By Hope Nda
Cameroon’s Senate has lost its second high-ranking member in 10 days, with the passing of Senate Vice President HRM Nfor Ndiepnso Tabetando George, Chief of Bachuo-Ntai in Manyu Division, Southwest Region.
The powerful traditional ruler joined his ancestors on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, after 36 years on the throne. He was 75.
His death comes just 10 days after the passing of former Senate President Marcel Niat Njifenji, who died on April 11.
Nfor Tabetando was widely respected as a custodian of culture, a statesman, and an elite of Manyu. His people remember him for his strong defense of tradition, generous contributions to the Roman Catholic Church, and for spearheading development in the land.
As one of the Senate’s Vice Presidents, he was among those constitutionally positioned to potentially succeed President Paul Biya as interim Head of State in the event of death, resignation, or incapacity, a role that placed him at the highest echelons of political power in Cameroon.
Nfor Tabetando was a high-ranking member of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), and had served as President of the CPDM Parliamentary Group in the Senate.
He was a devout Catholic, noted for his generous contributions to the growth of the Church in the Mamfe Diocese. His service was ultimately recognized when Pope Francis conferred an honor upon him during the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Mamfe Diocese in February 2024.
Aside from his traditional and political accolades, HRM Nfor Tabetando was a trained lawyer with over four decades of practice. He founded Equity Chambers in Douala.
He was born on October 29, 1950, in Bachuo-Ntai. His death has plunged the village into mourning as many now reflect on his decades-long legacy.