The MP from the Wouri-centre constituency took command of the provisional bureau of the National Assembly this March 10, 2026, occupying the seat left vacant following the death of her comrade Laurentine Koa Mfegue.
At 79 years old, Marlyse Soppo Toute becomes the eldest member of the National Assembly of Cameroon. Appointed this March 10, 2026, the native of the Bell Douala canton in the Wouri department presided over the opening plenary session of the first ordinary session of the 2026 legislative year, thus opening a new page for the lower house of parliament. An institution marked in recent years by the former eldest member Laurentine Koa Mfegue.
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Elected as an MP following the 2020 legislative elections, Marlyse Soppo is in her first term as a representative of the nation within the Cameroonian parliament. She also sits as a member of the Higher Judicial Council since June 15, 2020. Her entry into parliament is the crowning achievement of political activism within the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement. In the CPDM, she has been a member of the national bureau of the Women’s Organization since the congress of September 15, 2011. A position she holds after having proven to the grassroots through her skills and commitment that she is trustworthy. Indeed, between 2002 and 2020, Marlyse Soppo Toute held positions within the executive of the Douala II district municipality. From 2002 to 2020 she was a municipal councilor in the said municipality. During her time there, she was 1st deputy mayor between 2002 and 2007, and 2nd deputy mayor between 2007 and 2013.
Before settling into politics and administration, Marlyse Soppo Toute flew in the air for a long time. Her record shows 32 years of experience in the air transport sector with the former national airline Cameroon Airlines. After braving the very first flight attendant competition launched by this company in 1971, she served as a flight attendant between 1971 and 1998, and during the same interval, she held positions as cabin crew leader and senior cabin crew leader. In 1976, she obtained the safety and rescue certificate at the French National School of Civil Aviation. Then, between 1998 and 2004, she served as a senior administrative officer.
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Distinguished four times, she is a Knight of the National Order of Valour, Commander of Cameroonian Merit, Officer of the National Order of Valour, and Commander of the National Order of Valour. With this experience, she will lead the provisional bureau of the lower house which, after presiding over the plenary session today, will lead the election of the permanent bureau in the coming days.
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