The Legacy of Ayah Paul Abine: A Champion for Justice and Human Rights in Cameroon
On December 25, 2024, Cameroon lost a prominent figure in its legal and political landscape with the passing of Ayah Paul Abine at the age of 74 in Buea. His life was marked by a steadfast commitment to justice, human rights, and democracy. However, many believe that his death was hastened by the government's actions, reflecting a troubling pattern of persecution against dissenting voices in the country. AYAH PAUL Born in 1950 in Ngali, Akwaya Subdivision in Manyu, Ayah Paul Abine emerged as a significant voice for the English-speaking community in Cameroon. He graduated from the National School of Administration and Magistracy (ENAM) in Yaoundé in 1976, laying the foundation for a distinguished career in law and politics. Initially a member of the ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM), Ayah Paul became increasingly critical of the government. He resigned from CPDM in 2011 after demanding that internal elections be conducted in the ruling CPDM party, but he was fa...