Cameroon’s President Buys appoints son as Vice-President with defence portfolio

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has appointed his son, Franck Emmanuel Biya, as Vice President of the Republic, granting him sweeping authority over the nation’s military apparatus, according to an official decree issued on April 5, 2026.

The 92-year-old leader, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982, assigned his son three concurrent roles: Vice President, Head of the Armed Forces, and Minister Delegate at the Ministry of Defence.

“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,” the decree stated.

The presidency cited “service requirements” as the basis for the appointments, adding that the measure would be registered and published with urgency in the Official Gazette.

The appointment places Mr Biya’s son at the centre of the country’s security architecture, consolidating authority over both political and military spheres.

Contested election backdrop

The announcement comes months after President Biya was sworn in for an unprecedented eighth term following a disputed election that triggered nationwide protests and drew international criticism.

Mr Biya secured 54 percent of the vote, defeating opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who polled 35 percent. Mr Bakary has rejected the results, alleging electoral fraud, claims the government has denied.

The Constitutional Council dismissed several petitions challenging the outcome, citing insufficient evidence or lack of jurisdiction.

Growing criticism

Opponents have accused the president of consolidating power through both political and military channels. The appointment of his son to the vice presidency – a position that has not previously existed during Mr Biya’s 44-year rule – is expected to intensify scrutiny over succession plans.

Mr Biya described the election as “satisfactory” and commended security forces for managing subsequent protests, though he did not address allegations of excessive force.