Cameroon’s President, Paul Biya, 93, has appointed his son, Franck Emmanuel Biya, as Vice President of the Republic of Cameroon and Head of the Arm Forces, according to official decree dated April, 4, 2026.

The move positions Franck Emmanuel Biya as the centre of the country’s political and military leadership. The vice-presidential post was reinstated recently through a constitutional amendment giving the role significant influence over succession and national security.

Critics of Biya warn the appointment consolidates power within the family, it is seen as promoting a “republican monarchy” or dynastic succession; while supporters of Biya say it ensures stability and continuity in Cameroon’s long-standing democratic administration.

Following April 2026 constitutional changes, Cameroon President Paul Biya reestablished the vice presidency and appointed his son, Franck Emmanuel Biya, to the position to ensure stability in the event of a leadership vacancy. The Vice President is appointed by the president to serve for the remainder of the president’s seven-year term.

• Role and Purpose: The new VP position is designed to handle a sudden vacancy, as the official can take over if the president dies, resigns, or is incapacitated.
• Controversy: Critics, including opposition lawmakers, argue that this move, along with other reforms, weakens democratic institutions and moves the nation toward a “republican monarchy” or dynastic succession, rather than ensuring democratic continuity.
• Precedence: The Vice Presidency in Cameroon was previously abolished in 1972 following a constitutional referendum.