Douala – Alice Nkom, an 80-year-old trailblazing advocate for LGBT rights in Cameroon, has once again found herself in the crosshairs of controversy, following a fresh summons by the judicial police. The latest accusations, brought forth by the Prefect of Wouri, allege that Nkom violated administrative seals and acted in rebellion. Nkom, however, firmly denies the claims, calling them an abuse of power meant to stifle her advocacy for justice.
In a candid social media post, Nkom revealed the details of her ordeal, stating, “Yesterday, I was summoned by the judicial police following a complaint from the Prefect. They accuse me of ‘breaking seals’ and ‘rebellion,’ even suggesting that my failure to respond to two summonses constitutes rebellion.”
Nkom did not shy away from admitting to removing the seals in question but firmly argued that her actions were grounded in the principles of justice, not defiance. “Yes, I removed those seals,” she wrote. “But it was not an act of rebellion—it was a stand for justice. Those seals were unlawfully placed, without any judicial authority or legal basis.”
She underscored a critical point: in a nation governed by law, the judiciary—not administrative authorities—holds the power to impose and enforce such measures. The Prefecture’s role, Nkom asserted, is limited to monitoring associations, not overstepping legal boundaries. “Even if an association is contested or suspended, only a judicial decision can justify sealing premises,” she explained. “In this case, there was no such decision, just a blatant abuse of authority.”
Nkom’s decision to remove the seals, she argued, was a necessary step to remind both officials and citizens that everyone, regardless of rank, must adhere to the rule of law. “What I did was not rebellion; it was a call for justice.”
This latest confrontation with the authorities is not new for Nkom, who has faced numerous summonses and legal challenges over the years, often choosing not to appear before the Prefect’s office. Despite these obstacles, her resolve remains unshaken.
Addressing her supporters, Nkom acknowledged the gravity of the moment, framing it as part of a broader struggle for justice in Cameroon. “This is a challenging time, but it’s also an eye-opener. It highlights the work we still have to do to build a Cameroon where laws protect rather than oppress—a country where justice is a force for equity and peace.”
Nkom closed her heartfelt message with a rallying cry for collective action and resilience: “This fight is bigger than me; it belongs to all of us.”
Her words echo the enduring spirit of a woman who has dedicated her life to challenging systemic injustices and advocating for equality
