Marcel Niat Njifenji Reelected as Cameroon Senate President at 90

Marcel Niat Njifenji, a stalwart of Cameroon’s ruling CPDM party, has been reelected as President of the Senate at the age of 90. This development underscores Cameroon’s entrenched political landscape under President Paul Biya, who has been in power since 1982.

Njifenji’s tenure as Senate President began in 2013, when he was unanimously elected to the position. He has since been reelected in 2019 and 2025. As Senate President, Njifenji is the constitutional successor to Biya if the presidency becomes vacant, although he is not eligible to run in subsequent elections .

Njifenji’s career spans several decades, including his tenure as Director-General of Cameroon’s electricity corporation (SONEL) and as a minister in the 1990s. However, his appointment has been criticized for highlighting the Senate’s legitimacy issues, as 30 members are appointed by Biya, and elections have faced allegations of irregularities .

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The reelection of Njifenji has sparked concerns about Cameroon’s governance, with critics labeling the Senate as a “moribund house” dominated by aging CPDM loyalists. This development is likely to perpetuate Biya’s centralized control, which has been in place for over four decades .

In the recent election, Njifenji secured 87 votes out of 90, solidifying his position as Senate President. This outcome has been seen as a reflection of Cameroon’s political landscape, where the ruling party maintains a tight grip on power .