Cameroon’s Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, has contradicted himself by stating that only the President, his office, Divisional Officers (DOs), and Senior Divisional Officers (SDOs) have the authority to restrict free movement in Cameroon.
In a statement issued today, Atanga Nji warned traditional rulers against imposing residence bans on Cameroonians. He stated that they lack the authority to do so.
“I have increasingly been drawn to the actions taken by some traditional leaders who are attempting to impose residence bans on citizens in certain localities. These actions hinder the full enjoyment of fundamental rights granted to citizens, particularly their freedom of movement,” said Atanga Nji.
This statement comes shortly after Chief Kinding David II of the Kinding-Ndjabi village traditional ruler in Cameroon banned a citizen from residing in his village. The chief’s actions followed an ultimatum from the SDO of Mfoundi, who threatened to ostracize any villager or resident who criticized state institutions, including President Paul Biya.
While Human Rights Watch has condemned these actions as eroding freedom of speech and violating human rights, Atanga Nji affirmed today that the SDO has the authority to ban anyone who jeopardizes public peace.
“This power is exclusively vested in the President of the Republic, the Minister responsible for Territorial Administration, and administrative district heads, who, within the framework of maintaining public order, may restrict the movement of people and goods or impose controls,” Atanga Nji said.
“I request that you take appropriate measures to put an end to this deviation and remind traditional leaders that they do not possess regulatory authority,” he added.
Atanga Nji’s statements appear contradictory: while he claims that traditional rulers lack the power to restrict people’s movements, he simultaneously grants SDOs and DOs the authority to enforce similar orders.
Traditional rulers in Cameroon are regarded as custodians of both tradition and the people. “Their word holds significant power, and in many localities, people respect traditional leaders more than appointed officials. Hence, the minister’s stance seems inconsistent,” said Sheteh Kingsley Newuh, Economic Development Expert and Managing Editor of Mimi Mefo Info (MMI).
Critics of 91-year-old President Paul Biya view these developments as a deliberate attempt to stifle free speech and movement as the 2025 election approaches.
