By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Cameroon’s Constitutional Council has rejected a petition from Barrister Akere Muna challenging President Paul Biya’s eligibility to run in the upcoming Presidential Election. The Council’s President, Clement Atangana, announced the decision on August 22 in Yaounde after hours of hearings. The case was dismissed as “inadmissible” without further justification.
Akere Muna, the Presidential Candidate of the UNIVERS party, had filed the case citing Article 118 of the Cameroon Election Code. This article disqualifies any candidate who “places themselves in a state of dependency.”
Following the verdict, Muna, who was accompanied by a team of lawyers, acknowledged the Council’s decision but expressed strong disagreement on the substance of the ruling.
He described the finding of admissibility as a preliminary victory for democracy. “By declaring the petition admissible, the Council affirms the fundamental principle that a candidate’s eligibility is not a matter of opinion, but of law. This opens the door to citizen and legal oversight of power, and we welcome this,” Muna stated.
However, he noted that while the Council acknowledged their right to raise the question, its ultimate answer was deeply unsatisfying. Muna pointed to the silent presence of the Director of the Civil Cabinet at the hearing as the most troubling element of the proceedings.
“Why was he present, if not to represent presidential authority? Why did the President of the Council offer him the floor? And most importantly, why did he refuse to speak?” Muna asked. “His silent presence speaks louder than all our arguments. It offered the defense a perfect opportunity to demonstrate that the President exercises his functions with full autonomy. They chose silence. This deafening silence validates, in our view, all of our arguments.”
Muna stated that while the Council deemed the evidence provided insufficient to prove ineligibility, the substantive questions remain entirely unanswered.
“The Cameroonian people deserve more than eloquent silence. They deserve transparency,” he said. “They deserve to know who truly governs the country when their President is absent for weeks, when institutions no longer convene, and when governance appears to be exercised by proxy.”
He stated, “Our fight was not personal; it was constitutional. It aimed to ensure that the highest office of the state is held by a fully autonomous person, as required by law. This fight for clarity, accountability, and strict respect for our fundamental law does not end today.” Meanwhile, filing the case before the Council, Barrister Akere supported his submission with 11 supporting documents news reports, photos, videos, and a geriatric medical assessment demonstrating that 92-year-old Paul Biya is indeed dependent.
Key arguments outlined by Muna include Biya’s prolonged absencesspending 42 days abroad in 2024, his lack of public appearances, and what Muna describes as governance by proxy, all of which indicate an inability to function autonomously.
He also raises concerns about shadow governance, noting that institutions like the Higher Judicial Council haven’t convened in six years, with power being wielded by unelected officials issuing illegitimate “high instructions.”
Muna points to public evidence, such as Biyas disorientation at the 2022 U.S.-Africa Summit, where he required assistance for basic actions, along with non-transparent medical trips to Switzerland, as indications that he is unprepared to lead the country.
Citing legal precedent, Muna invokes the “Mischief Rule” to argue that the spirit of Article 118 aims to prevent a leader from being a puppet under external influence.
In his petition, Muna requests that as the Constitutional Council rule on the case within three days, they should declare Paul Biyas ineligibility under Article 118, order for Biyas personal appearance, or a demand for an independent medical expert report.
He also seeks the application of Article 128 to allow his party to propose a replacement candidate within three days, stressing the urgent need to protect electoral integrity and national stability.
Barrister AKere Muna will run for the upcoming Presidential elections under the Univers party. He is one among the 12 candidates retained by the Constitutional Council.
Cameroonians express Satisfaction Over Akere’s Petition
Speaking to Cameroonians, particularly those in Yaoundé, after Barrister Akere submitted his petition, they voiced strong support for Barrister Akere Muna.
They told Post the day after the petition was submitted recorded under courier No. 195 on August 19, many stating that the prolong silence and absence of their president has become unbearable, and they believe this legal move could compel him to reconnect with the populace.
One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “I just learned that a petition has been filed to annul President Paul Biyas candidacy because he is unfit to rule. I’m glad this case has been brought forward; we can’t keep living like this we need to feel his presence.”
A taxi driver also weighed in stated that Barrister Akere is correct, but things are being done in a way that’s hard to understand.
”Since the CPDM announced its candidacy, we haven’t seen the outgoing president. He acts as if he’s not there, but I’m hopeful this petition will encourage him to show himself,” the taxi driver said.
Another citizen, a mechanic who preferred to remain unnamed, praised Munas initiative, asserting that it aligns with the law and could prompt Biya to engage with his people, who have long felt neglected.
”I expected President Biya to have made more public appearances since declaring his candidacy, but that’s not happening. We see how others are connecting with their constituents, and we need to feel his presence. His silence is no longer convincing, and I believe Barrister Akere’s move will help bring him into the spotlight, he said,” the Mechanic stated.
A local trader pointed out that: “I support Akere Munas actions. To prove he’s still strong and ready for this position, Biya needs to come out into public life not just once but as many times as possible. We cant only see him during formal events or on special occasions; we need to feel his presence regularly.”
