The barristers on June 23, 2016, took to the streets to raise their voices against some aspects of the document.

Placard-carrying lawyers were conspicuous on the streets of Bamenda on June 23, 2016, with messages protesting some sections of the new Penal Code adopted last by the National Assembly. On banners and placards were some of their concerns: “Lawyers reject any bill or law that incriminates landlord-tenant relationship,” “Lawyers reject any law or bill that protects the rich against the poor,” “We reject the continuous manipulation of the Constitution of Cameroon,” etc.  

The lawyers trekked about 2.5 km from the Up Station Appeal Court premises down to City Chemist Roundabout in downtown Bamenda. At Finance Junction, Nkwen, where they were met by the Senior Divisional Officer, SDO for Mezam, Songa Pierre Rene, dialogue did not stop their march as they told those who cared to listen that they were on a peaceful protest to raise awareness on the need for everybody to be subject to the law.

At the City Chemist Roundabout, they took turns to speak against alleged non-respect of the bi-jural nature of Cameroon and its bilingual status, as well as the abuse of human rights. They fumed at the fact that the Bar Council was not properly consulted for inputs to the new Penal Code. The lawyers later dispersed, stating their preparedness to become more active in matters of nation-building.