This unknown magistrate appointed last year to preside over the court is emerging as a key figure in the transitional regime. A relative of junta leader Oligui Nguema, he does not hesitate to get involved in political, economic and diplomatic issues.
Member states are divided over the line to take on a ballot overshadowed by suspicions of fraud. Despite the publication of the final results and the rejection of the legal challenges to the official presidential election result, prudence appears to be the preferred policy.
The Cameroonian president, who is in a physically weakened state, has reduced his political activities to a minimum. Only a few members of his staff now have access to him, subject to the approval of first lady Chantal Biya.
The separatist state wants to persuade people that its offer to lease land for an Ethiopian naval base in exchange for Ethiopia's recognition of its sovereignty could generate significant economic opportunities for Kenya and the region. It chose its national day to swing into action.
In April, the Ethiopian government approved a transitional justice bill that is far removed from the recommendations of a specially commissioned group of experts whose report, submitted last year, has remained confidential. Africa Intelligence was able to consult it.