Cameroon Speaker Datouo elected, West rally backs Biya

On 17 March 2026, Théodore Datouo was elected Speaker of Cameroon's National Assembly with 133 of 147 votes, ending the three‑decade tenure of predecessor Cavaye Yéguié Djibril. The election was hailed by the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) and President Paul Biya; Datouo’s public thanks to Biya sparked debate about the constitutional separation of powers.

A massive rally took place on 25 July 2026 at Bafoussam’s Toket Omnisports Stadium, organized by CPDM elites and financed with roughly 110 million FCFA from regional leaders. Between 26,000 and 30,000 supporters—including Governor Awa Fonka Augustine, party secretary‑general Jean Nkuété and other ministers—gathered to express gratitude to Biya and demonstrate the West Region’s loyalty ahead of upcoming municipal and parliamentary elections.