Cavayé Yéguié Djibril, longtime Speaker of the National Assembly, died at the age of 86, just weeks after leaving office and closing a political chapter that lasted more than three decades.
He led the lower house of parliament from 1992 until March 2026, when he was replaced by Théodore Datouo. His 34-year tenure made him the longest-serving Speaker in the country’s history and one of the most enduring figures in its political system.
Born on February 1, 1940, in Mada in the Far North Region, Djibril began as a teacher before moving into administration and later politics. He entered parliament in the early 1970s and gradually rose through its ranks. Over time, he became both a national political figure and a traditional authority in his community. He was also a senior member of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement.
Throughout his leadership, Djibril was widely viewed as a loyal supporter of President Paul Biya. His defenders say he ensured stability within parliament during key political periods. Critics, however, argue that the National Assembly under his leadership often failed to act independently or hold the executive accountable.
During his time in office, the legislature was frequently seen as passive, with limited scrutiny of government decisions. Opposition lawmakers struggled to push major national issues, including the Anglophone crisis, into meaningful parliamentary debate.
Despite these criticisms, Djibril maintained his position across several election cycles, highlighting his strong influence within the ruling system and his political resilience.
His death comes shortly after the passing of Marcel Niat Njifenji, another veteran of Cameroon’s political class, reinforcing signs of change within the country’s long-standing leadership.
