A tale of two Francks? World’s oldest leader creates deputy role – raising prospect of dynastic succession

The Guardian UK Tuesday 02 June 2026, 04:00 UTC By Eromo Egbejule in Abidjan 1 min read

Key Points

Son and stepson of Cameroon’s Paul Biya are seen as main contenders to be vice-presidentSince taking power in Cameroon 44 years ago, Paul Biya has done without a vice-president. In 1972, a decade before he first won the presidency, the role had been scrapped as the central African country transitioned from a federal to unitary state. Now, at the age of 93, people close to the world’s oldest head of state appear to have had a change of heart, and – according to their critics – they have one...

Son and stepson of Cameroon’s Paul Biya are seen as main contenders to be vice-president

Since taking power in Cameroon 44 years ago, Paul Biya has done without a vice-president. In 1972, a decade before he first won the presidency, the role had been scrapped as the central African country transitioned from a federal to unitary state.

Now, at the age of 93, people close to the world’s oldest head of state appear to have had a change of heart, and – according to their critics – they have one thing on their mind: the creation of a dynastic system that would transfer power to his son or his stepson.

Son (PERSON) Cameroon (LOCATION) Paul Biya (PERSON) African (ORG)

Originally published by The Guardian UK Read original →

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A tale of two Francks? World’s oldest leader creates deputy role – raising prospect of dynastic succession

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