The Cameroonian political landscape has lost one of its pillars. Marcel Niat Njifenji , the first president in the history of the Senate, passed away this Saturday, April 11, 2026 , in Yaoundé, at the age of 92. A loyal supporter of President Paul Biya, he leaves behind an exceptionally long career at the highest levels of government.

A builder of the energy sector

Born in 1934 in Bangangté, in the Western region, this engineer by training left his mark on the country's industrial development. His career is inextricably linked to the National Electricity Company (Sonel) , which he led with an iron fist for more than two decades (1974-2001), until the company's privatization.

A leading political career

After his time at Sonel, Marcel Niat Njifenji joined the government in strategic positions:

1. Minister of Planning and Regional Development.
2. Deputy Prime Minister , in charge of Water and Energy.
3. Mayor of Bangangté , his hometown, in the early 2000s.

The "number two" of the state

It was in 2013, with the creation of the Senate , that he reached the pinnacle of the institutional hierarchy. Appointed president of the upper house, he held this position continuously until March 2026. As such, he was for a long time the second most important figure in the State, constitutionally designated to assume the interim presidency in the event of a vacancy.

An end of life marked by illness

His final years were marred by recurring health problems. Very weakened and regularly evacuated to the West for treatment, he was finally replaced as head of the Senate just a few weeks ago, marking the end of a thirteen-year institutional reign.

Historical note: Marcel Niat Njifenji will be remembered as one of the most influential technocrats of the Biya era, having navigated between industrial management and high politics for more than 50 years.