Cameroon Reinstates Vice President Role, Tightening Biya's Grip

Cameroon's parliament just passed a big constitutional change, bringing back the Vice-President

role after more than 50 years.

It's a move that hands President Paul Baya even tighter control since he can pick and

fire the VP any time and only delegate powers he chooses.

If Bia steps down or can't serve, the VP takes over for the rest of his seven-year term.

The vote happens Saturday in a joint session of the National Assembly in Senate, with

218 against and four abstentions.

The main opposition boycotted it entirely.

Bia, whose 93 and Africa's longest serving leader since 1982, pushed this through his

eighth term after a disputed election.

Last year, ruling party folks call it a smart fix for stability, especially with Baya's

age.

But opposition leaders and the Bar Association are fired up, saying it killed democracy

by swapping elections for appointments.

One mommaker even warned it turns the republic into a monarchy.

This revives a position ditched back in 1972.

Bia's health rumors swirl as he chills mostly in Europe, leaving things to AIDS and family.

His recent reelection wins sparked deadly protests, highlighting tensions with the young

population.

All eyes stay on how this plays out, as Cameroon navigates power shifts amid growing unrest.

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This is Canada News Today.

I'm Corey with The Story.