Alexis Dipanda Mouelle, former Chief Justice of Cameroon's Supreme Court, passed away on May 4, 2026, in Douala, at the age of 84. A prominent magistrate, he led the country's highest court for nearly twenty-five years. His name remains associated with significant moments in Cameroon's institutional life, notably the 1992 presidential election. He died after an illness, three months after the death of his wife.
Born on March 25, 1942, in Bonakou Bwapaki, in the Moungo department, Alexis Dipanda Mouelle served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court from 1991 to 2015. He joined the magistracy on November 29, 1965. Initially a judge at the Tribunal hors classe in Yaoundé, he was later appointed President of the Court of First Instance in Foumban.
As a magistrate outside the hierarchy, he established himself as a reference within the judicial system, durably marking his institution through the longevity and centrality of his action. His career is closely linked to key moments in Cameroon's political history.
The 1992 presidential election remains a highlight of his career. In a context of a return to multiparty politics and strong political mobilization, the Supreme Court, then competent in proclaiming the results, validated the re-election of Paul Biya with 39.98% of the votes, against 35.9% for John Fru Ndi. This decision was contested by the opposition. Alexis Dipanda Mouelle remained known as the man who declared that his "hands were tied" during the proclamation of this election.
At that time, the Supreme Court still exercised this prerogative, now entrusted to the Constitutional Council, an institution created later. Alexis Dipanda Mouelle was Chief Justice of the Supreme Court until 2014, when he was replaced by Daniel Mekobe Sone.
The passing of Alexis Dipanda Mouelle marks the end of a career where he held leading responsibilities, accompanying decisive periods in Cameroon's political history.
