Speed Trials and Street Clashes: Constitutional Council Faces Critical Test in Cameroon’s 2025 Vote

A crowded docket on a tight clock

The Council must clear 36 election petitions before the statutory deadline of 11 August, when the final candidate list for the 12 October poll must be published. Monday’s session opened with a pledge from Council president Clément Atangana to “work day and night” if necessary to meet the cut-off.

Rapid-fire rejections set the tone

• Léon Theiller Onana — challenge to President Paul Biya’s candidacy branded “manifestly unfounded” and tossed out in under a minute.

• Vincent Sosthène Fouda — petition dismissed without debate.

• Bertin Kisob — ruled inadmissible on technical grounds.

The bench’s brisk tempo signalled an appetite for procedural economy—especially where cases lack heavyweight political backing.

Kamto versus the State: courtroom drama

Inside the chamber

• Lead rapporteur Justice Aaron Logmo Mbeleck formally recommended rejection of Kamto’s appeal, arguing that purported multiple sponsorships violate electoral rules.

• Kamto’s counsel countered that the only complaint ELECAM raised concerns alleged “plurality,” noting that ruling-party sponsors also appear on more than one list.

• Defence lawyer Mustapha Ngouana accused the Ministry of Territorial Administration (MINAT) of “commandeering” the process by submitting its own brief—“as if there were two governments in Cameroon.”

• A MINAT delegate replied that Anicet Ekane is no longer president of Kamto’s supporting party, MANIDEM—contradicting years of official correspondence that recognised Ekane.

Kamto’s plea to the bench
“Our file is complete,” the candidate told judges in measured tones. “I count on you to rule for the Republic—not for show.”

Tempers flare outside

Hundreds of supporters converged on the Congress Palace despite a heavy police and gendarme cordon. Witnesses reported:

• Tear-gas volleys and baton charges as crowds tried to break through metal barricades.

• Live-stream arrest of journalist Brand Kamga, seized by plain-clothes officers while filming proceedings for social media.

• Roadblocks as far as Misselele checkpoint on the Douala road, where travellers faced identity checks and phone searches. One relative of Anicet Ekane said he was detained, questioned about family ties and forced to pay an on-the-spot “fine” before being released.

Despite the crackdown, protesters vowed to return when hearings resume.

Why today’s signals matter

1. Rapporteur’s weight — The bench usually follows its own rapporteur; if it does so again, Kamto and rival claimant Dieudonné Yebga could be struck off within forty-eight hours.

2. Security optics — Heavy-handed policing risks galvanising discontent in an already febrile pre-election climate.

3. Calendar squeeze — With only seven sitting days left, any adjournment may force night sessions or weekend sittings to beat the legal deadline.

Still on the docket

• Maurice Kamto — decision expected within two days.

• Dieudonné Yebga — also backed by a MANIDEM faction; ruling pending.

• André-Marie Dibamou, Jean-Blaise Gwet, Ramah Nyeyeh and eight others contesting their disqualifications.

The road ahead

As the Council weighs its most politically sensitive files, broadcasters are lengthening delay buttons, callers speak in code, and security forces stand ready with water cannon. Whether the hearings deliver legal clarity or deepen public mistrust will hinge on the next forty-eight hours—and on whether the nation’s top judges choose the letter or the spirit of the law.

Cameroon Concord will continue to provide up-to-the-minute coverage as the Palais des Congrès remains the crucible of Cameroon’s electoral future.