Cameroon CSOs Decry Government Crackdown on NGOs

Civil society organisations in Cameroon have decried the government’s recent suspension of prominent non-governmental organizations in the country.

In a strongly worded communiqué issued on December 9, 2024, they described the actions of the Ministry of Territorial Administration (MINAT) as an unprecedented assault on freedom of association and a calculated attempt to stifle the civic space.

The Ministry suspended REDHAC 1 for three months while banned REDHAC 2, after declaring it null and void.

Similarly, the government suspended Reach Out Cameroon for three months, citing several allegations, including that the organisation could not justify the destination of its funding.

These actions, according to civil society leaders, are based on unfounded allegations of “financial misconduct” and “illicit funding” that they argue lack legal or factual merit.

Civil Society Speaks Out

“This is a direct attack on democracy and human rights,” declared Barrister Alice Nkom, a respected human rights advocate and one of the signatories of the communiqué.

Joining her were other prominent leaders, including Dr. Hilaire Kamga and Barrister Nkongho Felix Agbor-Balla.

The denounced the government’s actions as not only unconstitutional but also a clear violation of international human rights treaties to which Cameroon is a party.

Undermining Democratic Values

The suspensions came just days after REDHAC filed a petition requesting the United Nations Human Rights Committee to investigate cases of torture in Cameroon.

Observers note that these decisions seem to target organizations that have consistently held the government accountable for human rights abuses.

By restricting the operations of these organizations, the Cameroonian government is sending a chilling message to the civil society, said Dr. Richard Makon, another signatory.

“These moves are incompatible with Cameroon’s democratic obligations, especially as the nation approaches a volatile 2025 electoral cycle.”

Calls for Reversal

The civil society leaders are urging the government to immediately reverse the suspensions and restore the rights of these organizations.

They emphasize that REDHAC and Reach Out have always operated within the legal frameworks established under Cameroonian law and have maintained financial transparency.

The communiqué, signed by a coalition of over 20 human rights advocates and civil society organizations, warns that failure to reverse these decisions risks further isolating Cameroon on the global stage and exacerbating existing socio-political tensions, particularly amid the ongoing Anglophone Crisis.

Upholding Democratic Principles

As Cameroon faces increasing scrutiny over its human rights record, civil society leaders are calling on the international community to intervene and hold the government accountable.

They stress that a vibrant civic space is essential to addressing the country’s pressing challenges and ensuring a peaceful and inclusive democratic process ahead of the 2025 elections.