Cavaye Yéguié Djibril: A Stalwart of Cameroonian Politics

begins his 33rd year this March. year as Speaker of the Lower House of Parliament. His longevity testifies to the confidence placed in him by President Paul Biya, of whom he is one of the most prominent supporters.

On March 22, 2024, in a triumphant tone, Cavaye Yéguié Djibril mocks those who recently predicted him to be in disgrace. Two key events fueled speculation about his future: first, in February, President Biya's cancellation of a forum he had planned to organize in the Far North region. Then, in October of the previous year, the leak of a report questioning questionable practices in the National Assembly. Despite these criticisms, Cavaye was re-elected without surprise, thus affirming his loyalty to President Biya.

Originally from the Far North region, Cavaye Yéguié Djibril was chosen by Paul Biya to preside over the National Assembly in 1992, thus ending a period of Anglophone leadership. Since then, he has maintained his position firmly, using his experience to influence decisions and maintain discipline within the CPDM.

Although some see him as the guarantor of political stability, others criticize his control of the National Assembly and accuse him of favoritism towards his supporters. Despite these controversies, Cavaye retained his position, benefiting from the continued support of President Biya.

The constitutional reform of April 2008 deprived Cavaye of the position of second personality of the State in favor of the President of the Senate. Although he attempted to run for senator to maintain his influence, his plans were thwarted by a presidential circular. Despite these setbacks, Cavaye remains an influential figure in Cameroonian politics, praising President Biya while maintaining his position in the National Assembly.

Critics point to his authoritarian methods and call for a return to more orthodox parliamentary practices, but their voices appear to have little resonance with President Biya. Cavaye remains a pillar of the Cameroonian political system, but the future of his presidency in the National Assembly remains uncertain, with the next renewal of the Bureau scheduled for March 2025.
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At 84 years old, Cavaye Yéguié Djibril stands as an enduring figure in Cameroonian politics, with a remarkable 54-year tenure as a deputy and beginning his 33rd year as Speaker of the Lower House of Parliament. His longstanding role as a prominent supporter of President Paul Biya has solidified his position as a key figure in the political landscape, particularly in the Far North region of Cameroon.

Despite recent speculations regarding his future, fueled by events such as President Biya's cancellation of a planned forum and the leak of a report questioning practices in the National Assembly, Cavaye Yéguié Djibril emerged victorious in his re-election. This reaffirmed his loyalty to President Biya and demonstrated the continued confidence placed in him.

Originally hailing from the Far North region, Cavaye was appointed by President Biya to preside over the National Assembly in 1992, marking a shift from Anglophone leadership. Throughout his tenure, he has wielded his experience to influence decisions and maintain discipline within the ruling CPDM party.

While some view him as a stabilizing force in Cameroonian politics, others criticize his leadership style and allege favoritism towards his supporters. Despite these controversies, Cavaye has managed to retain his position, largely due to the unwavering support of President Biya.

Although constitutional reforms in 2008 altered his status as the second personality of the State, Cavaye's influence remains palpable. Despite facing obstacles in his bid for a senatorial position to maintain his influence, he continues to hold sway in Cameroonian politics, often aligning himself closely with President Biya's agenda.

Critics have called for a return to more conventional parliamentary practices and have voiced concerns about his authoritarian approach. However, these criticisms have not significantly impacted Cavaye's standing, as President Biya continues to support him. As the next renewal of the Bureau approaches in March 2025, the future of Cavaye's presidency in the National Assembly remains uncertain, yet his influence within the Cameroonian political system endures.