Paul Biya’s Constitutional Revision: Cameroon’s Succession Rules Rewritten
On 2 April 2026, Cameroon’s Parliament examined a draft bill that will fundamentally reshape the Cameroon’s political future. The proposed constitutional amendment, submitted President Paul Biya, introduces the position of Vice President of the Republic, a role that would be appointed directly by the President, not elected by the people.
This five‑page bill, modest in appearance but monumental in impact, amends key provisions of the Constitution of June 12, 1972, already revised in 1996 and 2008. If adopted, articles 5, 6, 7, 10, 53, and 66 will be altered, changing the architecture of power in Cameroon.
Until now, Cameroon’s constitutional framework did not include a Vice President. The reform would allow the President to appoint — and dismiss — a Vice President at will. His responsibilities would be delegated directly by the Head of State.
Critics argue this undermines democratic legitimacy. As Hon. Njong Evaristus of the Social Democratic Front (SDF) stated: “We’re not talking about a monarchy here. We are in a Republic and in a Republic, the highest office of this country is elective.”
The SDF has formally rejected the bill, denouncing the process as “undemocratic.” In a communiqué signed by party chairman Joshua Osih, the opposition insists that both the President and Vice President should be elected on a single ticket by the people.
The most consequential change lies in succession. Previously, if the presidency became vacant, the President of the Senate would serve as interim leader until elections were organized. Under the new bill, the appointed Vice President would automatically complete the ongoing presidential term without any election.
This means that in the event of death, resignation, or incapacity, the Vice President would be sworn in immediately and govern until the end of the mandate. Elections would only be triggered if the Vice President himself were unable to serve.
Paul Biya, now 92 years old, was sworn in for another seven‑year term in November 2025. The question of succession is no longer theoretical, it is the central political issue in Cameroon today. By creating a Vice President appointed by himself, Biya effectively gains the power to choose his successor personally.
Observers note that this reform consolidates authority and bypasses the people’s vote. The legitimacy of the Vice President would rest solely on presidential appointment, not universal suffrage.
The SDF and other critics warn that this reform weakens democratic mechanisms and risks deepening Cameroon’s political crisis. With ongoing armed conflict in the Northwest and Southwest Regions, many argue that constitutional changes should focus on peace, inclusion, and justice — not succession politics.
The silence of many parliamentarians, especially from English‑speaking regions, has raised further concern. For citizens, the question remains: is this governance in the interest of the people, or a calculated move to maintain power at all costs?
Conclusion
Cameroon stands at a crossroads. The creation of an appointed Vice President marks a historic shift in succession rules, one that could define the nation’s political trajectory for years to come. As the Parliamentary Congress debates this bill, the stakes are clear: democracy, legitimacy, and the future of governance in Cameroon are on the line.
Berinyuy Cajetan is the founder and publisher of Human Rights and Legal Research Centre (HRLRC) since 2017. He has intensive experience in strategic communications for Civil Society Organizations, campaign and advocacy, and social issues. He has an intensive experiencing in human rights monitoring, documentation and reporting.
