YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon — Edgar Alain Mebe Ngo’o, who has held several high-ranking positions in the Cameroonian government, including Director of the Civil Cabinet at the Presidency, Delegate General for National Security, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Transport, was sentenced to 30 years in prison by the Special Criminal Tribunal in Yaoundé. The verdict was delivered during a nighttime session that concluded on April 5, 2025.
Mebe Ngo’o, a native of Zoatele in the Dja and Lobo division of Cameroon’s South Region, was found guilty of embezzling 196 billion CFA francs (approximately $320 million). The court convicted him on charges of money laundering, overbilling, and misappropriation of public funds amounting to 23.8 billion CFA francs.
In addition to Mebe Ngo’o, the tribunal sentenced his former technical adviser, Maxime Mbangue, and close associate, Colonel Ghislain Mboutou, to 25 years in prison each. Both were found guilty of complicity in embezzlement, corruption, and aggravated money laundering.
This case is part of Cameroon’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption within its government. The Special Criminal Tribunal, established to prosecute high-profile corruption cases, has previously convicted other senior officials on similar charges. However, critics argue that these prosecutions are selective, politically motivated and take too long.
Mebe Ngo’o’s legal team has announced plans to appeal the verdict, maintaining his innocence and alleging that the charges are politically driven. The appeal process is expected to commence in the coming weeks.
