In what many may describe as a “family meeting gone national,” just a day ago, the world's oldest president, Paul Biya, handed his son, Franck Emmanuel Biya, not one, not two, but three powerful positions, firmly placing him at the centre of both political authority and military command in Cameroon.
The appointment, contained in an official decree dated April 4, 2026, names Franck Biya as Vice President of the Republic, Head of the Armed Forces, and Minister Delegate at the Ministry of Defence, all in one go.
The document states, “Mr Franck Emmanuel BIYA is appointed Vice President of the Republic of Cameroon.”
It further adds, “Mr Franck Emmanuel BIYA is appointed Head of the Armed Forces.”
And just when you think that’s enough titles for one day, the decree continues, “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.”
In essence, one man now holds three heavyweight roles, something Ghanaians might call a proper “combo deal.”
The presidency in Cameroon, however, justified the move by citing constitutional provisions and defence laws, noting that the appointments were made in line with “service requirements.”
It added that the decree “shall be registered, published according to the procedure of urgency, and inserted in the Official Gazette.”
At 92 years old, Paul Biya has ruled Cameroon since 1982 after succeeding Ahmadou Ahidjo, making him one of Africa's longest-serving leaders.
He secured 54 percent of the vote in the most recent election, defeating opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who polled 35 percent.
Tchiroma Bakary rejected the outcome, insisting he was the rightful winner and accused authorities of electoral fraud. The government has however denied the claims.
For now, it appears that in Cameroon, when duty calls, the family doesn't just answer, they take charge.
Source: This news originally appeared on GhanaWeb
0 Comments