Fabricated Decree Sparks False Claims in Cameroon.

In April 2026, a wave of misinformation surged across social media platforms, falsely claiming that Cameroon’s long-standing President Paul Biya had appointed his son, Franck Emmanuel Biya, as vice president. This assertion followed the legitimate approval of a constitutional reform by Cameroon’s parliament, which reinstated the position of vice president. However, the claims about Franck Biya's appointment are baseless, as the document shared to support these assertions is fraudulent, and Cameroonian officials have denied any such appointment.

The Misinformation Campaign

False Social Media Posts.

On April 6, 2026, a Facebook post claimed that President Paul Biya, aged 93, had appointed his son as Vice President and Head of the Armed Forces. The post alleged that this appointment was made through a decree dated April 4, 2026, and it featured images of Biya and his son alongside the supposed decree. Similar claims proliferated on platforms such as X and in an article by NTV Kenya, which was later removed. While the story gained traction, none of the posts provided credible evidence of the alleged decree.

Official Denials and Fact Checks.

Cameroon’s history does not feature a vice president since 1972, but the recent constitutional reform has indeed reintroduced the position. Despite this, no official appointment has been made. The document circulating online was scrutinized by AFP Fact Check, which identified inconsistencies, such as incorrect dating and format discrepancies compared to official documents. Moreover, the document lacked the customary watermark of the presidency’s official website. Vivian Nain Kuma, from the Cameroonian consulate in Nairobi, refuted the claims and criticized the spread of misinformation by some Kenyan media outlets.

Political Context and Speculation.

The Role of Franck Biya.

Although the claims of Franck Biya's appointment are false, there has been speculation about his potential future role in Cameroon's political landscape. Known for maintaining a low-profile, Franck Biya has garnered a following among supporters dubbed “Franckists.” However, no official steps have been taken to position him as vice president.

Other Potential Candidates.

In addition to Franck Biya, other figures have been speculated as potential candidates for the vice presidency. These include Finance Minister Louis-Paul Motaze and the presidency's chief of staff, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh. Until an official appointment is made, Cameroon’s constitution stipulates that any presidential vacancy will be temporarily filled by the president of the Senate, Aboubakary Abdoulaye.

The claims regarding Franck Biya’s appointment as vice president are unfounded, highlighting the ease with which misinformation can spread in the digital age. The situation underscores the importance of verifying information through credible sources before accepting or sharing it. As of now, the vice presidency in Cameroon remains unoccupied, and any future appointments will need to be confirmed through reliable and official channels.