Story perspectives

Cameroon's Biya to Appoint Vice-President Amid Controversy

4/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Cameroon's President Paul Biya, aged 93, will appoint a vice-president for the first time in his 40-year rule after parliament approved controversial constitutional changes.
The amendments allow the vice-president to assume the presidency if Biya becomes incapacitated.
Opposition groups, including the Social Democratic Front, say the process lacked broad consultation and leaves Biya's succession uncertain.
Maurice Kamto of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement called the changes a 'constitutional coup'.

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Story summary

Cameroon's President Paul Biya, aged 93, will appoint a vice-president for the first time in his 40-year rule after parliament approved controversial constitutional changes.
The amendments allow the vice-president to assume the presidency if Biya becomes incapacitated.
Opposition groups, including the Social Democratic Front, say the process lacked broad consultation and leaves Biya's succession uncertain.
Maurice Kamto of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement called the changes a 'constitutional coup'.