Cameroon's Senate has begun a broad overhaul of its administrative structure as it seeks to improve the day-to-day management of the upper chamber after years of operational shortcomings.
Meeting in mid-July under the leadership of Senate President Aboubakary Abdoulaye, the Bureau launched work on a new organizational chart for the Senate's Secretariat General, the body responsible for running the institution's daily operations.
The Secretariat General plays a central role in the Senate's administration. It oversees logistical support for parliamentary activities, manages personnel and assets, prepares the institution's draft budget, and reviews files submitted to the Senate president and the Bureau.
"The Secretariat General is the backbone of the Senate. We are taking steps to ensure it fully carries out its responsibilities in every area," Senate Vice President Robert Nkili said, according to state media.
The Senate said the new structure is intended to improve the administration's performance, modernize its operations, and establish a clearer division of responsibilities across departments. Rather than replacing the existing framework, the reform will build on it while adapting it to the institution's current needs.
A Structure That Has Changed Little Since 2013
The Secretariat General still operates under an organizational framework adopted by the Senate Bureau in August 2013. Under those rules, all administrative services report to the Secretary General, who serves as the institution's senior administrative official.
The administration includes departments responsible for budgeting and payroll, human resources, institutional affairs, technical services, documentation, and interparliamentary relations. The Secretary General may delegate some responsibilities to deputy secretaries general. In the event of an absence, one of the deputies is designated, with the Bureau president's approval, to handle routine administrative matters.
This chain of command is essential to maintaining the Senate's operations, particularly during parliamentary sessions, budget execution, personnel management, and the processing of legislative files.
The Secretariat General is currently headed by Gustave Léopold Ngane, assisted by Deputy Secretary General Florence Awasom.
Personnel Issues Also Under Review
The reform extends beyond the Senate's organizational structure. The Bureau also reviewed working conditions, staff career progression, and personnel matters that have remained unresolved for several years.
According to the institution, measures are being prepared to address those issues and improve working conditions for employees. Robert Nkili said career-related concerns had not been overlooked and that the new leadership intends to resolve pending cases.
The initiative comes as the Senate enters a new phase under the leadership of Aboubakary Abdoulaye, who now chairs the institution and oversees the Bureau responsible for setting its administrative organization and strategic direction.
More Than an Organizational Chart
For the reform to succeed, officials will need to go beyond simply redrawing the Senate's organizational chart. Its effectiveness will depend on clearly defining delegated powers, assigning responsibilities more precisely, and putting in place stable procedures for managing personnel, budgets, and administrative affairs.
The Senate will also need to ensure the overhaul is not limited to creating or renaming departments. Lasting improvements will require stronger internal controls, clearer accountability, and administrative processes capable of preventing the operational disruptions experienced in the past.
After 13 years under the same administrative structure, the Senate hopes the new organization will better support its expanding parliamentary and diplomatic responsibilities.
Ludovic Amara