The family of the former head of the Supreme Court in Cameroon has unveiled the detailed schedule for his funeral ceremonies.

Alexis Dipanda Mouelle, who served as the very first President of Cameroon’s Supreme Court, is set to embark on his final journey. His family has made public the complete funeral program, indicating that the solemn events will take place from Monday, June 22, to Saturday, June 27, 2026.

The initial phase of the program, from Monday, June 22, to Wednesday, June 24, 2026, will involve periods of reflection and prayers held daily from 6 PM to 7 PM at the family residence located in Bastos, a prominent area in Yaoundé, Cameroon’s political capital. On Thursday, June 25, 2026, the official removal of the body is scheduled for 10 AM at the Yaoundé General Hospital morgue. This will be followed by judicial tributes at the Supreme Court, acknowledging his profound contributions to Cameroon’s legal system.

Journey to Bonakou-Bwapaki Village

Later on Thursday, June 25, at 3 PM, a mass will be celebrated at the Basilique Marie Reine des Apôtres de Mvolye. The day will conclude with an evening vigil at the family home. Friday, June 26, 2026, marks the departure of the funeral procession towards his ancestral home, Bonakou-Bwapaki village. En route, a stop is planned at the family concession in Bonakouamouang, near Akwa in Douala, followed by a vigil in his native village. The interment is slated for Saturday, June 27, 2026.

Alexis Dipanda Mouelle was a distinguished Cameroonian magistrate whose career significantly shaped the nation’s judicial and political landscape. He held the pivotal role of First President of the Supreme Court from 1990 to 2014. Born on March 25, 1942, in Bonakou Bwapaki, Littoral region, he passed away on May 4, 2026, at the age of 84, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in African politics and law.

Succession and Historical Impact

After receiving his education at the University of Paris, he joined the Cameroonian magistracy in 1965. His career saw a steady ascent, leading him to become the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Justice in 1975. He was appointed to head the Supreme Court in 1986, a position later formally designated as First President. He served in this capacity for 24 years until his retirement on December 31, 2014, when Daniel Mekobe Sone succeeded him.

His tenure is notably intertwined with the official validation of the highly contested 1992 presidential election. It was Alexis Dipanda Mouelle who famously proclaimed the narrow victory of Paul Biya, who secured 39.98% of the votes, against the historic opposition leader Ni John Fru Ndi, who garnered 35.9%. This verdict remains a significant, and often debated, moment in Cameroon’s transition to a multiparty system.

International Engagements

Beyond his national duties in Cameroon, Alexis Dipanda Mouelle was also recognized on the international stage. He presided over the 17th session of the United Nations Committee Against Torture, served as a member of the Arbitration Chamber of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, and was an active member of the International Institute of French-speaking and Inspired Law (IDEF).