NGO suspension in Cameroon: Headquarters remain sealed over two weeks after ban ends

By Synthia Lateu

The doors of suspended NGOs in Cameroon have remained sealed more than two weeks after the expiration of their three-month suspension.

This prolonged inactivity since December 2024, is particularly impactful for the organisations affected by Territorial Administration Minister Paul Atanga Nji’s decree, namely the Association Charitable Socioculturelle du Cameroun, Reach Out Cameroon, REDHAC, and Nanje Foundation INC. The organizations have described the situation as both unfair and detrimental to their operations.

At the Central Africa Human Rights Defenders Network (REDHAC) head office in Douala, the seals remain untouched, despite the expectation that would resume activities on March 6, 2025. Maximilienne Ngo Mbe, Executive Director of REDHAC, expressed her surprise at the authorities’ failure to unseal the premises.

In an interview with Canal 2 International, she stated that the NGO has resumed its activities since the suspension period has passed. She also lamented the negative impact the ban has had on both the organization and the community, noting, “We have at least 10 personnel who have been left unemployed. These 10 youths, who used to support many families, have remained without work for three months.” She said

Human rights defenders assert that numerous reports requested by the government have already been submitted to the relevant authorities. Philip Nanga, Coordinator of Un Monde Avenir, highlighted that REDHAC had focused on several activities aimed at preserving social cohesion and peace, all of which have come to a halt due to the suspension.

The Ministry of Territorial Administration (MINAT) stated that the decision to suspend these organizations followed extensive investigations that uncovered irregular financial activities amounting to an estimated 16 billion CFA francs over the past two years.