Cameroon experienced a busy day on May 5, 2026, with events ranging from significant government decisions to sensitive legal cases, as well as national mourning following the passing of an iconic figure. Here's a recap of the main highlights.
The energy sector experienced a major shift with the transformation of Eneo into the Société Camerounaise d'Électricité (SOCADEL), now a publicly owned entity. This decision, formalized by presidential decree, marks the State's desire to regain control of a sector deemed strategic. SOCADEL, with financial autonomy and based in Douala, will be responsible for the production, distribution, import, export, purchase, sale, and use of electrical energy.
Cameroon is in mourning following the announcement of the death of Alexis Dipanda Mouelle, former First President of the Supreme Court. A renowned magistrate, Dipanda Mouelle left his mark on the history of the Cameroonian judicial institution. He passed away in Douala at the age of 84. His career is associated with the consolidation of executive power under President Paul Biya. He was criticized for his role in validating the contested results of the 1992 presidential election.
In legal news, the Sino Mart affair took a concerning turn with the arrest of two managers of the company following accusations of torture of a Cameroonian employee. Shocking images showing acts of violence, including whipping, circulated on social media, sparking a wave of outrage. Minister Grégoire Owona responded by calling for a full investigation into the matter. Four people were arrested, including three Chinese nationals. An investigation has been opened for "inhuman and degrading treatment".
In politics, Maurice Kamto called for decisive choices as the next elections approach. He denounced an attempted "constitutional coup" through the creation of an unelected vice-president position. In diplomacy, Minister Lejeune Mbella Mbella represented Cameroon at the inauguration of the Palais des Congrès in Libreville, Gabon, replacing Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute, whose trip was canceled.
