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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Eromo Egbejule in Abidjan

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

Composite showing portrait photographs of Franck Biya, Paul Biya and Franck Hertz in suits
(From left) Franck Biya, Paul Biya and Franck Hertz. Composite: Getty

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.

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