Jerome Mendouga

Another Epervier victim dies in detention

Jerome Mendouga

Jerome Mendouga, former Cameroon ambassador to Washington DC, USA, died at the Yaounde General Hospital on Saturday. Reports say he was admitted at the hospital since 26 October when his health deteriorated critically at the Kondengui prison in Yaounde. Jerome Mendouga was put in pre-trial detention at the Kondengui prison, in April 2009, because of his alleged role in the failed purchase of President Biya’s private jet, the Albatross.   
    French language daily Mutations, reported in its issue of Friday 14 November that Mendouga’s health situation got so critical and pre-occupying forcing hospital officials to bar members of the public from having access to him.

    Though Mendouga’s lawyer, Barrister Mben was reported as saying that his client’s situation was improving, family members expressed fears in private discussions that it was unlikely he would survive. They however did not disclose his illness.
    Jerome Mendouga’s death brings to four the number of Epervier victims that have died in detention. Others include Boto à Ngon (former DG of SIC), Engoulou (former minister delegate at the MINFI) and Catherine Abena (former secretary of state for secondary education).
    Incarcerated at the Kondengui prison since April 2009, Jerome Mendouga was expected to appear at the special criminal court during the last audience on 4 November. The hearing was adjourned to 8 December 2014.
    It should be noted that the number of Epervier victims that are reported with deteriorating health is increasing by the day. Jean-Marie Atangana Mebara, former SGPr was hospitalized at the Yaounde General Hospital in May this year. His situation was also said to be pre-occupying. He was said to suffer from a failing pancreas.
    Marafa Hamidou Yaya, the former SGPr and former MINADT for his part, was admitted at the University teaching hospital (CHU) in Yaounde in July this year. He complained of malaria and failing sight. Marafa Yaya had earlier in 2013 been admitted at the social insurance CNPS hospital in Yaounde for the same complaints.
    Yves Michel Fotso, former GM of Camair, was on 6 May 2014 rushed to the gendarmerie health centre at camp yeyap, after he suffered a malaise.
    It is feared that by the time President Paul Biya rounds up with his anti-corruption drive, a considerable number of victims would have died in jail.