Jacquis Gabriel Kemleu Tchabgou, the mayor of Dschang, is now wanted after his conviction in the Saptrans affair. Accused of abuse of office, he is reported to have fled Cameroon to settle in France, thus avoiding a prison sentence.
On March 18, 2026, the Dschang Criminal Court found Mr. Kemleu Tchabgou guilty of abusing his position. The case concerns the initial authorization he granted to Saptrans for the construction of a vehicle technical inspection center, before unilaterally ordering the work to stop. This reversal was considered an abuse of power, resulting in a six-month prison sentence and the payment of more than 30 million FCFA.
Although convicted, Jacquis Gabriel Kemleu Tchabgou was not immediately imprisoned. His age, over 60, and his position as a local elected official influenced the court's decision, which attached specific conditions to his sentence. However, his two collaborators, involved in the same case, were imprisoned to serve their two-month sentences.
The news of his alleged exile in France raises serious questions about compliance with the judicial obligations to which the mayor was subject. Leaving the country without authorization constitutes a violation of the conditions imposed by the court. His absence has fueled speculation in Dschang and throughout the West region.
The conviction of a sitting mayor is a rare event in Cameroon. The Saptrans affair highlights the challenges related to the application of justice to local political figures. While his collaborators are behind bars, the mayor's alleged escape to France fuels the debate on equality before the law and the effectiveness of judicial decisions.
The case continues to generate strong reactions, leaving questions about municipal management and the political future of Dschang unanswered. Who is in charge of the day-to-day running of the municipality? Can the municipal finances absorb the more than 28 million FCFA in compensation ordered by the court?
