2026 Constitutional Amendments: MPs Restores Vice Presidency After Decades Despite Calls For Rejections

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

After more than five decades, Members of Parliament have restored the post of Vice President in Cameroon despite constitutional debates. A bill to create the post of Vice President and amend key provisions of the Constitution to adapt the country’s institutions was adopted during the 6th Congress of Parliament on April 4 in Yaoundé after it was tabled on April 2.

***Hon. Datouo Théodore (Middle) speaking during the Congress of Parliament*** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

The bill was passed by a majority of MPs, with 200 votes in favor, 18 against and four annulled. Before the vote, MPs took to the rostrum to either support or oppose the proposal. While some MPs backed the measure, others — including members of the ruling Cameroon Peoples Democratic Movement (CPDM) — called for the bill’s rejection and withdrawal for further examination.

Opposition MPs described the bill as a calculated attempt to deny Cameroonians fundamental rights, arguing that an elected official cannot delegate governing power to an unelected person. “The bill should be rejected because it gives the executive branch powers to control the legislature. We can’t give power to someone to appoint a Vice President as if he or she is appointing someone in his office,” one MP said.

Other parliamentarians argued the bill would only gain credibility if it included measures to ensure balance between the country’s two linguistic regions, proposing that when the President is a Francophone the Vice President should be an Anglophone and vice versa. Some also proposed that the Vice President should be elected on the same ticket as the President, with both serving five-year terms renewable once.

**Members of Parliament during debates concerning the amendment of the constitutions** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

Senator René Ze Nguele, one of the CPDM’s longest-serving members of the Senate, called for the constitutional amendments to be withdrawn, rewritten and scrutinized before any vote. According to Senator Ze Nguele, President Paul Biya should explain why he needs a Vice President and, more importantly, what the office would actually do. He insisted the role must be clearly defined and not be a blank cheque of power.

“To the Senator, the Vice President must not be selected or removed at the president’s pleasure,” he added, warning that unchecked control is not governance but a blueprint for institutional collapse. “The manipulation of institutions has destroyed many African countries,” he said.

Defending the bill, Laurent Esso, Minister of State, Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, acknowledged the concerns raised by MPs and said they could be addressed by another bill or law. He dismissed claims that the Head of State intended to modify the entire Constitution, noting that the President is a guarantor of integrity and national unity and must consider the principle of regional balance.

Emphasizing that the immediate issue concerns the office of the Vice President, Minister Esso said the Head of State’s responsibility is functional: it enables the functioning of the state at the highest level.

After the adoption of Bill No. 2094/PJL/P to amend and supplement the Constitution of June 2, 1972, as amended by Law No. 96/06 of January 18, 1996 and Law No. 2008/001 of April 14, 2008, the text will be forwarded to the Head of State.

Under Article 31 of the Constitution, the President promulgates laws adopted by Parliament within fifteen days of their transmission, provided no request for a second reading is made and the Constitutional Council is not seized.

If the President fails to act within that period, the President of the National Assembly may substitute for the President after formally noting the failure to act; publication is then carried out in both official languages of the Republic.

The office of Vice President was first established with the formation of the Federal Republic of Cameroon on October 1, 1961, following the reunification plebiscite in Southern Cameroons in February 1961 and the Foumban Conference.

The 1961 Federal Constitution created the post to balance power between Francophone East Cameroon and Anglophone West Cameroon; the Vice President was typically an Anglophone. John Ngu Foncha, Prime Minister of West Cameroon, was the first to hold the post from 1961 to 1970 under President Ahmadou Ahidjo, and Salomon Tandeng Muna served from 1970 to 1972.

The position was abolished in 1972 after a constitutional referendum on May 20 that replaced the federal system with a unitary state, centralizing power under President Ahidjo and eliminating the Vice Presidency. Since the 2000s there have been occasional discussions and proposals to reintroduce the post.

How Harsh Is The Reality For Yaounde’s Private School Teachers?

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The classroom air is thick, the traffic outside is deafening, and Madame Aïcha’s voice is already starting to fail her. By 10 a.m. in the heart of Yaoundé, the heat is a physical weight, but it’s nothing compared to the math that keeps her awake at night.

**Pupils from a private schools march in celebration of National Youth Day in Cameroon** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

For eight months, Aïcha has poured her life into 48 restless pupils, grading papers by a single flickering bulb and arriving before the morning sun. Her reward for shaping the nation’s future? A monthly pittance of FCFA 50,000 and even lesser. It is a sum that vanishes the moment it hits her hand, swallowed by rent, bus fares, and the bare-bones diet of her two children.

Yet, a few doors down in the administrative office, the ledger tells a more prosperous tale. Every term, parents dutifully hand over fees reaching upwards of FCFA 150000 and more per child. The school’s coffers are filling, but for the teachers standing on the front lines of education system, that wealth remains a distant rumor. The money flows in, but it never reaches the chalkboard.

The plight of Aïcha is not an isolated incident. It is the daily reality for many teachers in Yaounde’s booming private education sector. These institutions promise quality and prestige to ambitious parents, but many are operated as high-profit businesses where staff members say they are treated as disposable commodities.

“The proprietor does not listen to anyone, not even the teachers who are going through thick and thin to educate young Cameroonians,” said a Class 6 teacher, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of termination. “Teachers are sacked at any given moment. Some proprietors claim to know everything and treat us as if we have no legal rights.”

Another teacher described a stark divide between the lifestyle of the school owners and the staff. “The proprietor collects the fees on the first day and disappears for weeks doesn’t pick calls,” a teacher said during a short break, her eyes clouded with fatigue. “He drives a new car and talks constantly about expanding the school. Meanwhile, we are told to ‘understand’ when our salaries are delayed or cut without any warning.”

Across the capital city, education has become a lucrative frontier. As enrollment numbers surge, proprietors often prioritize profit margins over classroom resources. Teachers report working without formal contracts, managing oversized classes with outdated materials, and receiving monthly stipends as low as FCFA 40,000. These wages have remained largely stagnant for years despite the rising cost of living in Cameroon’s urban centers.

The crisis extends beyond pay. Many owners view professional development as an unnecessary expense or a threat to their authority. “They hardly allow us to attend seminars to update our skills,” one teacher explained. “Some claim their teachers do not need those seminars because their schools use a ‘unique’ syllabus. In reality, they just do not want us to know our value or see how other professional schools operate.”

To many, any slight complaint or request for better conditions often results in immediate dismissal. This atmosphere of intimidation ensures that the “quiet crisis” remains buried beneath the surface of colorful school gates and polished marketing brochures.

Teachers also expressed frustration government stating that while the government officially seeks to resolve labor disputes and maintain academic standards, many teachers feel abandoned by the officials meant to protect them.

“These government officials contribute to our situation,” a teacher said. “When they come to the school, they do not even listen to us. They go straight into the administrative offices, they are treated well and then they leave as quickly as they came. They see the fancy office, but they never step into the crowded classrooms to ask the staff how we are actually faring.”

The influx of internally displaced persons (IDPs) fleeing the ongoing conflict in the Northwest and Southwest regions has further complicated the labor market. Desperate for work and stability, many displaced teachers are willing to accept even lower pay. Teachers say some unscrupulous proprietors use this desperation to drive down wages across the entire private sector.

When approached for comment, many school owners declined to speak on the record. However, a few who agreed to talk defended their management styles, citing the harsh economic climate in in the country.

“The economy is hard and we have to survive,” one proprietor said. “While our primary aim is to prepare young Cameroonians for the future, there is a business side to this that allows the school to stay open. We have overhead costs that parents and teachers do not see.”

The proprietor added that strict management is necessary for “monitoring the attitude” of some staff to ensure they remain on the right track.

The human cost of this imbalance is visible in the tired faces echoing through staff rooms across the capital. Qualified educators often stay in these precarious positions only because public sector jobs are scarce and the competition for civil service roles is fierce. To survive, many supplement their income with evening tutoring or small side businesses, leaving them exhausted before the next school day even begins.

While this situation is not exhibited in all private schools, observers have warn that if the exploitation of private school teachers continues, the quality of Cameroonian education will suffer. Without investment in teacher welfare and professional growth, the nation risks raising a generation instructed by a workforce that is under-motivated and pushed to the brink of collapse.

For Madame Aïcha, the macroeconomics of the sector matter less than the immediate reality of her empty cupboards. As she turned back to her 48 students to begin a lesson on geography, she raised her voice once more to compete with the roaring motorbikes outside, continuing a labor of love that currently offers very little in return.

Barrister Ndong Urges President Biya To Act As ‘Father Of The Nation’ & Fix Cameroon’s Institutional Failures

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Prominent legal practitioner, Barrister Christopher Ndong has issued a stinging critique of the current legislative maneuvers in Cameroon, calling on President Paul Biya to assume his role as the “father of the nation” by correcting decades of institutional failures and electoral fraud before his tenure ends.

***Chief Barrister Christopher Christopher Ndong***

The legal expert’s remarks come in response to the government’s recent tabling of bills in Parliament aimed at extending the mandates of municipal councillors and amending the constitution to introduce a Vice-Presidential post.

While acknowledging that the president is operating within the letter of the law, Barrister Ndong argued that these laws are fundamentally “bad” and designed to serve the “whims and caprices” of the ruling class.

“Paul Biya, in the real sense of the legal stand, is correct; he has applied the law as it is, not as it ought to be,” Barrister Ndong. He noted that while the maneuvers may be legal on paper, they lack the “sovereignty of the people” required for true legitimacy.

He characterized the extension of mandates for Parliamentarians and Councillors as an “illegal and illegitimate” postponement, asserting that one illegality cannot birth a legal right.

Barrister Ndong also dismissed the government’s justification that a lack of resources necessitated the postponement of local elections. He pointed to the high costs associated with state functions and the creation of new political offices as evidence that the issue is a lack of political will rather than a lack of funds.

Barrister Ndong stressed that the ruling party is “afraid” of the political fire ignited by opposition figures and is struggling to maintain control since the last Presidential elections. Concerning the Post of Vice President being introduced, he particularly criticized the adoption describing the move as a distraction that offers no tangible benefits to the Cameroonian people.

“If the main President cannot do anything, it’s not the vice president that will do anything,” he said. “It is just like we have our Parliament. They came and put the Senate. The Senate is doing nothing. They are only helping to distribute wealth to themselves.”

He also criticized the failure to implement Article 66 of the constitution, which requires high-ranking officials to declare their assets. “He has never declared his assets because he is the alpha and the omega. Article 66, since 1996 to today, they have never ventured to talk about it. What Cameroonians want are job opportunities, better schools, better health, development, good roads, and to industrialise Cameroon.”

As a solution to the nation’s deepening political and social crises, Barrister Ndong appealed directly to the President’s legacy. He urged Biya to utilize his standing as the father of the nation to initiate a period of national confession and reconciliation.

This, he argued, must begin with an admission of past electoral irregularities involving candidates such as the late Ni John Fru Ndi and Prof. Maurice Kamto and Isa Chiroma.

“As a father of the nation, nobody denies you that title,” Barrister Ndong said. “Call for the revision of the electoral code. Put things straight as Cameroonians want. Put all of them on the table.”

Beyond electoral reform, Barrister Ndong’s “roadmap for happiness” for the president includes resolving the ongoing Anglophone crisis through the release of political prisoners and seeking clemency from the people.

He also called for a genuine crackdown on the embezzlement of public funds, suggesting that those who have stolen from the state should be made to reimburse the treasury to help stabilize the economy. He stated that that the President still has the opportunity to leave behind a “clean society” if he acts now.

“The message I have for Cameroonians is, let us stand up and say no to these machinations,” Barriter Ndong said. He lamented the silence of the international community, whom he accused of being “accomplices” to the violation of human rights and democratic principles by remaining quiet in the face of legal and moral transgressions.

Bonzyz & Rinyu Celebrate Grace In Easter Hymn ‘Njoh Weh’

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

In a season traditionally marked by reflection and renewal, Cameroonian Afro/HipHop artist, Kay Innocent Bonwe aka Bonzyz has released a timely musical offering that speaks directly to the heart of thankfulness.

Titled “Njoh Weh”, the new single, which dropped on April 4, features the powerful vocals of singer Rinyu and invites listeners to pause amid life’s busyness and recognize the blessings that often go unnoticed.

The title “Njoh Weh” comes from the Limbum language and translates to “By Your Grace.” This simple yet profound phrase captures the song’s central message: many of the good things we experience — stable families, loyal friends, meaningful work, and the everyday gift of life itself — are not mere coincidences, but expressions of unseen grace.

True to his artistic identity, Bonzyz of Muyama Music blends contemporary hip-hop rhythms with traditional Cameroonian sounds. His delivery in Limbum adds an authentic cultural flavor that has become his signature.

The track opens with warm, rhythmic instrumentals reminiscent of communal praise sessions — the kind heard during church services, village celebrations, and family gatherings across Cameroon.

Rinyu, affectionately known as the Queen of Cameroon Urban Music, brings an emotional depth that perfectly complements Bonzyz’s grounded approach. Her smooth, powerful voice carries the message of gratitude with sincerity and conviction, turning the song into a moving devotional experience.

Together, the two artists create a natural synergy: Bonzyz provides the cultural roots and thematic direction, while Rinyu elevates the track with heartfelt resonance.

At its core, “Njoh Weh” is more than a catchy tune — it is a gentle reminder to cultivate gratitude. The song encourages lovers of music and fans to view their relationships, careers, and daily existence not as routine entitlements, but as precious gifts worth celebrating.

Instead of treating thankfulness as a solemn obligation, Bonzyz and Rinyu present it as a joyful rhythm, something to be embraced with energy and appreciation.

The release also taps deeply into the strong Christian traditions of the Wimbum community in Cameroon’s North West Region. Faith plays a central role in daily life there, with churches serving as vital centers for both spiritual worship and social connection.

Through its Easter timing and cultural authenticity, the four-minute track evokes a strong sense of home, reconnecting listeners with their roots and the shared values of gratitude and grace.

“Njoh Weh” arrives as a refreshing and uplifting addition to the Easter soundtrack, offering a message that transcends borders while staying firmly rooted in Cameroonian identity. In a world that often moves too fast, Bonzyz and Rinyu gently make a firm call on all slow down, count their blessings, and acknowledge the grace that makes them possible.

Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQFsSuCvWXQ

Cameroonians Share Mixed Reactions As Parliament Adopts Vice Presidency Post

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Cameroonians on the streets of Yaoundé have expressed sharply divided opinions following the National Assembly’s adoption of a bill to create the post of vice president and amend key provisions of the Constitution. Speaking shortly after the bill was adopted on April 4, many residents criticizing the move as illegitimate while others see it as a necessary step for leadership continuity.

Minister of State, Minister of Justice, Keeper of the Seals, Laurent Esso defending the bill tabling a bill to amend and supplement the Constitution of June 2, 1972, as revised by Law No. 96/06 of Jan. 18, 1996, and Law No. 2008/001 of April 14, 2008 (Photo Credit: National Assembly)

City dwellers said they were puzzled by the government’s priorities at a time when the country is grappling with severe economic hardship. Instead of focusing on job creation, improving access to water and electricity, and providing essential social services, lawmakers chose to push through a constitutional change that many view as unnecessary and self-serving.

They argued that granting the president the power to appoint a vice president — who could potentially become interim president — undermines Cameroon’s claimed progress toward democracy and raises serious concerns about the concentration of power.

“I am completely disappointed with the members of Parliament for adopting such a bill and I can confirm that our Parliament is ‘handclappers’,” one resident said. “Can’t they for once bring change by making sure that they do the right thing? They should ask themselves what history holds for them because the bill just adopted makes no sense to me.”

In a phone conversation, annother resident added: “At this particular point in time, the post of Vice President is not important because Cameroonians are suffering and need the government to take them out of this hardship. They should be thinking about providing jobs and making the environment conducive for entrepreneurship.”

Gladys, a trader, questioned the priorities of lawmakers. “How can MPs be thinking of adopting such a bill when Cameroonians have been pushed to the wall with the high cost of living, making things very difficult for all?” she said. “Because they are not feeling the effect doesn’t mean that everything is fine. By the way, they are even illegitimate in our eyes. We can always do things differently.”

Margaret was particularly critical of the rushed process. “Come to think of it that an amendment of such a magnitude is tabled and in less than 48 hours, the bill is adopted,” she said. “This is not serious. This government should be serious and stop taking people for fools. They had calculated everything and this just misleads us. I am sure that the person to be appointed is already waiting for that decree.”

However, Patrick, a taxi driver, supported the move, saying it would prevent a leadership vacuum. “The move by MPs in adopting such a bill will help to make sure that there is no vacancy at the helm of the state,” he said. “If the president is not available, the vice president will just continue with the functions. I think this bill adoption is a step in the right direction.”

Meanwhile after the bill’s adoption, Parliamentary reactions remained split along party lines. Hon. Koupit Adamou (CDU) condemned the legislation as the worst in the country’s history regarding its fundamental law.

“We are deeply saddened by this Congress. It is unacceptable to modify our Constitution to grant the Head of State the power to do whatever he wants, however he wants,” Hon. Koupit Adamou stated.

Hon. Joshua Osih (SDF) explained that his party chose to boycott the session after failing to reach a compromise during the committee stage. “We fought an uphill battle in the special committee to bring reason to this amendment and we lost,” Hon. Osih said. “We decided to boycott the plenary because we cannot participate in a session that reduces the democratic rights of the Cameroonian people. Section 5(2) of our Constitution is clear: the President of the Republic is elected by the entire nation.”

Conversely, Senator Nfon Mukete IV Ekoko (CPDM) defended the bill’s merits, arguing that the President requires a designated successor to ensure continuity. “The President needs an assistant for situations where he cannot attend international conferences,” the Senator noted. “Furthermore, he makes promises to the population upon his election and if he cannot finish his mandate for any reason, it makes sense to have someone in place to fulfill those commitments.”

On April 2, President Paul Biya convened Parliament in a joint session, tabling a bill to amend and supplement the Constitution of June 2, 1972, as revised by Law No. 96/06 of Jan. 18, 1996, and Law No. 2008/001 of April 14, 2008. The text was expected to be forwarded to the head of state for promulgation.

After two days of deliberations, lawmakers adopted the bill. Once promulgated into law, the President will appoint the Vice President.

We Will Launch An Online Petition So That Cameroonians, Beyond Political Lines, Can Make Their Voices Heard – Prof. Kamto

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Opposition leader Prof. Maurice Kamto has stated that, in response to what he described as an “ongoing Constitutional and Institutional Coup d’État” in the country, an online petition campaign will be launched so Cameroonians of all political affiliation can make their voices heard.

In a statement released Friday, April 3 and widely circulated on social media, Prof. Kamto said the initiative is intended to unite citizens across the political spectrum to challenge recent government actions that he argues have undermined the nation’s democratic legitimacy.

“We will launch an online petition campaign so that Cameroonians, regardless of their political affiliation, can make their voices heard,” Prof. Kamto said. He stressed that the sovereign people must ultimately decide who has the right to lead the country’s institutions.

Prof. Kamto’s statements are coming on the heels of a series of controversial Legislative maneuvers by the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM). He specifically highlighted the repeated extensions of mandates for members of parliament and municipal councilors, which has effectively postponed local elections.

He also criticized a new bill introduced by the incumbent administration to revise the constitution (the bill which was adopted on April 4). The proposed changes include the creation of a vice-presidential position. Under the new rules, this official would be appointed rather than elected and could replace the president at any time.

Prof. Kamto likened this move to a “constitutional loophole” that allows for a transfer of power without the consent of the voters. He argued that the revision effectively transforms the republic into a “republican monarchy” or a “nepotistic dynasty as an appointed vice president could name another.

He pointed out that no “debate was organized by the Government to inform the public about the ongoing upheavals. There was no explanation, nor the slightest consultation or involvement of the country’s political forces.” To him, such a major shift, he argued, should have gone to a referendum so the people could decide.

“What is underway is indeed an unconstitutional power grab, condemned by the legal instruments of the African Union,” Prof. Kamto stated. He expressed concern that the new Vice-President would allow individuals who have never held elected office to become the head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

“We thus find ourselves in a situation where the current government lacks all legitimacy and, in principle, can no longer govern the country,” he said. “In short, today in our country, neither the President of the Republic, nor the members of parliament, nor the municipal councilors, nor the regional councilors are legitimate.”

Concerning the bill repeated extension of mandates, Prof. Kamto said, these delays are a calculated effort by the ruling party to avoid an electoral defeat. He noted that the current government has created a situation where national and local institutions lack popular support.

Despite the challenges, Prof. Kamto urged his fellow citizens to remain confident. He insisted that the work done by the opposition over the last decade has already proven that the ruling party can be defeated at the ballot box.

“The CPDM regime believes it has entrenched itself forever, but it is mistaken,” Prof. Kamto said. “It will understand that in a republic, power comes from the people.”

Legal Minds Push for Overhaul of Mediation and Arbitration At Yaoundé Summit

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Legal experts and arbitration practitioners from Africa and abroad have analyzed the critical challenges involved in drafting, enforcing, and implementing mediation agreements. These issues were addressed on March 31 in Yaoundé during the 4th edition of African Arbitration and Mediation Day (JAAM).

**Minister Delegate Jean De Dieu Momo, representing the Minister of State, Minister of Justice, and Keeper of the Seals, presides over the international colloquium in Yaoundé** (Photo: Mainimo Etienne)

Held under the theme “The Mediation Agreement and the Arbitral Award,” the event brought together leading figures in international dispute resolution to strengthen knowledge and practice of mediation and arbitration across the continent.

The summit was organised by the Association for the Promotion of Arbitration in Africa (APAA) in partnership with the International Centre for Arbitration and Mediation Abuja (ICAMA), and in collaboration with the Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA).

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Minister Delegate to the Ministry of Justice, Jean De Dieu Momo, representing Cameroon’s Minister of State, Minister of Justice, Keeper of the Seals, Laurent Esso—patron of the event—stressed the importance of mediation and arbitration.

Officials during the opening ceremony as Minister Delegate Jean De Dieu Momo, representing the Minister of State, Minister of Justice, and Keeper of the Seals, presides over the international colloquium in Yaoundé (Photo: Mainimo Etienne)

He noted that although the legal framework is still being built, “it is already admitted in the legal arsenal of our country that arbitration and mediation are alternative forms of justice.” He added that Cameroon encourages these mechanisms and observed that many judicial personnel, including magistrates and lawyers, are seeking training in alternative dispute resolution.

Gaston Kenfack Douajni (PhD), President of APAA and a Cameroonian legal officer, emphasised that mediation and arbitration are highly valued Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods whose promotion and proper practice positively impact national development.

He noted that while mediation and arbitration aim to resolve disputes between parties in a business relationship while preserving those relationships, the mediation agreement and the arbitral award—the instruments that bring these processes to an end—must be carefully drafted to ensure effective implementation.

**Minister Delegate Jean De Dieu Momo, representing the Minister of State, Minister of Justice, and Keeper of the Seals, speaking during the opening session of the international colloquium in Yaoundé** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

On his part, Mbah Eric Mbah, president of the Cameroon Bar Association, acknowledged that arbitration and mediation are now central means for resolving disputes, but regretted that Cameroon remains behind in arbitration legislation.

“We only rely on a few aspects of OHADA arbitration in Cameroon,” he said. “It is high time we took advantage of the moment so that, when business truly moves onto the commercial and economic superhighway in Africa, Cameroonians will have arbitration legislation capable of supporting a solid, independent, corruption-free arbitration centre.”]

Gaston Kenfack Douajni (PhD), President of APAA speaking during the opening session. Minister Delegate Jean De Dieu Momo, representing the Minister of State, Minister of Justice, and Keeper of the Seals, presides over the international colloquium in Yaoundé (Photo: Mainimo Etienne)

The summit also saw the signing of strategic memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between the Russian Arbitration Association, represented by Roman Zikov, and both APAA and the African Arbitration Association, signalling expanding international cooperation in dispute resolution.

A notable highlight was an online presentation by Anna Joubin‑Bret, who provided global perspectives on mediation and arbitration, accompanied by an introductory report from former CCJA President Esther Ngo Moutngui.

Sigining of a memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between the Russian Arbitration Association, represented by Roman Zikov, and both APAA Gaston Kenfack Douajni) and the African Arbitration Association during the opening session in Yaounde *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

Across four technical sessions, participants examined drafting and enforcing mediation agreements, implementation challenges, and recognition of arbitral awards within and beyond OHADA jurisdictions.

More than 100 participants attended, including leaders and executives of African organisations promoting economic and legal integration, senior staff from private organisations, magistrates, solicitors, notaries and court officials, economic operators, corporate lawyers, and executives of arbitration and mediation institutions.

Other speakers at the summit included ICAMA Director and former Nigerian Minister of Justice Ojo Bayo; Mbah Eric Mbah, President of the Cameroon Bar Association; and Jean‑Marie Kambuma Nsula, President of the Common Court of Justice and Arbitration (CCJA), representing OHADA.

**Legal experts and stakeholders posed for a family picture** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Tadu All Football Tournament 2026: Previewing Match Days 2 & 3

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Tadu All Football Tournament moves into its second and third days of action this weekend with a lineup of highly anticipated matches. Following a successful kickoff that brought life back to the local pitch in Tadu, the competition is picking up speed as teams fight for early dominance.

**A cross section of players during the opening day of the tournament on March 26**

The excitement resumes this Friday at 2:00 PM when the Young Boyz of Tadu go head-to-head against Faakui FC. This marks the first time these two teams will meet in this year’s tournament, and both sides are eager to make a strong impression.

They will be looking to replicate the success of Meluf FC, who set the pace in the opening day by defeating Tadu FC with a narrow 2-1 victory on March 26. Beyond the tactics on the field, a massive crowd is expected to fill the stands, as the community remains hungry for the high-energy football that has been missing for quite some time.

The action continues on Sunday with another double-header across different disciplines. In the football category, Buh FC will take on Simonkov at 1:00 PM in what is expected to be a physical and competitive encounter.

Meanwhile, the handball tournament enters its second day of play, featuring a matchup between Mbonghas Ladies and Tadu Ladies. The handball discipline has already proven to be high-scoring and intense, especially after the opening day performance where Simonkoh Ladies thrashed Buh Ladies with a commanding 10-1 scoreline.

The 2026 edition of the Tadu All Football Tournament is particularly significant as it marks the return of organized sport after a long absence due to ongoing socio-political conflicts. Organized by the Tadu Development Association with strong backing from local elites and the diaspora, the event serves as a symbol of recovery.

**A cross view of handball players during the opening day of the tournament on March 26**

Currently, the tournament features eight football teams and six handball teams, all competing under a shared mission to promote social cohesion, improve local infrastructure, and enhance security through the power of community-led initiatives. The Competition is taking place under the theme, “Kicking for Peace, Scoring Unity! Tadu All Football Tournament: Where Love Meets the pitch, and Reconciliation is the Goal!”

Fans in Tadu and its environs are encouraged to arrive early and bring their loudest cheers to support the athletes as they help write the next chapter of Tadu’s sporting history.

2026 List of Football teams

Tadu FC
Young Boyz Tadu
Fakui FC
Simonkoh FC
Buh FC
Meluf FC
Levelland FC
Mbonghas FC

2026 List of Female Handball Teams

Tadu Ladies
The Tigress Ladies of Buh
Simonkoh Ladies
Mbonghas ladies
Levelland ladies
Mboshua Ladies

Lawmakers Debate Constitutional Reform To Alter Presidential Line Of Succession

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Lawmakers gathered on April 2 in a special Parliamentary Congress to review a bill that would re-establish the office of Vice President and significantly alter the line of succession in Cameroon.

Hon. Datouo Théodore, Speaker of the National Assembly (centre), Senate President Aboubakary Abdoulaye (left) and National Assembly Secretary-General André Noël Essian (right) at the Parliamentary Congress, April 2, 2026 (Photo: National Assembly)

The proposed Legislation (Bill No. 2094/PJL/P), which seeks to amend the June 2, 1972 Constitution revised in 1996 and 2008, follows a commitment made by President Paul Biya during his November 2025 inauguration. At that ceremony, the head of state pledged to modernize national institutions to better navigate contemporary challenges.

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Datouo Théodore, who acted as the President of the Congress presided over the joint session of the Upper and Lower Houses. He stressed that the initiative stems directly from the President’s constitutional authority to propose amendments.

Under the terms of the bill, the Vice President would be appointed and dismissed by the President, rather than being elected on a joint ticket. The primary role of the appointee would be to carry out specific duties delegated by the head of state. Furthermore, the Vice President’s tenure would be strictly linked to that of the President.

The most notable shift in the reform concerns what happens if the Presidency becomes vacant due to death, resignation, or permanent incapacity. Currently, the President of the Senate is first in line to lead on an interim basis. The new bill proposes that the Vice President would instead assume the office for the remainder of the term after taking an official oath.

Provisions remain in place for the Legislative branch to step in only if both the president and vice president are unable to serve. In such a scenario, the President of the Senate would act as interim leader and would be required to organize new elections within 20 to 120 days. This interim leader would face strict limitations, including a ban on running for the presidency or amending the constitution.

The reform would revise several articles of the constitution, which has not undergone a major overhaul since 2008. The President would maintain his status as the head of state and symbol of national unity, while the Vice President would be legally defined as an assistant. Both officials would be subject to identical rules regarding asset declaration and restrictions on holding other professional or elective offices.

During the session, Hon. Datouo Théodore described President Biya as the “principal architect of the democratic framework.” He noted that the changes are a necessary response to the country’s needs following the October 2025 Presidential Election.

The Speaker urged lawmakers to embrace the President’s call for national stability after a competitive election season. He quoted the head of state’s recent plea for cohesion: “The battles of the Presidential Election are behind us. Now is the time for unity.”

The reintroduction of the Vice Presidency marks a return to a structure not seen in the country for over five decades. The office originally existed following the 1961 reunification of East and West Cameroon to balance power between Francophone and Anglophone Cameroons. It was held by John Ngu Foncha and later Salomon Tandeng Muna before being abolished in 1972 when Cameroon transitioned to a unitary state.

For the bill to be enacted into law, it must receive an absolute majority of the votes from the members of Congress. If passed, the reform will also require subsequent updates to the national electoral code and the laws governing the Constitutional Council.

Historic Global Deal As 66 WTO Nations Agree On First-Ever Rules For Digital Trade

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The world of shopping and business just took a massive leap into the future. On Saturday, March 28, 2026, 66 nations within the World Trade Organization (WTO) reached a historic deal to create the first-ever global rules for digital trade.

***Members adopt a pathway to bring E‑Commerce Agreement into force via interim arrangements*** *(Photo Credit: WTO)*

The announcement, made during the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) on March 28. This marks a huge shift toward making online business easier and more predictable for everyone. These countries together handle about 70 percent of all trade on Earth, making this a giant step toward a modern global marketplace.

This agreement arrives at a moment when the world truly needs it. Right now, digital transactions make up over 60 percent of the entire world’s economy. Even though we do so much business online, there hasn’t been a single set of international rules to follow.

This has created a messy mix of different regulations that often makes things more expensive for shoppers and harder for small businesses to grow. Research shows that without these rules, about $159 billion in trade value was being wasted every single year. Experts now believe that if every nation eventually joins in, the global economy could grow by a massive $8.7 trillion by the year 2040.

**Cross Section of delegates during the WTO Ministerial Conference** (Photo Credit: WTO)

WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala praised the progress as a sign that global trade is finally changing for the better. She noted that “Digital trade is an exciting frontier for driving economic growth and job creation.” She also explained that “By moving forward with the E-Commerce Agreement, participating economies are helping to establish a shared regulatory framework that can lower costs and unlock new opportunities.”

One of the most important parts of this deal is making sure everyone is included. Leaders want to ensure that small family businesses can compete just as easily as giant corporations. To help out, the agreement gives smaller or developing countries more time to adjust and offers them technical help to update their systems.

Allan P. Gepty, Undersecretary for the Philippines, shared his optimism for his country. He said, “For developing members like the Philippines, the E-Commerce Agreement provides a valuable framework to support MSMEs’ participation in global trade by enhancing trust and improving digital connectivity.”

Other leaders from across the globe shared this excitement. Mod K Ceesay, The Gambia’s Minister of Trade, called the deal a forward-looking step for development, and Manuel Tovar Rivera of Costa Rica said it helps bridge the technology gap in his region.

The entire effort was led by a group of countries including Australia, Japan, and Singapore. Matt Thistlethwaite, Australia’s Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, expressed his pride in the project. He stated, “Australia is proud to lead delivery of the first set of digital trade rules with global reach. The arrangements we are announcing today will deliver tangible benefits for our businesses and consumers.”

Even though the deal is reached, there is still some paperwork to do. Each of the 66 countries must now follow their own legal processes at home to make it official. The rules will start working once 45 of those members finish their paperwork. The hope is that these rules will eventually become a permanent part of international law.

The group involved is diverse and powerful, including the European Union, China, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Maros Sefcovic, EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security called it a vital step toward a “trusted digital trading environment,” while China’s Minister of Commerce, Wang Wentao, said the deal will promote “more inclusive and sustainable digital growth.”

As the world economy becomes increasingly inseparable from the internet, the WTO’s latest milestone suggests that international diplomacy is finally catching up to the speed of fiber-optic cables and digital storefronts.

Recent Posts

Tile Posts

Posts Thumbnail

List Posts

Categories

Posts Thumbnail

Recent Posts

List Posts

Social Links