Malomba Esembe: VP’s Office Anchored in Republican Unity, Not Identity Politics

Full Interview

 

1. Honourable, what overall assessment do you make of this first parliamentary session that has just concluded?

“I would say that this session was both historic and hectic.

It opened in a particular institutional context, marked by the renewal of the leadership of both Chambers, with the election of new Speakers after many years of service by their predecessors.

In this regard, I would like to extend my warm congratulations to the new office holders, while paying respectful tribute to the distinguished personalities who long embodied these institutions, with a special thought for the one whose passing the Nation mourns today.

We were also affected by the loss of prominent figures within our Parliament. I am thinking in particular of our former eldest member of the National Assembly, as well as colleagues who have recently passed on, and whose memory we shall be honoured in the coming days. This reminds each of us of the human dimension of our commitment.

In terms of work, this session will be remembered for the convening of the Congress of Parliament and the adoption, in a spirit of responsibility, of a law amending the Constitution. I had the privilege, as a member of the Special Committee of the Congress, to take part in in-depth, demanding, and intense work that, above all, was guided by the higher interest of the Nation.

Meanwhile, other important bills were examined, particularly those relating to the organisation of the electoral calendar and the functioning of institutions, in line with the orientations set out by the Head of State in his inaugural address of November 6, 2025.

Overall, for me, this was a dense session, both on the human and institutional levels, reflecting a Parliament that is engaged and fully aware of its responsibilities.”

2. In your view, what were the key highlights and main advances achieved during this session?

“The defining moment was undoubtedly the constitutional amendment.

But beyond the text itself, what I retain is the approach that led to it. It seems to me that, following an assessment of public debate, and with a view to preserving the stability and continuity of the State, the President of the Republic initiated this reform with a real sense of anticipation.

In Parliament, this translated into spirited discussions both in committee and in plenary, with the free expression of different viewpoints, including within the majority.

It is precisely this ability to debate within the framework of constitutional rules, while keeping the higher interest of the Nation in sight, that reflects a democracy that functions and adapts.”

3. The adoption of the constitutional amendment law is seen as the high point of this session. How do you interpret it?

“It is true that this reform attracted considerable attention, which explains why it is seen as the high point of the session.

But beyond this strong public mobilisation, I see it above all as a reform that demonstrates institutional maturity.

It does not disrupt the balance of the State; it strengthens it.

It anticipates, secures, and places our system within a logic of continuity and predictability.”

4. Can you describe the process that led to the adoption by Congress of the law establishing the office of Vice-President?

“The process was both rigorous and in perfect alignment with the Constitution and the applicable laws.

The initiative came from the Head of State, in accordance with his prerogatives, and the ordinary constitutional procedure was followed, namely, referral to the Congress of Parliament. The Constitution also provides, on an exceptional basis, for the possibility of recourse to a referendum.

Congress then set up a joint Special Committee, composed of members from both Chambers, tasked with examining the bill in depth. I had the privilege of being part of it.

The committee’s work was intense, with thorough discussions on the bill, as well as on the amendments that were proposed—sometimes heated, but always conducted within the rules and with full respect for the freedom of expression of all viewpoints.”

5. What are the political and institutional stakes linked to the creation of the office of Vice-President in Cameroon?

“The stake is simple: the continuity of the State.

A democracy does not leave room for uncertainty at the top. It organises, anticipates, and secures.

For my part, I approached this reform with three simple questions: What problem are we solving? Is the solution balanced? Could we have done otherwise?

Each time, the answer was clear: there was a gap, it had to be filled, and it was done without disrupting our institutions or complicating the system further.

It is a reform of responsibility.”

6. How does this constitutional reform strengthen institutional stability and the continuity of the State?

“Stability rests first and foremost on the strength of institutional organisation.

Where there is uncertainty at the top of the State, there is, even if only theoretically, a risk of fragility.

This reform has the merit of removing that uncertainty by introducing a clear, immediate, and uncontested mechanism for continuity.

It does not only reassure institutions; it also provides visibility to the administration, political actors, economic partners, and, ultimately, to citizens themselves.

In concrete terms, it reduces grey areas, strengthens confidence, and enhances the predictability of public action.”

7. How did debates unfold within the National Assembly and the Senate around this reform?

“The debates were frank, at times passionate, which is normal for a matter of such importance.

Some positions drew more attention than others, but they should be understood for what they are: the normal expression of freedom of speech guaranteed by our institutions.

What seems essential to me is that all viewpoints were able to be expressed, including within the majority, in full respect of the rules.

And, in the end, beyond the differences, there was convergence on the essential: the higher interest of the State.

That is what made it possible to reach an outcome within a fully assumed democratic framework.”

8. Some voices argue that the future Vice-President should come from a specific part of the country. How do you view these positions?

“I understand the sentiment behind that position, but we must be careful not to reduce a national institution to a regional or identity-based reading.

The office of Vice-President is a republican office, not a vehicle for sectional representation. Its legitimacy will rest on competence, loyalty to the State, and the confidence of the President of the Republic.

Our challenge, as a unitary, decentralised State, is precisely to move beyond identity reflexes and consolidate a Republic based on merit and inclusion, where every Cameroonian can aspire to the highest offices without them being pre-assigned.

Moreover, the appointment of the Vice-President now falls within the discretionary prerogative of the Head of State, who, given his experience and sense of the general interest, will surely make a choice that strengthens national unity and institutional stability.

To my mind, that is the most solid guarantee of cohesion.”