Human Rights Defender Alice Nkom Faces ‘Terrorism Charges’

Barrister Alice Nkom, a prominent human rights defender and chairperson of the Central Africa Human Rights Defenders Network (Réseau des Défenseurs des Droits Humains en Afrique Centrale, REDHAC), faces a complaint filed at the Yaoundé Military Court. The complaint alleges serious charges, including endangerment of state security and financing terrorism in Cameroon’s North-West and South-West regions.

Allegations from a Little-Known NGO

These allegations are contained in a complaint filed by the Societal Development Observatory (Observation du Développement Sociétal, ODS), a relatively obscure civil society organization. ODS alleges that since the 3rd Forum of the Cameroon Patriotic Diaspora in July 2019, Nkom and her associates have raised substantial funds to oppose the current government and have financed armed separatist groups in the Anglophone regions through remittances. The group further claims that Nkom is involved in forming a government to replace current leaders and inciting public unrest.

MMI which has been covering the Anglophone crisis since 2018, found no evidence to substantiate the claims of ODS. However, considering the Cameroon government’s approach to the conflict, such allegations, albeit from a civil society organisation that many might never have heard of, should be taken with all the seriousness it deserves.

A Backdrop of Escalating Tensions with Authorities

Critics argue that these allegations are intricately linked to recent tensions between REDHAC and government authorities. On December 5, the Ministry of Territorial Administration suspended and banned REDHAC, citing financial impropriety. Subsequently, the Senior Divisional Officer for Wouri sealed REDHAC’s Douala office—a move Nkom defied by unsealing the premises, labeling the action illegal. She also ignored multiple administrative summonses, challenging their legal basis.

Concerns Over Judicial Fairness

The timing and nature of the ODS complaint have raised concerns about the potential suppression of dissent and the targeting of human rights defenders under the guise of national security. Notably, the use of military courts to try civilians, especially those critical of the government, has been a contentious issue in Cameroon. The 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices highlight that authorities often invoke laws against terrorism or cite national security to threaten government critics.

Questions About the Role of ODS

The involvement of a little-known NGO in bringing a complaint with such severe charges against a renowned human rights defender has become the subject of much speculation about its motivations and independence. The lack of transparency and the potential for misuse of legal instruments to stifle activism are pressing concerns among international observers and human rights organizations.

Mimi Mefo Info