Cameroon Creates Vice Presidency Following Controversial Constitutional Amendment

C Cameroon is set to have a vice president for the first time in its history, as President Paul Biya prepares to appoint a deputy following the passage of a constitutional amendment by parliament.

The amendment was approved during a joint session of the National Assembly and Senate, with lawmakers voting 200 in favour, 18 against, and four abstentions, reflecting strong support from the ruling party-dominated legislature.

Under the new law, the vice president will automatically assume the presidency if the incumbent dies, resigns, or becomes incapacitated, marking a significant change in the country’s presidential succession framework. Previously, the Senate president would temporarily take over until fresh elections were held.

President Biya, 93, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982, remains the world’s oldest serving head of state. Public discussion about his health is officially restricted in the country.

The legislation also gives the president the sole authority to appoint and dismiss the vice president, who will serve out the remainder of the seven-year presidential term. However, the interim leader will not be permitted to amend the constitution or contest future elections.

Opposition party Social Democratic Front (SDF), which holds six parliamentary seats, boycotted the vote. SDF chairman Joshua Osih criticised the reform, saying: “This constitutional reform could have been a moment of political courage, but it is nothing less than a missed historic opportunity.”

The move is widely seen as consolidating presidential control over succession while sidelining opposition influence, sparking debate over the future of democratic governance in Cameroon.