World's Oldest Leader Creates Vice-President Role After 43 Years Without Deputy
Yaoundé, 5 April 2026
Cameroon’s Parliament approved creating a vice-president position with President Paul Biya, 93, gaining power to handpick his deputy after four decades of rule. The constitutional change passed with 205 votes for and 16 against on 4 April 2026, ending a 54-year absence of the role since 1972. Opposition leaders denounce it as a ‘constitutional coup’ designed to control succession planning, whilst the ruling party claims it ensures state continuity. The reform coincides with significant institutional changes, including new parliamentary leadership after decades-long tenures.
Parliamentary Vote Seals Constitutional Change
The constitutional amendment received overwhelming parliamentary support on 4 April 2026, with 200 lawmakers voting in favour, 18 against, and four abstaining in a joint parliamentary sitting [1]. Alternative figures from French sources indicate 205 votes for and 16 against [2], highlighting the decisive nature of the approval process. The newly created vice-president will be directly appointed by President Biya and will serve out the remainder of the seven-year presidential term should the president become unable to continue [1]. This marks the first time since 1972 that Cameroon will have a vice-president, when the position was eliminated during the transition from a federal to unitary state system [1][2].
Opposition Decries ‘Constitutional Coup’
Opposition leaders have launched fierce criticism of the constitutional changes, with Maurice Kamto of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement describing the amendment as a ‘constitutional and institutional coup’ [1]. Kamto has announced plans to launch an online campaign denouncing the move [1]. Joshua Osih, chairman of the Social Democratic Front (SDF), called the reform a ‘missed historic opportunity’ and led his party in boycotting the parliamentary vote, describing the process as rushed and lacking proper debate [1][2]. Senator René Zé Nguelé questioned what he termed the ‘suspicious haste’ of the entire process [2], whilst former minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary denounced what he characterised as a ‘monarchical drift’ [2].
Succession Control and Institutional Reshuffling
The reform appears designed to ensure President Biya maintains control over succession planning, with the constitutional text imposing no obligations or timelines for naming a vice-president [2]. At 93 years old, Biya—nicknamed the ‘Sphinx of Etoudi’—retains full discretion over the appointment process [2]. The constitutional change coincides with significant institutional reshuffling, including the election of Aboubakary Abdoulaye, aged 64, to replace Marcel Niat Njifenji, 92, as head of the Senate [2]. Additionally, Théodore Datouo, 66, replaced Cavaye Yéguié Djibril, 86, as president of the National Assembly after 34 years in the position [2]. These changes suggest a broader effort to refresh institutional leadership whilst maintaining presidential control.
Regional Impact and Future Political Landscape
The constitutional changes have broader implications for Central African political stability, particularly given Cameroon’s position as a regional hub with over 30 million inhabitants [3]. President Biya, who has led the country for 42 years since taking power in November 1982 [1][3], recently secured an eighth term in October 2025 with 53.7% of the vote [1]. The Cameroon Bar Association has raised concerns about potential violations of the principle of presidential election by universal suffrage [2]. Looking ahead, opposition leader Cabral Libii is calling for mobilisation ahead of the 2027 legislative elections [2], suggesting the constitutional crisis may reshape the country’s political landscape. For the broader region, which hosts numerous refugee populations, Cameroon’s political stability remains crucial for maintaining humanitarian operations and cross-border security arrangements.