Georges Gilbert Baongla, who identifies himself as the "eldest and legitimate son" of President Paul Biya, has been summoned by the national gendarmerie. This summons follows a television appearance where he made statements about the succession to the head of the Cameroonian state and, more specifically, about the potential role of Franck Biya, the president's son, in this process.
During his appearance on Info TV, Baongla stated that the president would choose "one of his children" for the position of vice-president, referring to Franck Biya as an "adopted child" as opposed to his "legitimate children". These statements come in a context where the position of vice-president has been reinstated, raising questions about Paul Biya's future constitutional successor.
The summons, issued by the Central Service for Judicial Investigations, requires Baongla to appear on April 28, 2026, as part of an investigation for "cybercrime, defamation and others". The official document, signed by Lieutenant-Colonel Bialo Dieudonné, specifies that the summons is part of an "investigation of flagrante delicto". The alleged offenses include acts of cybercrime and defamation, potentially related to his statements on social networks and in the media.
This is not the first time that Baongla has publicly taken a position on the issue of succession, often to the detriment of Franck Biya. The latter, generally discreet, has never publicly responded to these allegations.
Baongla's summons raises questions about freedom of expression and the limits of criticism towards public figures in Cameroon. His case is part of a context where legal instruments, including cybercrime laws, are used against those who criticize the government. Baongla is expected to appear before investigators on April 28, 2026.
