World's oldest leader set to get a deputy for first time

Key Points:

• Cameroon's President Paul Biya, 93, is set to have a vice-president for the first time in over 40 years after parliament approved constitutional changes reinstating the position, which was abolished in 1972.
• The vice-president, appointed by the president, will automatically assume the presidency and complete the term if Biya is unable to serve, replacing the previous system where the Senate leader temporarily took over until new elections.
• Opposition parties criticized the amendments as hastily drafted and a power consolidation move, with some calling it a "constitutional and institutional coup" and a missed opportunity to address regional and linguistic representation.
• The Social Democratic Front boycotted the vote, advocating for the vice-president to be jointly elected with the president and for constitutional provisions to reflect the country's anglophone and francophone communities.
• Biya’s long tenure has raised ongoing concerns about succession, and despite the reinstatement of the vice-president role, the political future of Cameroon beyond his rule remains uncertain.