Yaoundé, Cameroon – Cameroon’s political journey has been defined by shifting balances of power, contested transitions, and ongoing debates over governance and democratic legitimacy. As the country moves through a new constitutional phase with the creation of a vice-president post, understanding its political history provides context for its present challenges and future direction.
Colonial Legacy and Early Independence
Cameroon’s political history is rooted in its colonial past. Initially colonised by Germany in the late 19th century, the territory was divided between France and Britain after Germany’s defeat in World War I. French Cameroon gained independence on January 1, 1960, under President Ahmadou Ahidjo, while British-administered regions joined later through a plebiscite.
Ahidjo established a centralised one-party state focused on national unity, a model that continued under his successor.
Biya Era: Continuity and Consolidation
In 1982, Ahidjo resigned, and his prime minister, Paul Biya, took over the presidency. Biya has remained in power ever since, becoming one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. Under Biya’s leadership, Cameroon transitioned formally to a multi-party system in the early 1990s amid mounting pressure for democratic reform.
However, critics say this shift did not lead to meaningful competition.
“Cameroon adopted multi-party politics in name, but structural power imbalances remained deeply entrenched,” a political analyst said.
Biya’s tenure has been characterised by periods of political stability accompanied by criticism over governance, corruption, and limitations on civil liberties.
Anglophone Crisis and Internal Strains
Since 2016, Cameroon has faced a protracted crisis in its Anglophone regions Northwest and Southwest where communities have protested perceived marginalisation. The unrest escalated into an armed conflict between separatist factions and government forces, resulting in thousands of deaths and mass displacement.
“What began as grievances over language and legal system inequality has evolved into one of Cameroon’s most serious internal security challenges,” a regional security expert said.
2018 and 2025 Elections
Biya’s re-election in 2018 was met with controversy, with opposition leaders and civil society groups questioning the integrity of vote management and the independence of electoral institutions. The presidency remained a focal point of debate over democratic legitimacy.
In October 2025, Biya won another term in elections that were similarly contested by opposition figures and observer groups, reinforcing divisions over voter confidence and political openness.
Creation of the Vice-President Role
In April 2026, Cameroon’s parliament approved a constitutional amendment establishing the post of Vice President a move that has generated heated debate. The position is designed to provide succession continuity in the event of the president’s death, resignation, or incapacity.
However, critics argue the amendment deepens concerns about democratic erosion.
“This bill is clearly a power grab, designed to bypass democratic norms and entrench the incumbent’s authority,” opposition leader Maurice Kamto said.
Supporters counter that the change will strengthen institutional stability.
“The vice president role will help safeguard the proper and harmonious functioning of institutions,” a ruling party lawmaker told parliament.
Looking Ahead: Governance and Legitimacy
Cameroon’s political landscape today is shaped by the tension between continuity and calls for deeper democratic reform. The creation of a vice-president post adds a new chapter to this story, raising questions about succession, authority, and civic participation.
Despite decades of political evolution from colonial rule to multi-party democracy Cameroon continues to navigate complex challenges, including internal conflict, institutional trust, and generational demands for political accountability.
“The direction taken now will shape Cameroon’s political landscape for years to come,” an observer said.
As the country prepares for future elections and debates over governance reforms, the interplay between historical legacies and present realities will continue to influence its democratic trajectory.
