In Cameroon, a constitutional revision is under consideration in the National Assembly, raising questions about the transparency and motivations behind this accelerated procedure. The Committee on Constitutional Laws is examining this bill, with adoption expected within 48 hours, a timeline deemed unusually rapid.
This revision comes in a particular political context. Paul Biya, whose re-election in 2025 was contested, had not included constitutional reform in his program. In addition, the country is still awaiting the formation of a new government. The deputies, whose mandate had expired, have had their extension granted until December 2026. This situation raises questions about the legitimacy and representativeness of the institutions in place.
Several political analysts see this as a discreet power devolution maneuver, orchestrated by the ruling circles without real popular consultation. The process would include several key steps: extension of legislative mandates, maintaining a governmental vacuum, and amending the constitution before the emergence of a structured opposition. This constitutional engineering, while respecting legal forms, is perceived as an institutional coup by some observers.
The constitutional amendments could aim to facilitate a succession or consolidation of executive power. One of the envisaged changes would be the creation of a vice-presidential post. Such a development could further weaken the legitimacy of Parliament and provoke criticism both nationally and internationally.
If a dynastic devolution of power is confirmed, Cameroon could settle into an opaque succession model, similar to that observed in other Central African countries. This scenario could durably weaken institutions, discourage foreign investment, and exacerbate regional tensions, particularly in the Anglophone areas.
The current situation highlights the fragility of Cameroonian institutions, where the executive, legislative, and judicial powers seem to be acting in concert. The crucial question is what state these institutions will be in when the next generation has to seize them.
In parallel, Cameroon faces growing security challenges, particularly related to the Anglophone crisis and regional tensions. Incursions by radical groups from neighboring Nigeria exacerbate the risks of destabilization. In this context, the priority remains to guarantee the stability of the institutions and to ensure a transparent and inclusive political transition.
