The medical non-governmental organization, Doctors without Borders (DWB), has, via a press release, announced the shutdown of its project bases in the Meme and Manyu divisions in the South West region of Cameroon.
This decision, which will take effect as of August 1, 2022, follows the detention of four DWB colleagues since December 2021 and January 2022. Arrested 7 months ago by security officials, two of the four were released conditionally in May 202,2, but two others are still in detention and set to face trial.
The closure of these project bases will thus end the contract of several workers, but a small team will be maintained in the South West region to support the release and resolution of these cases.
Doctors Without Borders had first announced an indefinite suspension of its activities in the South West on March 29, 2022.
Before now, the NGO had withdrawn its medical teams from the North West region after an 8-month suspension by the government, accusing them of supporting local non-state armed groups.
Before their suspension in the North West region on December 8, 2020, DWB had treated 180 survivors of sexual violence, provided 1.725 mental health consultations, performed 3.272 surgeries, and transported 4.407 patients by ambulance, and amongst them were over 1000 women in labour.
The string of arrests started in July 2021, when the Communications Officer, Antoinette Buinda, was arrested in Buea, |South West region.
The arrest, which took place on July 7th, had raised concerns about the safety of humanitarian workers and press freedom in the English-speaking regions.
Antoinette Buinda, a seasoned journalist and former radio presenter at Mediafrique Radio, transitioned into humanitarian work in 2018, joining MSF to amplify their critical health initiatives amid ongoing regional tensions. Known for her dedication and professionalism, she played a vital role in communicating MSF’s efforts to the local community and international partners.
Since her appointment, Antoinette had been subjected to repeated harassment and intimidation by state forces, according to sources close to her. Her activism and outspoken stance on issues affecting the region reportedly made her a target. Her arrest marked a significant escalation in her ongoing harassment, which many believed was linked to her work and advocacy.
As was the case with many journalists and activists in 2017, she was taken into custody without a formal warrant, sparking widespread concern among local and international human rights organizations. Her lawyer, Barrister Valery, said it was a sham for Cameroon’s democracy and rule of law. She has siffred twice, having gone through a second arrest in April 2022.
The MFS has been on alert even after the release of its workers. The closure of the Mamfe and Kumba offices signaled the end of its activities in those crime-prone areas.
