Cameroon's Biya Appoints First VP in 40 Years

0:00On April 4, Cameroon's president Paul Baia, at 93 the world's oldest leader, just paved the way for his first vice president in over four. Decades. Parliament passed constitutional changes on Saturday, with 200 votes in favor, 18 against and four abstentions. Now, if anything happens to Bia, this appointed VP Steps-In to finish the full seven-year term before any new election. The old setup from 1972 had the Senate leader temporarily filling in until elections. Supporters say this switch boosts efficiency and lets the Senate stick to lawmaking. But critics see it as a rushed power grab, with the bill needing Bia's signature to become law. Opposition parties are fired up, calling it a constitutional coup and a mischance for real reform. The social democratic front, boycott at the vote, pushing instead for an elected VP and power sharing between French and English-speaking regions. Another leader plans an online pushback against where he dubs a Republican monarchy.

1:00This revives history from 1961 to 1972, when Cameroon was federal, with the VP respecting both linguistic communities. That ended with a referendum shifting to a unitary state and scrapping the role. Bia won his eighth term last October amid rigging claims. Now, everyone's buzzing about who Bia might tap as VP, as these changes reshape succession talks and keep the political heat on in Cameroon. Stay informed with global news today, AI-powered updates.