Date: April 5, 2026 l Reporter: Musa Amed
Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest serving head of state, is set to appoint a vice president for the first time in his decades-long rule, in a move seen as a significant shift in the country’s political structure.
According to reports, the proposal forms part of planned constitutional changes aimed at introducing the position of a deputy leader to assist in governance and potentially ensure continuity in leadership.
Biya, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982 and is currently 92 years old, has long governed without a formally designated second-in-command. The absence of a clear successor has often raised concerns about political stability in the event of a sudden transition of power.
Under the proposed reforms, the vice president would act as a backup to the president and could assume leadership responsibilities if the office becomes vacant. Analysts suggest that the move could be aimed at addressing growing domestic and international concerns over succession planning in the Central African nation.
The development comes amid increasing scrutiny of Biya’s extended tenure, which has made him one of the longest-serving leaders in modern history. Calls for political reform and leadership renewal have intensified in recent years, particularly among opposition groups and civil society organizations.
While details of how the vice president would be selected remain unclear, the proposed change is expected to spark debate within Cameroon’s political landscape, especially regarding its implications for future elections and governance.
As the country considers this potential constitutional shift, attention remains focused on how the introduction of a vice presidency could reshape Cameroon’s leadership structure and address long-standing concerns over succession and political stability.