US Senator Raises Alarm Over ‘Illegal’ Detention of American Citizens in Cameroon

A high-ranking United States Senator has written to Cameroon’s Minister of External Relations, Lejeune Mbella Mbella, expressing grave concern over what he describes as “politically motivated legal actions” against two American citizens.

These are Dr. Amber Murrey-Ndewa, a Fulbright scholar, and lecturer at the University of Yaounde 1, and her husband, Mr. Derogy Ndewa.

In the letter dated May 2, 2025, Senator James E. Risch, Chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called for the immediate release of Mr. Ndewa.

He has been in pre-trial detention since March 12, despite what the Senator said were “initial investigative findings showing no basis for the cyberdefamation charges” against either him or his wife.

The dispute, according to the letter, stems from a housing disagreement involving Cameroon’s Ambassador to France, André Magnus Ekoumou, and his wife Claire Ekoumou.

Senator Risch accuses the ambassador of using his influence to push for legal action against the couple, in apparent violation of Cameroonian laws and due process.

“The handling of this case raises serious concerns about due process and judicial impartiality,” Risch wrote. “Mr. Ndewa’s continued detention and the threat of further action against Dr. Murrey risk straining U.S.-Cameroon relations.”

The Senator emphasized the need for urgent action, requesting that the Cameroonian government: grant immediate consular access to Mr. Ndewa; ensure both Americans receive fair legal treatment under Cameroonian law; and guarantee the family’s safe and unimpeded departure from Cameroon once the matter is resolved.

Risch also expressed concern that, despite informal approaches by emissaries allegedly sent by Ambassador Ekoumou, the couple’s legal team has not received any formal offers through the appropriate Cameroonian legal channels.

Diplomatic Implications for Cameroon

The Senator’s intervention signals growing frustration in Washington, where lawmakers have significant influence over foreign aid and bilateral cooperation.

Cameroon, which has long enjoyed security and development partnerships with the US, could face serious diplomatic backlash if the issue escalates.

Experts warn that strained US-Cameroon relations could lead to either a suspension or reduction in US foreign aid.

Among them are reduction in health and education funding; restrictions on military cooperation, particularly in counter-terrorism support; diminished investor confidence, as the country may be perceived as unsafe for foreign nationals; a tighter visa policies, affecting Cameroonians hoping to travel, study, or work in the United States.

For the average Cameroonian, this could translate into fewer job opportunities tied to US projects, reduced access to U.S.-funded healthcare programs like PEPFAR, and increased diplomatic isolation.

On May 13, 2025, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee retweeted the letter earlier served Cameroonian authorities, an indication that Cameroon is yet to respond to the letter.

As of this report, the Government of Cameroon had not issued any public response to the senator’s letter.

The fate of Dr. Murrey and Mr. Ndewa remains uncertain, as legal proceedings continue under a cloud of international scrutiny.