÉ – President Paul Biya of Cameroon has appointed his son, Franck Emmanuel Biya, as Vice President and Head of the Armed Forces, in a move critics say further tightens the family’s grip on power.
The appointment was confirmed by an official decree dated 4 April 2026, with the announcement made public on Monday, 6 April. According to the presidency, Franck Biya will also serve as Minister Delegate at the Ministry of Defence – a role that places him directly in charge of the country’s most sensitive military and security apparatus.
The government justified the decision on grounds of “service requirements”, adding that the directive was in line with constitutional and defence laws and would take effect immediately.
DISPUTED ELECTION, RISING TENSIONS
The appointment lands at a time of heightened political friction in the Central African nation. President Biya, aged 92, was recently sworn in for an eighth term following a bitterly disputed election.
Official results gave Biya 54 per cent of the vote. His main rival, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, trailed with 35 per cent – but immediately rejected the outcome, alleging widespread irregularities and declaring himself the rightful winner. The government dismissed his claims.
The Constitutional Council later threw out several petitions challenging the result, citing a lack of evidence. Despite the criticism, Biya described the election as satisfactory and praised security forces for maintaining order during post-result protests.
CONCERNS OVER POWER CONCENTRATION
Franck Biya’s new role – which combines political authority with direct command over the armed forces – has drawn sharp attention from observers. Critics warn that concentrating such power within a single family risks undermining democratic governance.
President Biya has been in power continuously since 1982, when he succeeded Ahmadou Ahidjo. Analysts say the promotion of his son could prove a decisive moment in shaping Cameroon’s future leadership, even as domestic and international calls for reform and political balance continue to mount.
No official reaction has yet been issued by opposition parties.
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