Former Minister Olanguena Awono Pleads not Guilty

The former Minister of Public Health, Urbain Olanguena Awono appeared before the Mfoundi High Court in Yaounde on Wednesday September 26 2012 for examination as defence witness and cross-examination.

During Wednesday's hearing, Olanguena went through long hours of questioning from defence lawyers and the prosecution. The questions focused on the management of the funds for the supply of mosquito bed nets in the country, the management of money from the Global Fund for the Fight Against HIV/AIDS and the publication of a book on HIV/AIDS by the former minister, amongst others.

To all the accusations of alleged embezzlement, the former Minister pleaded his innocence. The accused however failed to convince the prosecution and the case was adjourned to October 2, 2012 for further cross examination.

Urbain Olanguena Awono was arrested in 2008 with a host of former Health Ministry officials on charges of embezzlement of money from the Global Fund destined for the provision of subsidised drugs to victims of HIV/AIDS. The co-accused are Dr. Feuzeu Maurice, Dr. Chia Rose Forjingong, Dr Okala Abono Raphael Perez, Dr. Wang Hubert and Dr. Onana Belibi Timothé. Olanguena and co-accused are presently awaiting trial at the Kondengui Central Prison in Yaounde.