Buea – Renowned Cameroonian jurist and political figure, Justice Ayah Paul Abine, passed away on December 25, 2024, at 74. He died at the Buea Regional Hospital after experiencing chest pains.
Born in 1950 in Ngali, Akwaya LGA, Manyu County, Ayah Paul Abine’s illustrious career spanned law and politics. Graduating from the prestigious National School of Administration and Magistracy (ENAM) in Yaoundé in 1976, he rose through the ranks to serve as Vice-President of the Court of Appeal in Buea. In 2002, he transitioned into politics, becoming a Member of Parliament for Akwaya under the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM). However, his commitment to justice and democracy saw him resign from the CPDM in 2011 to establish the People’s Action Party (PAP), running as its presidential candidate.
Justice Ayah’s sharp critiques of the Yaoundé regime, particularly his condemnation of constitutional amendments that removed presidential term limits, positioned him as a staunch advocate for democratic principles. He decried these changes as regressive and detrimental to the nation’s progress.
In January 2017, amidst the escalating Anglophone conflict, Ayah’s outspoken advocacy for a return to federalism led to his arbitrary arrest. He was detained for over eight months at the Kondengui Maximum Security Prison without trial, enduring conditions that highlighted the regime’s intolerance for dissenting voices. Though he was eventually released by presidential decree in August 2017, the ordeal marked the beginning of years of systemic frustration by the government.
The Yaoundé regime’s punitive measures against Justice Ayah extended beyond his detention. His salary and pension were withheld indefinitely, despite his years of service as a senior public servant and legal luminary. This deliberate act of economic sabotage not only deprived him of his rightful earnings but also placed immense strain on his health and well-being.
It is impossible to overlook the potential impact of this financial and psychological torment on his untimely demise. Many observers believe that the regime’s calculated effort to frustrate him, combined with the systemic neglect he endured, contributed significantly to his deteriorating health.
Justice Ayah’s passing is a touching reminder of the struggles faced by those who dare to challenge the oppressive structures of the Yaoundé regime. His steadfast dedication to justice and human rights earned him widespread respect, even as he bore the brunt of a government determined to silence dissent.
As Ambazonia mourns the loss of a principled and courageous figure, questions linger about the true cost of standing up for justice in a system that punishes integrity. Justice Ayah Paul Abine’s life and death symbolize the resilience of those who fight for freedom, even in the face of relentless oppression.
