Cameroon: Online Posts Falsely Claim Cameroon Leader Paul Biya Appointed His Son As Vice President

Fact-checkers have debunked viral social media claims asserting that Cameroon President Paul Biya appointed his son to the position of vice president. The reports, which circulated across several online platforms, were found to be baseless as the government of Cameroon does not have a vice presidential office within its constitutional framework.

Africa Check, an independent fact-checking organization, investigated the claims following their spread on social media. The investigation confirmed that no such appointment took place and that the claim is fundamentally impossible under the current laws governing the Republic of Cameroon.

The misinformation appeared in various posts suggesting a dynastic move by the longtime leader to secure a familial succession. However, the administrative structure of the Cameroonian state does not provide for a vice president to assist the head of state or to serve as a designated successor in the manner described in the posts.

Cameroon’s Governance Structure

Under the Constitution of Cameroon, the executive power is vested in the President of the Republic. The President is the head of state and the head of the executive branch. The only other primary executive role is that of the Prime Minister, who is appointed by the President to coordinate government action and implement national policy.

Because the office of the vice president does not exist, any claim regarding an appointment to such a role is factually incorrect. In the event of a presidential vacancy, the constitution specifies a transition process involving the Senate President, rather than a vice presidential succession.

The Prime Minister serves at the pleasure of the President and manages the day-to-day administration of the government. The current political system concentrates significant authority in the presidency, making the creation of a new high-ranking office like a vice presidency a matter that would require a formal constitutional amendment, which has not occurred.

Context of Presidential Succession

The emergence of these false claims occurs against a backdrop of persistent speculation regarding the health and eventual succession of Paul Biya. Biya has served as the President of Cameroon since November 6, 1982, making him one of the longest-serving heads of state in the world.

Given his advanced age and the length of his tenure, rumors regarding his health and the identity of his successor frequently circulate within Cameroon and across the Central African region. These rumors often target his family members or high-ranking officials within his party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Political analysts observe that the lack of a transparent, publicized succession plan often creates a vacuum that is filled by disinformation. This environment makes the public more susceptible to claims about secret appointments or sudden shifts in the power structure.

Impact of Social Media Misinformation

The spread of the false vice presidential appointment highlights the role of social media in disseminating political misinformation in West and Central Africa. Platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp are frequently used to share unverified claims that can influence public perception or incite political instability.

In Cameroon, where press freedom is often constrained and official government communications are tightly controlled, social media often becomes a primary source of news for the population. This reliance increases the risk of misinformation when official channels do not proactively address viral rumors.

The debunking of the claim by Africa Check serves as a correction to a narrative that attempted to frame the Biya administration as moving toward a hereditary system of leadership. The organization noted that the absence of any official government decree or announcement further confirms the falsity of the online posts.

As of May 8, 2026, no official changes to the executive structure of the Cameroonian government have been announced, and Paul Biya remains the sole head of state.