CMR: JUSTICE MINISTER, LAURENT ESSO GOES “MISSING”
One of the kingpin of the Paul Biya regime, Minister of State, Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, Laurent Esso has been “missing” from the public eye for almost 12 months.
Esso, who is the longest serving minister in the Biya government was last seen in the public on May 20 2024, during a ceremony at the Unity Palace. A ceremony that did not end well for him as The Guardian Post Daily Newspaper reported that he collapsed.
At 82 years, Laurent Esso who is a magistrate by profession has been Cameroon’s Minister of Justice since 2011, has seen his health deteriorated
With lack of trust and no better medical facilities in Cameroon President Paul Biya granted a request for his friend to be evacuated abroad for treatment in late January 2025.
The absence of Esso has almost brought the justice system to a standstill since he is the Vice President of the higher Judicial Council ; an organ which appoints, promotes and sanctions recalcitrant magistrates, and this organ has not met due to his absence. Their last meeting dates back to August, 20, 2020.
There are also hundreds of Judiciary staff who have graduated from ENAM but cannot take up duty because the higher Judicial Council has not met as result of Esso’s prolonged illness.
In a recent publication by french Tabloid, June Afrique, it is reported that Laurent Esso, on his sick bed has expressed the wish to retire from the Biya government.
Should Esso not have gone into politics he would have retired some 25 years ago.
It remains to be seen if the president, 92 years, will grant the desire of his strong man especially as the 2025 presidential election is around the corner. Since it is said only “he who wears a shoe knows where it pinches”
With the Justice Minister abroad for treatment and no sign of his return soon, activities at his ministry is supervised by Minister Delegate to the Ministry of Justice, Jean De Dieu Momo.
Esso has held a succession of key posts under President Paul Biya since 1988. He served in the government of Cameroon as Minister of Justice from 1996 to 2000, Minister of Public Health from 2000 to 2001, Minister of Defense from 2001 to 2004, and Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2004 to 2006.
Subsequently, Esso was Secretary-General of the Presidency, with the rank of Minister of State, from September 2006 to December 2011.
By Fabris KEHDINGA
