Cameroon’s National Assembly Speaker, héodore Datouo, is facing growing political criticism after appointing his daughter, Marlène Audrey Datouo Leussi, as a Mission Officer (Chargée de Mission) ** in his cabinet. The appointment has sparked widespread controversy, with critics accusing him of nepotism by giving a senior position to a close family member instead of relying on a transparent, merit-based selection process.
Datouo, who was elected Speaker of the National Assembly in March 2026, signed a decree on June 30, 2026, appointing five new members to his cabinet. Among them was his daughter, who already served as an official within the National Assembly and has now been assigned to one of the institution’s key advisory positions.
Critics argue that although Cameroonian law does not explicitly prohibit such an appointment, it undermines the principles of good governance, transparency, and equal opportunity in public service recruitment.
The decision has also generated significant debate on social media and in the national press, where many observers say it contradicts the image of a reform-minded leader that Datouo sought to project after taking office.
Supporters, however, contend that Marlène Audrey Datouo Leussi was already a National Assembly employee and that her appointment was based on her qualifications and in accordance with the institution’s internal regulations. As of now, the Speaker’s office has not issued a detailed statement responding to the allegations of nepotism.
The controversy comes as Cameroon’s National Assembly prepares to examine the country’s Economic and Budgetary Programming Framework for the 2027–2029 period, shifting public attention away from the legislative agenda and toward the Speaker’s leadership.
Political analysts say Datouo’s handling of the controversy could affect both public confidence and the trust of fellow lawmakers, while also damaging his reputation as a leader committed to reforming the National Assembly.
By Mwizerwa Ally
Rwanda Tribune
