Hon. Marcel Niat Njifenjii, pictured here pressing his phone some time ago before he disappeared from public
The whereabouts of Cameroon Senate President, Hon. Marcel Niat Njifenjii, have been shrouded in mystery, leaving millions of Cameroonians wondering if he is still active in his role. The 89-year-old Senate President was noticeably absent during the New Year ceremony at the Unity Palace, where President Paul Biya was in attendance.
Marcel Niat Njifenji, born on October 26, 1934, in Bangangté, West Region, Cameroon, has had a long and distinguished career in politics and public service. He has served as Director-General of the National Electricity Company, Minister of Planning and Territorial Administration, and Deputy Minister for Mines, Water, and Energy.
Njifenji has been President of the Senate since 2013 and was re-elected in March 2024. As the second-in-command in Cameroon, his absence has raised concerns about the country’s leadership and governance.
The Post newspaper reported that a Senator from the Northwest Region, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that Njifenji was last seen in July 2024 and has been convalescing in France since then. The Senator expressed hope that Njifenji would return home in February to prepare for the March Session.
Njifenji’s prolonged absence has sparked debate about the suitability of aged leaders in Cameroon. President Paul Biya, who has been in power since 1982, is also advanced in age. The issue raises questions about the country’s ability to transition power to younger leaders and ensure effective governance.
Following tradition this year, like the previous years, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Cavaye Djibril, and Prime Minister Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute have organised their New Year ceremonies. Normally, the Senate President is supposed to organise the ceremony before the duo. The unexplained absence of the senate president is highlighting the power vacuum and shifting the order of things in the country.
As Cameroonians wait for Niat Njifenji’s return, concerns about the country’s leadership and governance continue to grow. The Post’s question, “Sir, Are You Still With Us?” remains unanswered, leaving many to wonder about the future of Cameroon’s leadership.
Though very advanced in age, Niat and many others still believe that they have a lot to offer Cameroonians, and as such, still maintain their positions, even when the age factor and its natural weaknesses weighs down on them.
