Nigeria, April 6 -- In a move that consolidates power within the Biya family, President Paul Biya has appointed his son, Franck Emmanuel Biya, as Vice President of the Republic and Head of the Armed Forces. The decision was announced in an official decree dated April 4, 2026.

The decree also named Franck Biya as Minister Delegate at the Ministry of Defence, placing him at the center of Cameroon's political and military leadership. "Mr Franck Emmanuel BIYA is appointed Vice President of the Republic of Cameroon," the decree stated. It added that he would simultaneously serve in a defence capacity.

According to the presidency, the appointments were made in accordance with constitutional provisions and defence laws and were based on "serv...