By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
In a significant move towards upholding justice and fostering peace, the Cameroon Congress of Parliament has urged Members of the Constitutional Council to earn the fullest mark of confidence by prioritizing equitable and fair rulings as a cornerstone.
The call was made on April 2 in Yaounde by Hon. Cavaye Yenguie Djibril during the solemn oath-taking of Members of the Constitutional Council on the occasion of the third Congress of Parliament.
The oath-taking ceremony came on the heels of Presidential Decree No. 2024/010 of January 18, 2024, renewing the mandate of the President and some members of the Constitutional Council, and Decree No. 2024/011 of January 18, 2024, appointing two members of the Constitutional Council.
While calling on Members of the Constitution to always earn the fullest mark of confidence, Hon. Cavaye said that the law requires members of the Council to be competent and have moral probity.
“…Needless to remind you of the complex and sensitive nature of constitutional matters, especially as you will be henceforth required to make rulings on the constitutionality of laws, international agreements and treaties, the standing orders of the National Assembly and of the Senate or better still to settle conflicts of jurisdiction over civil and administrative matters, etc. You will, therefore, agree with me that your scope for action is really broad,” Hon. Cavaye said.
He added that, “What is more, presidential and legislative elections are, without disregarding the possibility of holding a referendum, already on the horizon. These are electoral operations that you will be handling in the near future since it is the Constitutional Council that decides whether elections were free and fair. I am fully convinced that you will ably handle the upcoming elections. Each of you has a proven reputation, is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in a specific discipline.”
Despite electoral disputes being common in Africa, the Speaker of the National Assembly commended Council Members for properly discharging their functions, contributing to maintaining peace in Cameroon—a prerequisite for harmonious development and the country’s emergence as a thriving economy.
The pioneer members of the Cameroon Constitutional Council were appointed in 2018 by a Presidential Decree. In 2020, the Parliament was convened into a congress following the appointment of the late Prof. Joseph Owona.
Members of the Constitutional Council include Clément Atangana, Arrey Florence Rita, Bonde Emmanuel, Essombe Émile, Paul Nchoji Nkwi, Baskouda Jean Baptiste, Bah Oumarou Sanda, Lekene Donfack Charles Étienne, Ahmadou Tidjani, Adolphe Minkoa She, and Logmo Mbelek Aaron.
According to the Constitution of the Republic of Cameroon, specifically in Article 46, the Constitutional Council has jurisdiction over matters pertaining to the Constitution, rules on the constitutionality of laws, and regulates the functioning of institutions.
The Council ensures the regularity of presidential elections, parliamentary elections, and referendum operations, proclaiming the results thereof. The eleven members are designated for an eventually renewable term of office of six years.
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