Nation Honours Fallen Statesman

Eulogies at the official funeral of Marcel Niat Njifenji on May 16, 2026 attest that the Statesman who died on April 11 in Yaounde wore many hearts. Several personalities showed up at Bangangté, Nde Division of the West Region to pay their last respect to someone whom they described as having impacted the lives of many Cameroonians through his works and activities. He was the pioneer President of the Senate of Cameroon and served from June 12, 2013 to March 17, 2026. The President of the Republic was represented at the official funeral by the Senate President, Aboubakary Abdoulaye. The deceased was posthumously raised to the rank of Commander of the Cameroonian Merit of Agriculture, by the Head of State’s Representative, who also extended the condolences of the Presidential Couple to the bereaved family. Prior to his death, Marcel Niat had received all the distinctions of the National Order of Valour. The military honours, solemnity of the event, the national flag placed on the casket and funeral wreath from the Presidential Couple, paid enough tribute to a man who served his country. A condolence message from President Paul Biya to the family, was read by the Senior Divisional Officer for Nde, Auguste Essomba. In the message, the Head of State establishes his decades of friendship with the deceased, whom he says dates back to their student days at the Lycée Leclerc. Reason, the President is touched and saddened with the death of Marcel Niat Njifenji. He describes the late Statesman as an innovative manager, competent engineer and attached to the core values of the Fatherland whose exceptional path led him to being elected as the President of the Senate. Meanwhile, an eulogy from the Senate President, ready by the Vice President, Robert Nkili celebrates someone who through his time on earth, was devoted to republican institutions and promoted the virtues of peace and social cohesion. As pioneer President of the Senate, the tribute notes that he thus laid the foundation for the law-making House who today stands amongs...