“Who Leads Cameroon Today? Names and Ages of Top Officials”

Paul Biya: Cameroon’s Longest-Serving President

Paul Biya, born on February 13, 1933, in Mvomeka’a, Cameroon, is one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, having been the President of Cameroon since November 6, 1982. A graduate of prestigious institutions in France, including the Sorbonne and the École Nationale d’Administration, Biya began his political career in the 1960s, serving in various administrative and ministerial roles.

He became Prime Minister of Cameroon in 1975 and succeeded as President in 1982. Biya has been re-elected multiple times, maintaining a strong grip on power through the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), the country’s ruling party. His presidency is marked by political stability, economic development efforts, but also criticism for limited political freedoms and extended rule.

Over the decades, Biya has overseen major infrastructure projects, educational reforms, and initiatives to modernize Cameroon’s economy. Despite his advanced age, he remains a central figure in national politics, symbolizing continuity and the concentration of executive power in the country.

Cavayé Yéguié Djibril: Cameroon’s Long-Serving Parliamentary Leader

Cavayé Yéguié Djibril is a prominent Cameroonian politician, widely recognized for his long-standing role as the President of the . Born on April 16, 1939, in Mada, a village in the , Djibril has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s legislative landscape.

He was first elected as a Member of Parliament in 1970 and rose through the ranks due to his political acumen, eventually becoming President of the National Assembly in 1992—a position he has held for over three decades. His tenure is marked by continuity and stability in Cameroon’s legislative processes, and he is often seen as a bridge between various political factions in the country.

Djibril is known for his commitment to parliamentary procedures, promotion of dialogue, and efforts to maintain harmony within Cameroon’s diverse political environment. Despite being associated with the ruling party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), he has maintained a reputation for measured and pragmatic leadership.

At over 85 years of age, Cavayé Yéguié Djibril remains one of Africa’s longest-serving parliamentary leaders, reflecting his enduring influence on Cameroonian politics.

René Claude Meka: Cameroon’s Long-Serving Military Chief

René Claude Meka is a senior Cameroonian military officer who has served as the Chief of Staff of the Cameroon Armed Forces since September 2001. Born on February 2, 1939, in Enongal near Ebolowa, he is one of Africa's longest-serving military leaders.

Meka graduated from the École spéciale militaire de Saint-Cyr in 1962 and from the infantry school of Saint-Maixent in 1963. His military career includes commanding the strategic brigade of the Yaoundé General Staff and overseeing operations during the Bakassi Peninsula conflict with Nigeria, where he deployed the Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR) to secure the disputed territory.

Despite his advanced age—he turned 86 in February 2025—General Meka continues to serve as the professional head of the Cameroonian Armed Forces.

His tenure has been marked by both praise for his leadership and criticism, particularly regarding the military's conduct during the Anglophone Crisis. In 2018, he admitted to atrocities committed by soldiers against civilians and urged his commanders to treat the population with respect to garner their support in the conflict.

General Meka's extended leadership reflects the broader trend of long-standing political and military figures in Cameroon, raising questions about the promotion of younger leadership within the country's institutions.

Laurent Esso: Cameroon’s Veteran Justice Minister

Laurent Esso is a seasoned Cameroonian politician who has held significant government positions since the late 1980s. Born on August 10, 1942, in Douala, he is an ethnic Sawa and began his career as a magistrate before ascending to various high-ranking roles within the administration of President Paul Biya.

Esso’s tenure includes serving as Minister of Justice from 1996 to 2000, Minister of Public Health from 2000 to 2001, Minister of Defence from 2001 to 2004, and Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2004 to 2006. In September 2006, he was appointed Secretary-General at the Presidency, a position he held until December 2011 . Since 2019, he has served as Minister of State, Minister of Justice, and Keeper of the Seals

Over the years, Esso has been a central figure in the Biya administration, known for his loyalty and influence within the ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM). His leadership has been marked by efforts to maintain judicial order, though his tenure has not been without controversy. In 2025, he reopened the Portsec case, investigating the awarding of a port security contract in Douala, highlighting his ongoing involvement in significant legal matters\

Despite his advanced age, Esso remains a prominent figure in Cameroonian politics, embodying the continuity and centralization characteristic of the country's political landscape.

Clément Atangana: President of Cameroon’s Constitutional Council

Clément Atangana is a prominent Cameroonian magistrate and the current President of the Constitutional Council of Cameroon. Born on September 20, 1941, in Ekoumeyek, a village in the Centre Region, Atangana has had a distinguished career in the Cameroonian judiciary. He graduated from the École Nationale d'Administration et de Magistrature and began his judicial career in 1968. Over the years, he held various positions, including judge and president of several courts, before retiring as a Magistrate of the First Group, Out of Hierarchy, in 2014

In February 2018, President Paul Biya appointed Atangana as the first President of the Constitutional Council, a position that places him at the helm of the country's highest electoral authority In this role, Atangana has been instrumental in overseeing the legality of elections and resolving electoral disputes.

Atangana's tenure has not been without controversy. In the lead-up to the 2025 presidential election, he faced criticism for attending a meeting of the ADENSO association, which publicly endorsed President Biya's candidacy. This participation raised concerns about his impartiality, as members of the Constitutional Council are legally prohibited from engaging in political activities that could compromise their independence

Despite these challenges, Atangana has remained a central figure in Cameroonian politics, overseeing the electoral process during a period marked by political tension and unrest. His decisions continue to have a significant impact on the country's political landscape.

Marcel Niat Njifenji: Cameroon’s Long-Serving Senate President

Marcel Niat Njifenji, born on 26 October 1934 in Bangangté, Cameroon, is a seasoned Cameroonian politician who has held the position of President of the Senate since its establishment in 2013. A member of the ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (RDPC), he has been a central figure in the country's legislative landscape.

Before his political career, Niat Njifenji was an engineer specializing in roads and bridges. He served as the Director-General of the National Electricity Company (SONEL) from 1974 to 1984 and again from 1989 to 2001. During his tenure, he oversaw significant infrastructure projects, including the construction of and the expansion of the national power grid. His leadership in the energy sector was instrumental in shaping Cameroon's electricity infrastructure.

In 2013, following the creation of the Senate, President Paul Biya appointed Niat Njifenji as one of the 30 presidentially nominated senators. He was subsequently elected President of the Senate on 12 June 2013, receiving 86 votes out of 100. As Senate President, he is the constitutionally designated successor to the President of the Republic in the event of a vacancy in the presidency. He was re-elected to this position on 22 March 2024, securing 91 votes.

At 91 years old, Niat Njifenji continues to serve as the head of the Senate, demonstrating his enduring influence in Cameroonian politics. His leadership has been characterized by a commitment to legislative stability and the promotion of national unity.

Niat Njifenji's long tenure reflects the broader trend of extended political careers in Cameroon, highlighting the centralization of power within the country's political institutions.

#officialsnowtv #fyp #africa #leadership #snowtv #politics