On the initiative of the President of the Both houses of the Cameroonian Parliament convened in joint session on April 2nd 2026 in Yaoundé to consider a bill amending the Constitution to create the post of Vice-President. This represents a major reform during President Paul Biya’s seven-year term.
On 2 April in Yaoundé, the Cameroonian Parliament, comprising both the National Assembly and the Senate, convened for an exceptional Congress. The focus of the deliberations was a proposed amendment to the Constitution, initiated by President Paul Biya. The central element of the bill presented to Members of Parliament and Senators is the establishment of the position of Vice-President of the Republic. According to Congress President Théodore Datoua, this initiative is anticipated to enhance the functionality of institutions. He further characterized it as a « historic opportunity, » coinciding with the start of President Paul Biya’s new seven-year term.
There is no doubt that the spirit of the bill submitted for our consideration is fully in line with this renewed commitment of the Head of State and his call for national unity. The initiative of the President of the Republic reflects his well-known determination, which he has repeatedly affirmed, to ensure the continuous improvement of the institutions of the Republic—institutions that must be adapted to current demands so that our country can effectively meet the many challenges it faces.
Théodore Datoua, Speaker of the National Assembly, President of the Congress
The bill amending and supplementing the Constitution of the Republic of Cameroon proposes the creation of a Vice-President who may be appointed or dismissed by the President of the Republic. The term of office of the Vice-President may not exceed that of the President. The Vice-President would assume office in the event of a permanent vacancy of the Head of State. The post of Prime Minister is maintained. This innovation is, however, expected to remain consistent with the management of socio-cultural balances, Cameroon’s political geography, and to provide reassurance regarding succession prospects at the head of state
This is an extremely important moment. As you know, the Head of State has put forward amendment proposals, and these amendments are aimed at ensuring the best possible functioning of our institutions. We will clearly pass this amendment, I believe, in the interest of all Cameroon.
Nfon Ekoko Mukete IV, Senator
There is a need for consultations at the national level. I am not referring to another Major National Dialogue. We have experienced mechanisms such as the Tripartite at times when it was truly necessary. I believe that what we need today in Cameroon, to ensure that the Cameroonian people are not left out, is consultation and dialogue so that their views can be genuinely taken into account and so that we can sustainably rebuild the institutions of our country.
Tomaïno Ndam Njoya, National President of the UDC party
The text, adopted by the Conference of Presidents in Yaoundé on April 2nd, still requires a majority vote from Congress members before President Paul Biya can promulgate it. Given the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement’s stronghold in both the National Assembly and the Senate, this final stage is expected to result in a favourable outcome..
