By Angu Lesley
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
A new chapter has begun for chess in Cameroon following the election of Benjamin Banlock as president of the Fédération camerounaise des Échecs (FECADE).
Banlock was overwhelmingly elected on April 11, 2026, during the federation’s elective general assembly held in Yaoundé, securing 24 out of 25 votes. He succeeds Élie Tanko at the helm of the governing body.
A prominent figure in Cameroonian chess, Banlock is currently ranked number one in the country according to the Elo ratings of the Fédération internationale des échecs. He has represented Cameroon on the international stage, notably at the 2010 Chess Olympiad and the 2018 Chess Olympiad, where he played on board one for the national team.
Beyond his achievements on the board, Banlock brings significant administrative experience. He previously served as Secretary General of the Cameroon football Federation, giving him valuable insight into sports governance in Cameroon.
With over 30 years of experience in chess, Banlock has outlined an ambitious vision for the federation. His priorities include strengthening the structure of the sport, developing grassroots training, promoting chess nationwide, defending players’ interests, and improving the federation’s financial independence.
His election signals renewed for the growth and professionalization of chess in Cameroon.
French 
English