The family of Cameroon’s former Supreme Court Chief Justice has unveiled the detailed funeral program for Alexis Dipanda Mouelle.

The first president of Cameroon’s Supreme Court is set to receive final honors. According to the program released by his family, funeral rites will unfold from Monday, June 22 to Saturday, June 27, 2026.

From June 22 to 24, 2026, the schedule includes evening prayers and gatherings at the family home in Yaoundé’s Bastos district. On June 25, a solemn procession begins at 10 AM with the body’s removal from Yaoundé General Hospital, followed by judicial tributes at the Supreme Court.

Bonakou-Bwapaki: final resting place

The day’s events conclude with a mass at the Basilica of Mary Queen of the Apostles in Mvolye at 3 PM, followed by a vigil at the family residence. On June 26, the funeral convoy departs for Bonakou-Bwapaki village. A brief stop is scheduled at the family compound in Bonakouamouang near Akwa in Douala before continuing to the ancestral village for an overnight vigil. Burial takes place on June 27, 2026.

Alexis Dipanda Mouelle, a towering figure in Cameroonian judiciary and politics, served as Supreme Court Chief Justice from 1990 to 2014. Born on March 25, 1942, in Bonakou-Bwapaki (Littoral Region), he passed away on May 4, 2026, at the age of 84.

An illustrious judicial career

Trained at the University of Paris, he joined Cameroon’s judiciary in 1965. His career ascended methodically: he became Secretary-General of the Ministry of Justice in 1975, then assumed leadership of the Supreme Court in 1986 (later formally titled Chief Justice). He led the institution for 24 years until his retirement on December 31, 2014, when Daniel Mekobe Sone took over.

His legacy includes officiating the 1992 presidential election validation. In a closely contested result, he proclaimed Paul Biya’s victory (39.98% of votes) over opposition leader Ni John Fru Ndi (35.9%), a decision that sparked significant controversy during the return to multiparty democracy.

International recognition

Beyond national borders, he served as president of the 17th session of the UN Committee Against Torture, member of the Arbitration Chamber of the International Court of Justice in The Hague, and member of the International Institute of French-Speaking Law (IDEF).