Cintia A. , Lebledparle.com
In a circular issued on April 16, the Minister expressed serious concern over repeated judicial lapses in criminal procedures, specifically citing cases where verdicts are delivered based solely on the absence of the accused, vague or silent requisitions on evidence and sentencing, as well as penalties that are either excessively harsh or unjustifiably lenient. “These breaches of judicial orthodoxy suggest a troubling lack of motivation among some judicial personnel,” the Minister stated, as he called on heads of courts to reassert control over their collaborators and to strictly enforce the principles of fair justice.
Among the clear instructions issued, the Minister demanded that prosecutors explicitly justify their sentencing recommendations in both reasoning and figures, rather than vaguely asking for the “application of the law” and that they systematically appeal or seek cassation for any ruling deemed excessively lenient, overly harsh, or improperly motivated.
He concluded by requesting confirmation of receipt of the circular, notification to all concerned staff, and immediate reporting of any violations for disciplinary action.
This directive follows the ruling issued on April 1, 2025, by Judge Medou L’or Dany in the case of Diane Yangwo, a young woman allegedly killed by her husband, Eric Bekobe Mvondo. The court sentenced Mvondo to a five-year suspended prison term and a fine of 52,000 FCFA, a judgment that provoked widespread condemnation for its perceived leniency and soft handling of gender based violence in the country. However, the immediate release of the convict was prevented after both the public prosecutor and defense lawyer, Me Charlotte Tchakounte, filed an appeal.
With this circular from the minister, it is left to see what will lawyers defending her case will do based on the demands of the minister.
