Amnesty International has called on Cameroonian authorities to cease the harassment of prominent human rights defender Alice Nkom and to reinstate the operations of suspended civil society organizations.
Alice Nkom, a lawyer and President of the Central African Human Rights Defenders Network (Redhac), has been summoned multiple times by Cameroonian authorities. This follows the arbitrary suspension of Redhac and three other organizations by the Minister of Territorial Administration, citing alleged financial irregularities and activities deemed detrimental to the state.
Amnesty International’s interim Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Marceau Sivieude, condemned the actions, stating, “The weaponization of the justice system to intimidate Alice Nkom reflects a blatant disregard for human rights and freedoms, including freedom of expression and association.”
Background
- Suspensions: In December 2024, the government suspended Redhac and other organizations, accusing them of illicit funding and activities undermining the financial system.
- Summonses: Nkom faces multiple summonses related to allegations of raising funds to oppose the government and support armed groups in English-speaking regions. She has denied these accusations, requesting legal representation during the proceedings.
- UN Concerns: The UN Committee Against Torture recently highlighted reports of harassment and abuses targeting human rights defenders, journalists, and activists in Cameroon.
Amnesty International has urged the Cameroonian government to reinstate the suspended organizations and halt the misuse of the justice system to target human rights defenders. The organization emphasized the need to protect civil society and uphold international human rights obligations.