Marcel Niat Njifenji and Cavaye Yeguie Djibril have been re-elected as heads of Cameroon’s Senate and National Assembly, retaining their positions in a predictably orchestrated political process without real competition. The ruling CPDM maintains control, rendering the opposition largely powerless. Legislative progress is minimal, and with impending elections, the status quo is expected to continue unchallenged.
In a predictable political ritual, Marcel Niat Njifenji and Cavaye Yeguie Djibril have been re-elected as the heads of Cameroon’s Senate and National Assembly, respectively. Djibril, at 84 years of age, has presided over the National Assembly since 1992, receiving 125 votes with no competition. Niat, 90, has held the Senate Presidency since 2013, securing 87 out of 90 votes, reflecting that longevity is prioritized over performance in this political landscape.
The ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM/RDPC) continues to dominate the political sphere, orchestrating elections where members simply confirm pre-selected leaders. There were no challengers due to the CPDM’s prior decisions, leaving opposition lawmakers with little choice but to participate in a charade that underscores the lack of genuine democratic competition.
Cavaye Yeguie Djibril is noted for frequently being absent from the National Assembly while still holding the position, which has seen minimal legislation passed. His primary role appears to involve endorsing President Paul Biya’s policies, as Biya, at 92, prepares for another presidential election in October. Niat Njifenji’s contributions to the Senate have also been largely ceremonial, with the institution acting as a resting place for aging party loyalists.
Opposition parties have expressed their dissatisfaction quietly, fearing accusations of destabilization for speaking out too openly. The political environment in Cameroon is dominated by the CPDM, significantly stifling the growth of meaningful debate and elevating the endurance of attending futile parliamentary sessions. With the upcoming presidential election in October 2025 approaching, it is anticipated that the cycle of recycling the same leaders and maintaining the status quo will persist, as power in Cameroon appears more inherited than contested.
The repeated re-elections of Marcel Niat Njifenji and Cavaye Yeguie Djibril highlight a concerning lack of dynamic political change in Cameroon. The dominance of the CPDM ensures that political competition remains virtually non-existent, leading to a stagnation in legislative progress and meaningful governance. As the country heads toward another presidential election, it is evident that the entrenched political elite will remain unchanged, thereby perpetuating a cycle of inherited power.
Original Source: www.cameroon-concord.com
