Constitution of Cameroon

Cameroon's current constitution, adopted in 1996, is the country's third major constitutional framework, following the 1960 constitution at independence from France, the 1961 federal constitution after Southern Cameroons joined, the 1972 constitution that abolished federalism for a unitary republic, and the 1984 constitution enacted under Paul Biya. The 1996 document established a bicameral legislature of a Senate and National Assembly, replaced the country's provinces with semi-autonomous regions, and extended the presidential term to seven years, while its preamble has remained unchanged since 1960. Modifications in 2008 granted the president immunity and removed presidential term limits, amendments that sparked public controversy and civil unrest.