The Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, Laurent Esso has expanded on the points which caused controversy in the draft Criminal Code Act last month in parliament. Laurent Esso attempted yesterday to remove some of the ambiguities generated by the text. With particular reference to Article 127, Laurent Esso said it has been reformulated to better identify with the needs of the Cameroonian nation and added that a government amendment can occur at any time in the process of adopting a bill in Parliament.

On the rents palaver, the Minister of State explained that it is to encourage the tenant to comply with a commitment made and that it concerns only the pickpockets, crooks and dishonest. Regarding adultery committed mostly by CPDM members of government and highly placed Cameroon government officials, Minister Esso revealed that the modified act allows for forgiveness of the unfaithful husband who had sex with women other than his wife or wives. The Justice Minister particularly emphasized the innovations of the code adopted in parliament and also examined the presidential pardon on Barrister Lydienne Yen Eyoum.

Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai (Cameroon Intelligence Report)