Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest sitting head of state at 93, has appointed his son Franck Biya as Vice President of the Republic, placing him at the centre of both political authority and military command in a move that is already reshaping the country’s governance landscape.
The appointment, announced in a presidential decree dated April 4, elevates Franck Biya to one of the most powerful positions in the state. He will also serve as head of the armed forces and hold a senior role within the defence ministry, consolidating influence across key pillars of government.
The decision follows a significant constitutional shift. Just days earlier, Cameroon approved the reintroduction of the vice presidency, a position that had been absent for decades. Lawmakers passed the amendment in a joint sitting of parliament, with 200 votes in favour, 18 against, and four abstentions, setting the stage for a restructuring of executive power.
Government officials have framed the change as a move to ensure continuity in leadership, particularly given Biya’s age. At 93, he remains the world’s oldest serving head of state and has ruled Cameroon since 1982. Under the revised constitutional framework, the vice president, appointed rather than elected, will assume office in the event of the president’s death or incapacity and complete the remainder of the seven-year term.
This marks a departure from the previous system, where the Senate president would take over temporarily before new elections were held. Supporters of the amendment argue that the new arrangement strengthens stability and reduces uncertainty during transitions, while also allowing the Senate to focus on its legislative role.
However, the appointment of Franck Biya has intensified debate around governance and succession. Opposition groups have criticised both the constitutional changes and the manner in which the appointment was made, arguing that the process lacked broad consultation. The Social Democratic Front (SDF) boycotted the parliamentary vote, having pushed for a model where the vice president would be elected alongside the president rather than appointed.
Criticism has also come from other opposition figures. Maurice Kamto, leader of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement, described the amendment as a “constitutional and institutional coup,” warning that the changes risk concentrating power within a single family. He has since announced plans to mobilise public opposition to the move.
Analysts say the elevation of Franck Biya to a role that combines political authority with control over the military introduces new concerns about institutional balance. With both executive and security structures now closely aligned, questions are being raised about oversight, accountability, and the long-term direction of governance in the country.
The timing of the decision adds another layer of significance. It comes in the wake of a disputed 2025 election, which triggered protests and heightened political tensions. In this context, the restructuring of power and the appointment of a close family member to a central role are likely to remain under scrutiny.
Historically, Cameroon has held the position of vice president before. Between 1961 and 1972, during its federal period, the role existed as part of a governance structure that recognised regional autonomy. It was later abolished following the transition to a unitary state. Its return now, under markedly different political conditions, reflects a shift in how leadership continuity is being approached.
With Franck Biya now positioned at the heart of government, attention is increasingly turning to what this means for Cameroon’s political trajectory. The immediate structure may provide clarity on succession, but it also raises deeper questions about how power is organised and transferred in one of Africa’s longest-running administrations.