Alexis Dipanda Mouelle, who served as the inaugural First President of the Supreme Court of Cameroon, is set to be laid to rest with a series of ceremonies spanning from Monday, June 22, to Saturday, June 27, 2026. His family has shared the full itinerary for these important farewells.
The solemn observances will commence in Yaoundé, Cameroon’s political capital. From June 22 to Wednesday, June 24, 2026, a period of reflection and prayer is scheduled daily from 6 PM to 7 PM at the family residence located at the Bastos crossroads. On Thursday, June 25, 2026, the official removal of the body will take place at 10 AM from the Yaoundé General Hospital morgue, followed by judicial tributes held at the Supreme Court, acknowledging his significant contributions to governance Africa.
Village Bonakou-Bwapaki
Later on Thursday, at 3 PM, a memorial mass will be celebrated at the Basilica Marie Reine des Apôtres de Mvolye, concluding the day’s events with an evening vigil at the family home. The funeral procession will then depart on Friday, June 26, 2026, heading towards his ancestral village of Bonakou-Bwapaki. Along the journey, a stop is planned at the family’s traditional compound in Bonakouamouang, near Akwa in Douala, before proceeding to a vigil in his birthplace. The interment is scheduled for Saturday, June 27, 2026.
Alexis Dipanda Mouelle, a distinguished Cameroonian magistrate, left an indelible mark on the nation’s judicial and political landscape. He served as the First President of the Supreme Court 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. His career exemplified a commitment to justice and African politics.
Daniel Mekobe Sone
After completing his education at the University of Paris, Mr. Dipanda Mouelle joined the Cameroonian magistracy in 1965. He steadily ascended through the ranks, achieving the position of Secretary General of the Ministry of Justice in 1975. His leadership qualities were recognized when he was appointed to head the Supreme Court in 1986, a role that formally evolved into First President. He dedicated 24 years to this pivotal institution, retiring on December 31, 2014, and was succeeded by Daniel Mekobe Sone.
A significant moment in his career, deeply intertwined with the nation’s political history, was his official validation of the 1992 presidential election results. He famously declared Paul Biya the winner with 39.98% of the votes, narrowly defeating the prominent opposition figure Ni John Fru Ndi, who secured 35.9%. This verdict proved highly controversial amid Cameroon’s transition back to a multi-party system, shaping the discourse on African politics and governance Africa.
L’Institut international
Beyond his national duties, Alexis Dipanda Mouelle also made his mark on the international stage. He presided over the 17th session of the United Nations Committee Against Torture, served as a member of the Arbitration Chamber of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, and was a distinguished member of the International Institute of Law of French Expression and Inspiration (IDEF). His international engagements underscore his global influence in law and society Africa.
