Senator Tabe Tando passed away on April 20, 2026, prompting an immediate reaction from the President of the Cameroonian Senate, Aboubakary Abdoulaye. In an official statement, Aboubakary Abdoulaye expressed his deep sadness and paid tribute to the memory of the senator from the Southwest Region.
"S.M. ABOUBAKARY ABDOULAYE, President of the Senate, has the deep regret to announce the death occurred today, April 20, 2026, of Fon TABETANDO NDIEB-NSO, Senator, Vice-President of the Bureau of the Senate, from March 2018 to April 21, 2026, after having previously been President of the CPDM Parliamentary Group in the Senate from March 2017 to March 2018," the statement said. The President of the Senate also extended his sincere condolences to the family of the deceased and the entire Senate.
Born on October 29, 1950, in Bachuo-Ntai, in the Manyu division, Southwest Region, Tabe Tando was a trained lawyer. He founded Equity Chambers in Douala and practiced law for over four decades. His political journey led him to become the traditional ruler of Bachuo-Ntai on January 20, 1990, then a senator and vice-president of the Senate. He also served as president of the CPDM parliamentary group in the Senate.
Tabe Tando was an influential member of the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM). He was respected as a guardian of culture and a statesman. He was also known for his loyalty to the party and President Paul Biya. His death comes shortly after that of former Senate President Marcel Niat Njifenji, who passed away on April 11.
As Vice-President of the Senate, Tabe Tando was constitutionally positioned to potentially succeed President Paul Biya as interim Head of State in the event of death, resignation, or incapacity. He leaves behind a complex legacy, marked by his role in Cameroonian politics and his commitment to his community. The program for Tabe Tando's funeral will be announced later.
