Former Senate President Marcel Niat Njifenji Dies at 91

 By Lasha Kingsly 

Marcel Niat Njifenji, former President of the Senate of Cameroon, has died on April 11, 2026, in Yaoundé at the age of 91, according to reports.

Njifenji, a seasoned politician and engineer, was a central figure in Cameroon’s political landscape for decades and a senior member of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM). He served as the pioneer President of the Senate from 2013, following the creation of the upper house of Parliament, and remained in office for over a decade.

As Senate President, he occupied the position of the second-highest state authority, constitutionally mandated to assume interim presidential duties in the event of a vacancy at the head of state.

Born on October 26, 1934, Njifenji trained as an engineer at Supélec in Paris and built a long career in public service. He served as Director-General of the National Electricity Company (SONEL) from 1974 to 2001, contributing significantly to the development of Cameroon’s energy sector.

He also held several key government positions, including Minister of Planning and Regional Development between 1990 and 1991, and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Mines, Water and Energy in 1992. At the local level, he served as Mayor of Bangangté from 2002 to 2007.

In April 1984, Njifenji was briefly detained following a failed coup attempt but was later released and cleared of all charges, after which he resumed his professional duties.

Until his death, he remained one of the prominent figures of the country’s veteran political leadership.