A proposal by Senator Françoise Puene, also known as Mami Nyanga, to facilitate the obtaining of sponsorship letters for candidates in the April bar exam has sparked a strong reaction from the President of the Bar Association of Cameroon, Me Mbah Eric Mbah. This initiative, unveiled on social media, involved soliciting law firms to sponsor candidates, inviting them to submit their applications to a hotel.
The President's reaction was swift and firm. He denounced a "noisy intrusion" into a profession governed by established laws and traditions, calling the senator's approach an "unacceptable drift". Me Mbah Eric Mbah recalled that sponsorship is a serious professional commitment, where an experienced lawyer guides, advises and supports a trainee throughout their internship. He insisted that it is neither a one-off act nor a political or commercial maneuver.
The President also warned candidates against submitting applications containing false information, including certificates from firms not registered with the Order. He warned that lawyers who engage in such practices are liable to disciplinary action. The Bar Association thus intends to guarantee the integrity of the selection process and the quality of training for future lawyers.
This case highlights the potential tensions between political power and regulated professions. It raises the question of the independence of these professions in the face of attempts at political influence. The Cameroon Bar, by reaffirming its rules, seems determined to protect its autonomy.
Françoise Puene, a politician and businesswoman, has been a senator since 2023 and a member of the RDPC. She is also known for her philanthropic activities through her foundation. The incident raises questions about the limits of political intervention in the liberal professions in Cameroon.
