Cameroon Bar Association Lays Foundation for New Headquarters in Yaoundé
In a significant milestone for the legal community, the Cameroon Bar Association has laid the foundation for the construction of its new headquarters in Yaoundé. The project, christened the “Lawyer’s House,” is set to cost FCFA 6.2 billion and will be located at Mfandena-Omnisport, next to Mansel Hotel in Yaoundé.
The Project
The foundation-laying ceremony took place on December 17, 2024, and was attended by several prominent lawyers and members of the Bar Council. The new headquarters, once completed, will serve as a central hub for the legal profession in Cameroon, providing state-of-the-art facilities and resources for lawyers.
Statements from Key Figures
Bar Council President Mbah Eric Mbah, who led the ceremony, described the project as a significant milestone in the history of the Cameroon Bar Association. He stated, “This project represents a significant milestone in the history of our Bar, 50 years after its creation. The Lawyer’s House will be a symbol of our commitment to the legal profession and our dedication to providing the best possible resources for our members.”
Financial Aspects and Criticism
The project, with an estimated cost of FCFA 6.2 billion, has faced some criticism from within the legal community. Barrister Claude Assira, the current Bar Treasurer, recently resigned from her position, citing the project’s exorbitant cost and questioning the financial capacity of the Bar Association to undertake such a venture. She stated, “I find this amount out of proportion with our financial capacities.”
Despite the criticism, the Bar Council has already disbursed FCFA 400 million for the start of the building. Critics argue that launching such a project at the end of the current Bar executive’s mandate is inappropriate, especially given the postponement of the Bar Association elections due to a lack of funds.
Historical Context
The idea for constructing a new headquarters for the Cameroon Bar Association was initially proposed by the late Bar President, Sama Francis Asana, who acquired a piece of land for the project. However, the project did not progress significantly until now. Successive Bar Council Presidents have advanced the project at a slow pace, but the current administration is determined to see it through to completion.
Future Prospects
The Lawyer’s House is expected to provide a modern and well-equipped facility for the legal community in Cameroon. It will include offices, meeting rooms, a library, and other essential amenities to support the work of lawyers and enhance the overall functioning of the Bar Association.
Conclusion
The foundation-laying ceremony for the new headquarters of the Cameroon Bar Association marks a significant step forward for the legal profession in Cameroon. Despite some internal criticism and financial challenges, the project is set to provide a much-needed central hub for lawyers in Yaoundé. As construction progresses, the legal community looks forward to the completion of the Lawyer’s House and the benefits it will bring.
