Yaoundé, Cameroon – Early on December 25, the news of Ayah Paul’s death, a former Member of Parliament and Supreme Court magistrate, sparked a heartfelt response from prominent figures in Cameroon. Among those paying tribute are Maurice Kamto, head of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement, and Barrister Michèle Ndoki, co-founder of the Nation Builders Movement.
Both Kamto and Ndoki took to social media—X and Facebook, respectively—to honor Ayah Paul’s unwavering dedication to justice and truth, especially during a time when many chose silence. They stressed the importance of preserving the values for which Ayah Paul stood, viewing them as part of his enduring legacy.
Kamto conveyed his condolences to Ayah Paul’s family, noting that the late magistrate was a victim of the ongoing strife in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon. “Ayah Paul was a direct victim of a senseless civil war,” he remarked. He recalled that during the height of the Anglophone crisis in 2017, while serving at the Supreme Court, Ayah Paul took a firm stance in support of the English Cameroonian cause. This commitment led to his kidnapping and an eight-month detention without charges, from which he was ultimately released through a presidential pardon.
Kamto further highlighted that President Paul Biya had convened the higher judiciary council, resulting in Ayah’s retirement in his 60s. “He was an indomitable advocate for freedom and human rights,” Kamto stated. He underscored Ayah Paul’s deep commitment to democracy until his last moments, asserting, “For voicing his views on a critical national issue, he suffered various forms of physical and moral abuse following his arbitrary arrest.” He expressed sorrow that Ayah was deprived of the necessary financial resources for proper medical care.
In his tribute, Kamto lamented the cruelty Ayah Paul faced from colleagues who should have supported him. Despite his dedicated service to the nation, he endured harsh treatment and indifference from fellow magistrates and sections of the English-speaking elite. “In both situations, cynicism and cowardice triumphed over solidarity,” he noted.
Kamto characterized Ayah Paul as a moderate leader who advocated for inclusive national dialogue to resolve civil unrest in Cameroon, urging others to continue this vital effort.
Barrister Michèle Ndoki also praised Ayah Paul’s legacy, describing him as a monumental figure whose life was dedicated to the pursuit of justice and the defense of human dignity. “He was a moral compass for Cameroon; a voice that could not be silenced,” she declared. Ndoki emphasized that Ayah’s work in both the judiciary and parliament serves as an inspiring example of courage and integrity. “He dared to confront those in power, even when staying silent would have been safer,” she added.
She concluded her tribute by affirming that, despite facing unimaginable adversity due to his boldness in advocating for national progress, Ayah Paul remained resolute.
