Cameroon’s Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, has defended the recent suspension of five non-governmental organizations (NGOs). He cited financial irregularities and violations of laws governing their activities as justification.
Speaking at the Ministry’s boardroom in Yaoundé on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, the Minister said the government is concerned about the organisations’ financial activities.
0Atanga Nji’s reaction comes amid criticisms from politicians and the civil society in Cameroon. They view the decision as anti-human rights and unconstitutional.
Minister Atanga Nji revealed that the suspended NGOs collectively received nearly FCFA 16 billion in funding, however, their reported activities on the ground accounted for less than FCFA 400 million.
“These exorbitant amounts have no traceability and are not aligned with the declared objectives of these organizations,” he stated, citing reports from the National Agency for Financial Investigation (ANIF).
The Minister emphasized that such financial discrepancies raise red flags about potential misuse of funds.
He added that the funding may be used for illegal activities, including economic crimes and terrorism financing.
Atanga Nji emphasised that all NGOs operating in Cameroon must follow strict legal and administrative regulations, including the submission of annual activity and financial reports.
The suspended organisations failed to comply with these obligations, and he accused them of sourcing some funds illegally or exceeding the allowable limits for NGO activities.
“Cameroon is a country of laws and freedom, but this freedom must be within the framework of our legal provisions,” he said.
The Minister highlighted cases where funding allocations for specific projects, like the construction of health centres, were however, inflated disproportionately.
He further warned that such practices undermine trust in NGOs and the integrity of financial systems.
The Minister linked these actions to broader efforts to combat financial crimes and the financing of terrorism.
He reminded stakeholders that Cameroon remains under scrutiny by international bodies. One such is the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), and must take decisive action to address vulnerabilities in its financial ecosystem.
“The recreation is over. Administrative tolerance is also over,” he declared.
He signaled the government’s intent to rigorously enforce compliance moving forward.
Atanga Nji announced that all NGOs and associations must submit updated financial and activity reports by January 30, 2025, failing which they risk suspension or judicial prosecution.
He also highlighted ongoing investigations into NGOs that receive foreign funding, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in their operations.
The suspension of these organizations has drawn mixed reactions.
While some see it as a necessary step to ensure financial discipline, critics argue that it could stifle civic space and democratic engagement.
As the government tightens its regulatory grip, the debate over balancing security concerns with the freedom of association remains a troubling issue in Cameroon.
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