Longtime Cameroonian Leader Paul Biya Appoints First Vice-President in 43 Years

Sun Apr 05 2026 02:07:30 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

In a historic constitutional shift, Cameroon’s 93-year-old President Paul Biya secures a vice-presidential role for the first time in his lengthy tenure, stirring debate and concern among opposition groups.

Paul Biya, the world's oldest current leader at 93, has introduced a vice-president for the first time in his 43-year rule as part of recent constitutional amendments approved by parliament. Critics of the move argue the changes were made hastily to consolidate power, raising fears about the future leadership of the nation. The vice-president will step in if anything happens to Biya, marking a significant shift from previously mandated succession practices.

Cameroon's President Paul Biya, the world's oldest leader, is set to get a vice-president for the first time in his four-decade rule following controversial constitutional changes backed by parliament.

Should anything now happen to Biya, 93, the vice-president will automatically step in and complete the term before a new election is held.

The position was scrapped in 1972. In recent years, the leader of the senate was expected to act as president but only until a fresh election was arranged.

The opposition said the amendments were hastily drafted and aimed at consolidating power. Even one senator from Biya's party described the process as 'suspicious.'

There has been frequent private speculation about the state of Biya's health, but openly discussing it is taboo, and he has always defied rumors of his death by appearing in public after long absences.

A joint sitting of both houses of parliament on Saturday passed the bill changing the constitution, which now requires the president's signature, with 200 lawmakers voting in favor, 18 against, and four abstaining.

Supporters said the bill would enhance government efficiency by elevating representation whenever an official stands in for the president. The approved bill stipulates that the vice-president, appointed by the president rather than elected, will become the head of state to serve out the rest of the seven-year term.

The political climate in Cameroon remains tense, with opposition leaders denouncing the reform as an attempt at a 'constitutional and institutional coup.' Amid ongoing discussions, many speculate about who will take on the vice-presidential role.