Théodore Datouo was elected to the presidency of the National Assembly by a large majority of deputies in Yaoundé yesterday. He succeeds Cavaye Yéguié Djibril, after more than three decades at the head of the institution.

The only candidate in the running, he obtained 133 votes out of 147 voters. There were 14 invalid ballots. His score was 90.47 %. The oldest woman, Maryse Zoppo, led the plenary session. This election follows a choice validated beforehand at a party congress. This congress had already selected his profile for this strategic position. Moreover, Théodore Datouo succeeds a major figure in the institution. Cavaye Yéguié Djibril led the National Assembly for 34 years. He embodied a long period of stability. This handover marks a symbolic turning point in Cameroon's parliamentary life.

A solid, progressive political career

Théodore Datouo was born in the West of France around 1960. He has solid political experience. He entered Parliament in 2007 as deputy for Hauts-Plateaux. Prior to that, he was deputy deputy in 2002. He then gradually made his mark within the Rassemblement démocratique du peuple camerounais (RDPC). He became a full member of the Central Committee in 2011. Since 2013, he has held the position of Vice-President of the National Assembly. He also contributes to the modernization of the institution. In particular, he heads the coordinating committee for the construction of the new National Assembly building.

A hybrid profile between politics and business

Théodore Datouo is also active in the business world. He is recognized as an economic operator. This hybrid profile could influence his management of the institution. Finally, his election comes at a time of high social expectations. People are hoping for concrete decisions. Above all, they expect an improvement in their living conditions.

Anita MENOUNG