Social media posts circulating in April 2026 claim that President Paul Biya of Cameroon has appointed his son, Franck Emmanuel Biya, as vice‑president. The allegation, which has sparked accusations of nepotism, is not supported by any official documentation or credible news sources.
The posts, shared primarily on Facebook, assert that a presidential decree dated 4 April appoints Franck Biya to the revived vice‑presidential post and makes him head of the armed forces. They also allege that opposition parties and civil‑society groups have condemned the move as a threat to democratic governance, while supporters of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) defend it as a measure of continuity.
Cameroon’s parliament did approve a constitutional amendment in early April 2026 that reinstates the vice‑president position, which had been abolished in 1972. The amendment stipulates that a vice‑president would assume the presidency if the incumbent dies, resigns, or becomes incapacitated. Prior to the amendment, the Senate president was expected to serve as acting head of state pending new elections. The changes have been framed by the government as part of broader succession planning amid concerns about President Biya’s health.
Despite the parliamentary vote, the vice‑president role has not yet been formally created because the enabling bill has not been promulgated by the president. On 6 April, the Cameroon News Agency (CNA) used its official X account to refute the viral claim, stating that the alleged decree is fabricated and that no appointment has been made. The agency noted that authentic presidential decrees carry a watermark from the Presidency’s website (www.prc.cm), which is absent from the circulated document.
The only recent decree issued by the presidency is decree 2026/134, dated 31 March, which concerns appointments within the defence ministry. No official record exists of a decree appointing Franck Biya as vice‑president or as head of the armed forces.
Given the lack of verification from state media, independent outlets, or international news agencies, the claim that President Biya has named his son as vice‑president remains unsubstantiated. The episode underscores the prevalence of misinformation surrounding Cameroon’s political succession and highlights the need for careful verification of online claims.
