World’s oldest leader, Paul Biya to get a deputy for first time in 43-year rule

Cameroon’s long-serving president, Paul Biya, the world’s oldest sitting head of state at 93, is set to appoint a vice-president for the first time in over four decades following controversial constitutional amendments approved by parliament.

The reform marks a significant shift in Cameroon’s political structure, introducing a clear line of succession in the event of the president’s death or incapacitation. Under the new provisions, the vice-president will automatically assume office and complete the remainder of the president’s seven-year term, eliminating the need for an immediate election.

The vice-presidential role had been abolished in 1972 after Cameroon transitioned from a federal system to a unitary state. Since then, the president of the Senate had been constitutionally mandated to act as interim leader in such circumstances, but only temporarily until a fresh election could be organized.

The constitutional amendment was passed during a joint sitting of both houses of parliament on Saturday, with 200 lawmakers voting in favour, 18 against, and four abstaining. The bill now awaits formal assent from President Biya to become law.

Supporters of the reform argue that the introduction of a vice-president will strengthen governance and ensure continuity at the highest level of leadership. They say it will also enhance administrative efficiency by allowing a designated official to represent the president when necessary, while freeing the Senate from the burden of succession responsibilities so it can focus on legislative duties.

However, the move has been met with strong opposition and criticism from political rivals and civil society. Critics contend that the amendments were rushed through parliament without adequate consultation and are primarily aimed at consolidating power within the presidency.

The Social Democratic Front (SDF), which holds six seats in parliament, boycotted the vote entirely. The party had advocated for a different model in which the vice-president would be elected alongside the president, rather than appointed unilaterally.

SDF chairman Joshua Osih expressed disappointment over the outcome, stating that the reform failed to address deeper structural issues within the country’s governance system. He also reiterated calls for constitutional provisions that reflect Cameroon’s linguistic divide between its English-speaking and French-speaking populations.

“This constitutional reform could have been a moment of political courage, but it is nothing less than a missed historic opportunity,” Osih said.

Another prominent opposition figure, Maurice Kamto of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement, went further by describing the amendment as a “constitutional and institutional coup.” He accused the ruling party of attempting to entrench its grip on power and likened the move to the creation of a “republican monarchy.”

Kamto also announced plans to launch an online campaign to mobilize public opposition against the changes, signaling that the debate over the reform is likely to intensify in the coming weeks.

Historically, Cameroon operated a federal system between 1961 and 1972, during which both anglophone and francophone regions enjoyed a degree of autonomy, and the position of vice-president existed. However, following the 1972 Cameroon constitutional referendum, the country adopted a centralized system of governance, and the vice-presidential role was abolished.

President Biya, who has been in power since November 1982, remains one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. His extended tenure has repeatedly sparked debates about political succession and the future direction of the country.

Although the reintroduction of the vice-presidential office is seen by some as a step toward clarifying succession, uncertainty still looms over Cameroon’s political future. Questions persist regarding who will be appointed to the role and how the new arrangement will influence the balance of power within the government.

President Biya secured his eighth term in office in October last year with 53.7% of the vote, in an election that opposition groups alleged was marred by irregularities.

With the constitutional amendments now passed, national attention has shifted toward speculation over the identity of the country’s first vice-president in decades—an appointment that could play a crucial role in shaping Cameroon’s political trajectory in the years ahead.