The Minister of Territorial Administration (MINAT) Paul has suspended five non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for alleged illegal funding, failure to account for funds received, and non-compliance with laws governing their operations.
The organisations affected include Réseau d’Organisation de Défense de l’Homme en Afrique Centrale (REDHAC) 1 & 2, Reach Out Cameroon, Nanje Foundation INC, and Association Charitable Socioculturelle (ACS).
In a statement, Minister Paul Atanga Nji highlighted alleged serious breaches of the law by these organisations. These include their inability to justify financial transactions and the absence of proper authorisations required to operate in the country.
The decision, he said, follows extensive investigations by the National Agency on Financial Crimes (ANIF) and other regulatory bodies. Over the past two years, they allegedly uncovered irregular financial activities amounting to an estimated 16 billion CFA francs.
A Thorough Investigation
Sources within ANIF claim that a rigorous probe into the financial dealings of these NGOs was carrried out. They further claim that this investigation uncovered discrepancies between funds received and activities carried out on the ground.
It is alleged that these organisations failed to provide adequate explanations for the significant sums received and their utilisation.
Such financial practices have raised concerns about potential violations of laws against money laundering and terrorism financing.
In addition, the Ministry of Territorial Administration told regional governors and Senior Divisional Officers (SDOs) to strictly enforce the suspension and keep an eye on all NGOs that work in their areas.
Sanctions and Sensitization Efforts
The sanctions include a three-month suspension for REDHAC 1, Reach Out Cameroon, and the Association Charitable Socioculturelle.
Furthermore, there is an outright ban of activities for REDHAC 2 and Nanje Foundation INC
Next Steps for the Suspended NGOs
MINAT says it has granted the affected NGOs a three-month window to show good faith by addressing the allegations and aligning their operations with legal requirements.
Failure to do so would result in permanent bans and legal measures.
