Barrister Alice Nkom, Board Chair of the Network of Human Rights Defenders in Central Africa (REDHAC), has refused to comply with a summon issued by the Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) for Wouri, Mvogo Sylyac Marie, in the Littoral Region. The summon, issued on December 10, came a day after Barrister Nkom publicly destroyed a seal placed on REDHAC’s office door in Douala.
REDHAC was suspended on December 6 by the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, citing alleged violations of laws governing NGOs in Cameroon and failure to justify external funding. Barrister Nkom, also the founder of the Association for the Defense of Homosexual Rights (ADHEFO), has challenged the suspension, stating that REDHAC is not involved in any illegal activities.
Barrister Nkom’s defiance comes amidst a broader context of human rights challenges in Cameroon. The country has faced criticism for its treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals, with laws criminalising same-sex relationships. Barrister Nkom has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, and her organisation, ADHEFO, has worked tirelessly to promote equality and justice.
In a letter responding to the summon, Barrister Nkom expressed surprise at the manner in which she was summoned and questioned the SDO’s intentions. She cited her 56 years of service as a defense lawyer and her collaboration with various authorities.
The suspension of REDHAC and other NGOs has raised concerns about the government’s commitment to human rights and freedom of association. Article 7, paragraph 3, of Law No. 90-53 of December 1990, guarantees the right to freedom of association.
Barrister Nkom’s courage in challenging the government’s actions has been praised by human rights activists.
