Cameroon’s Paul Biya has ruled for 43 years. Now, for the first time, someone will be next in line.
Cameroon’s parliament has passed a constitutional amendment creating a vice-presidency, a role that hasn’t existed in the country since 1972.
The bill was approved by 200 lawmakers on Saturday, with 18 voting against and four abstaining. It now awaits President Paul Biya’s signature to become law.
Under the change, the vice-president who was appointed by Biya, not elected would automatically step in to complete the presidential term if Biya dies or becomes incapacitated.
Previously, that responsibility fell to the Senate leader, who would hold power only briefly before a new election was called. Paul Biya, 93, has been in power since November 1982, making him the world’s oldest and longest-serving leader.
His health has long been a subject of private speculation, though discussing it openly remains politically taboo in Cameroon.
He won an eighth term last October with 53.7% of the vote. A result the opposition called rigged. Critics say the constitutional change consolidates power rather than strengthens democracy.
The Social Democratic Front boycotted the vote, pushing instead for a jointly elected president and vice-president that would reflect Cameroon’s split between French and English-speaking communities.
Opposition leader Maurice Kamto called the move a “constitutional and institutional coup,” warning it sets up a “republican monarchy.”
Supporters argue the reform improves government efficiency and removes succession pressure from the Senate.
The bill is passed, but the bigger question remains unanswered: who will Biya choose?