Cameroon is mourning the death of former National Assembly President Cavaye Yéguié Djibril, who has died at the age of 86, just weeks after stepping down from a record-breaking 34-year tenure as speaker of parliament.
Djibril reportedly died at his home in the village of Mada in Cameroon’s Far North Region, where he had retired earlier this year. His death comes only 50 days after he relinquished the powerful parliamentary position he had held since 1992, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving legislative leaders.
During his decades in office, Djibril was widely regarded as a key ally of President Paul Biya and a central figure in the country’s ruling establishment. Under his leadership, the National Assembly was often criticised for offering limited opposition to executive authority.
Political observers say his tenure helped facilitate major constitutional changes that strengthened presidential power, including the controversial 2008 reform that removed presidential term limits, allowing President Biya to remain in office indefinitely. The amendment also expanded presidential immunity, shielding the head of state from prosecution for actions carried out while in office.
While supporters describe Djibril as a stabilising force in Cameroonian politics, critics argue that his long leadership contributed to the weakening of democratic checks and balances in the country’s governance system.
Tributes have begun to pour in from political allies and institutions, recognising his decades of service, while debates continue over his legacy and the role he played in shaping Cameroon’s modern political structure.
