Douala – Prominent human rights lawyer and activist, Alice Nkom, has been summoned by Cameroon’s Gendarmerie following serious allegations brought against her by the Observatory for Societal Development (ODS). The claims include “financing terrorism” and “attempting to undermine national security.”
The official summons, delivered via a bailiff, requires Nkom—who serves as President of the Board of Directors for the Central African Human Rights Defenders Network (Redhac)—to appear before the Central Judicial Research Service of the National Gendarmerie on January 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM.
This legal development comes amidst escalating friction between Redhac and Cameroon’s Ministry of Territorial Administration. Just three weeks ago, the ministry suspended Redhac’s operations, citing allegations of illicit financing. Soon after, ODS filed a formal complaint accusing Nkom of facilitating financial support for separatist movements and destabilizing activities in the North-West and South-West regions.
In their complaint, ODS claimed that since the 2019 Forum of the Cameroon Patriotic Diaspora in Munich, Germany, Nkom and her associates have allegedly raised significant funds to oppose the current regime. The funds, according to ODS, have been funneled to armed separatist groups, further alleging that these actions aim to destabilize the government and provoke unrest among citizens.
As evidence, ODS submitted a USB drive containing two video recordings purportedly demonstrating Nkom’s involvement in these activities. The organization described its actions as part of a broader mission to expose “illicit maneuvers” threatening the nation’s stability.
Nkom’s legal team has reportedly received three administrative summonses concerning this matter. Despite this, she has not personally responded to any of the summonses. A recently scheduled meeting linked to these proceedings was postponed by the Wouri Prefect, adding further complexity to the case.
This latest legal action raises questions about the balance between national security concerns and the protection of human rights advocacy in Cameroon, a country already grappling with significant political and social unrest.
