Parliamentary oligarchy: Niat, Cavaye retain ‘eternal’ seats

The two, aged 91 and 85 respectively, were voted Tuesday, March 18, during separate plenary sittings dedicated to establishing the permanent bureaus of the two legislative bodies.

Senate President Marcel Niat Njifenji, 91, and National Assembly Speaker, Honorable Cavayé Yéguié Djibril, 85, have been re-elected to lead the upper and lower houses of parliament. The Right Honorable Cavaye Yeguie Djibril has been re-elected as the Speaker of Cameroon’s National Assembly during a plenary sitting held at the newly constructed National Assembly Complex.

The election, which took place on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, saw the seasoned lawmaker retain his seat with a decisive victory, securing 125 out of the 137 votes cast. The session was presided over by the Eldest Member of the National Assembly, Honorable Laurentine Koa Mfegue épouse Mbede, who oversaw the election process before handing over leadership to the re-elected Speaker.

Honorable Cavayé Yéguié Djibril was the sole candidate for the position, having been put forward by the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement, CPDM through its Chief Whip, Honorable Roger Melingui. Following the announcement of the results, the Speaker expressed his gratitude to all Members of the National Assembly, including those who did not vote for him. He particularly extended his appreciation to the CPDM hierarchy and President Paul Biya, to whom he pledged continued loyalty and commitment.

The veteran legislator, visibly emotional, acknowledged the significance of his re-election and vowed to work in the interest of all lawmakers. The election of the Speaker was followed by the selection of the other key members of the Permanent Bureau of the National Assembly. Honorable Hilarion Etong was re-elected as the Senior Deputy Speaker, securing 130 out of 143 votes cast.

The remaining positions, including five Deputy Speakers, four Questors, and twelve Secretaries, were also filled through a secret ballot process in accordance with the Assembly’s standing orders. Members of the political parties represented in the National Assembly endorsed a common list for the bureau positions.

With this re-election, Honorable Cavayé Yéguié Djibril makes history as the first Speaker to be elected in the newly constructed National Assembly Complex, commonly referred to as the “Paul Biya’s Glass House.” This marks his 33rd consecutive term as Speaker.

Niat reelected Senate president

Incumbent Senate president, Marcel Niat Njifendji was equally re-elected as President of the Upper House of Parliament. He won 87 out of 90 recorded votes, reaffirming his leadership in the legislative chamber. The opening session which was chaired by the oldest senator, René Ze Nguele, in line with parliamentary tradition saw senator Niat make his first public appearance since May 20, 2024.

Niat, who has held the presidency of the Senate since its establishment in 2013, had been absent from public view for an extended period, raising concerns about his health. His presence at the March session underscores his continued political relevance and aspirations for another term. Last year, deliberations during the Senate’s March session were momentarily halted due to reports of his ill health.

However, he later reappeared and was successfully re-elected as President of the Senate. As the constitutional successor to Cameroon’s Head of State, the position of Senate President carries significant weight. The role becomes crucial in cases of presidential resignation, death, or incapacitation. In addition to the 70 elected senators, the President of the Republic appoints 30 members, giving the Head of State substantial influence over the composition of the upper house.

The newly elected Bureau members of the National Assembly will serve a one-year term, during which they are tasked with presiding over legislative proceedings, managing the institution’s affairs, and representing the Assembly at official events. Their leadership will be instrumental in shaping the legislative direction of the country in the coming months.