Cameroon Senate: Pioneer President Marcel Niat Njifenji Passes On

The Senator from the West Region, was pioneer President of the Senate since the Upper house of Parliament went operational in 2013. He served for 13 years as President of the Senate, from 2013 to March 2026.

Born in 1934, Marcel Niat Njifenji passed away in Yaoundé, following a protracted illness.

The civil engineer by training, played a key role in shaping the political landscape of the country, especially through his office, as President of the Senate.

Before becoming a Senator, being among the 30 appointed by the President of the Republic, Marcel Niat Njifenji had served the nation for decades, holding high-ranking administrative positions.

Some of the positions include:

• Director General of the National Electricity Company of Cameroon (Sonel);
• Minister of Planning and Regional Development;
• Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Mines, Water, and Energy.

In the political sphere, Marcel Niat Njifenji also served as Mayor of Bangangté in the West Region from 2002 to 2007, before being appointed Senator on May 8, 2013, among the pioneer senators and later elected President of the Senate on June 12 of the same year becoming the first to hold the position following the setting up of the upper house of Parliament.

He was also active in promoting social and humanitarian activities especially in the areas of human development.

Elvis Teke