In the wake of the death of Cavayé Yéguié Djibril, an emblematic figure in Cameroonian politics, a delegation from the National Assembly traveled to Mada this Thursday. Led by the new President of the National Assembly, Théodore Datouo, the delegation's mission is to present the institution's official condolences to the family of the deceased.
Cavayé Yéguié Djibril, who died at the age of 86, marked Cameroon's political history with his longevity at the head of the National Assembly. He held this position for 34 years, from 1992 to March 2026, establishing himself as a central figure in the political landscape. His career was characterized by unwavering loyalty to President Paul Biya and the CPDM (Cameroon People's Democratic Movement).
The parliamentary delegation traveled to the family home of Cavayé Yéguié Djibril in Mada, in the Tokombéré sub-division, to express its support to the family and relatives. This visit is intended to demonstrate the National Assembly's recognition of the man who embodied the institution for more than three decades.
Born on February 1, 1940, in Mada, Cavayé Yéguié Djibril began his political career as a teacher before holding various administrative positions. He entered the Legislative Assembly of East Cameroon in 1970, and then became the traditional chief of Mada in 1971. Elected Member of Parliament for Mayo-Sava in 1983, he rose through the ranks to the presidency of the National Assembly in 1992.
His long term in office was marked by a close relationship with the executive branch, with some criticizing him for a lack of independence from the government. Despite the criticism, Cavayé Yéguié Djibril exerted considerable influence on Cameroonian political life, participating in six presidential swearing-in ceremonies. His death marks the end of an era and raises questions about the future of his political network.
Tributes have been pouring in since the announcement of his death, praising his major role in Cameroon's history. Cavayé Yéguié Djibril leaves behind a complex legacy, between loyalty to the regime and lasting influence on the institutions. He also combined his political functions with that of chief of his native village of Mada, and had been elevated to the rank of first-class traditional chief in July 2025.
