Cameroon President Paul Biya stook a step closer to life Presidency when he was given a constitutional green light by the National Assembly to remain in power until 2018. The National Assembly also granted him permanent immunity from prosecution if he ever leaves office.

Minister for Parliamentary Relations Gregoire Owona said the National Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favour of an amendment allowing the 75-year-old, president since 1982 and already prime minister as early as 1975, to run for a third term in 2011.

Another article passed by lawmakers stipulates that "acts accomplished by the president of the Republic are covered by immunity, and responsibility cannot be ascribed (to him) at the expiry of his mandate".

The motions were carried through by a clear majority with just five deputies voting against the amendment. The opposition Social Democratic Party (SDF) boycotted the proceedings with its 15 members staging a parliamentary walk and declaring the vote as a "constitutional coup d’etat".

The lead up to the vote had seen widespread rioting and protests across the country opposed to the abolition of term limits with over 40 people shot dead by para military forces in February. In a country racked by economic problems it is almost impossible to see the benefits further terms for Paul Biya will bring for the long beleaguered people of Cameroon.