Following the publication of Presidential Decree No. 2025/316 of 16 July 2025, regulating and organizing the profession of Notary Public, and in response to the widespread discontent expressed by Common Law lawyers (Notaries Public), the Bar President undertook a series of initiatives to seek review of the contested provisions of the said Decree. These actions included formally seizing the competent State authorities and drawing their attention to provisions compromising the Common Law legal system.
Subsequently, a Memo from Common Law–practicing notaries (lawyers), expressing broad disapproval, was endorsed by the Bar Council in session and duly transmitted to the Head of State by the Bar President, articulating the principal concerns arising from the Decree.
In furtherance of these initiatives, the Bar President, accompanied by Members of the Bar Council, was, upon
invitation, received in audience by H.E. Samuel Mvondo Ayolo, Minister, Director of the Civil Cabinet at the Presidency of the Republic, on Wednesday, 17 September 2025.
During this audience, the encroachments of the said Presidential Decree on the scope of practice of Common Law practitioners were comprehensively presented by the Bar President. The retrospective and potential adverse impacts of such provisions were duly highlighted.
Having acknowledged and appreciated the merits of the Memo, the Minister-Director of the Civil Cabinet assured the Bar Council members that he would faithfully convey the concerns of the Bar to the Head of State for appropriate consideration and redress.
MBAH Eric MBAH Esq
The Bar President