Cameroon lawmakers revive vice presidency, handing aging president sweeping control over the post

Cameroon’s parliament has approved a constitutional amendment to reintroduce the vice president position, a move the opposition says will strengthen President Paul Biya’s power. Biya, 93, has led the nation since 1982. The bill, approved Saturday, allows Biya to appoint and dismiss the vice president at will. If the president becomes incapacitated, the vice president will serve as interim president. The ruling party says the law ensures stability, but critics argue it undermines democracy by allowing presidential appointments instead of elections. The opposition warns it paves the way for a monarchy.