Cameroon President Paul Biya Promulgates Constitutional Amendment Creating Vice-Presidency

President Paul Biya has officially promulgated a constitutional amendment establishing the position of Vice-President of the Republic of Cameroon. The new office allows for a presidential successor to be appointed directly by the head of state.

Key points

• The legislation was adopted by the Cameroonian Parliament in a congress held on April 4, 2026, following its introduction on April 2.
• The Vice-President will serve as the second-highest state official and assume the presidency in the event of a vacancy, without the immediate requirement of a popular election.
• The constitutional change grants the President exclusive authority to appoint and remove the Vice-President, who is barred from running in the subsequent presidential election.
• This reform marks the first time the Vice-Presidency has existed in the country since its abolition in 1972.

Why it matters

The creation of this office significantly alters the presidential succession mechanism in Cameroon, centralizing power by allowing for the appointment of a successor without a direct vote.