Three months after suspension: gov’t leaves NGOs lingering in endless limbo

The government has yet to comment on the suspension of the Non-Governmental Organizations, NGOs, months after slamming a suspension on the bodies. The uneasy silence has left the nonprofit bodies swimming in complete suspense and fear.

More than two weeks after the expiration of their three-month suspension, several NGOs remain unable to resume operations. The suspension, enacted by Territorial Administration Minister Paul Atanga Nji, initially targeted four organizations: Association Charitable Socioculturelle du Cameroun, Reach Out Cameroon, REDHAC, and Nanje Foundation INC.

Despite expectations that their doors would reopen on March 6, 2025, the imposed seals remain intact, raising concerns over the prolonged restriction on their activities. At the Central Africa Human Rights Defenders Network, REDHAC, headquarters in Douala, frustration continues to mount. Executive Director Maximilienne Ngo Mbe voiced her dismay, stating that the organization’s inability to resume operations is both unexpected and unjustified. “We have adhered to all legal requirements, and the suspension period has passed, yet our office remains sealed,” she lamented in an interview with Canal 2 International.

Ngo Mbe highlighted the economic toll the suspension has taken on employees, pointing out that at least ten staff members remain jobless.  “These ten young people, who were the primary support for many families, have been deprived of their livelihoods for three months,” she added. The suspension has not only impacted the employees but also the communities these NGOs serve. According to Philip Nanga, Coordinator of Un Monde Avenir, REDHAC had been actively engaged in initiatives aimed at fostering social cohesion and peace. “We submitted all requested reports to the authorities, demonstrating our commitment to transparency and accountability.

However, our work remains at a standstill due to this indefinite restriction,” he stated. The Ministry of Territorial Administration, justified the initial suspension, citing extensive investigations that reportedly uncovered financial irregularities amounting to an estimated 16 billion CFA francs over the past two years. However, critics argue that the government has yet to provide concrete evidence supporting these claims or a clear roadmap for the reinstatement of the affected organizations.

Observers suggest that the situation underscores broader concerns regarding civil society operations in Cameroon. Many view the prolonged closure as a strategic move to stifle independent organizations that play a crucial role in governance and human rights advocacy. The uncertainty surrounding the reopening of these NGOs has intensified calls for greater transparency and due process in governmental actions.

As the impasse persists, affected organizations remain in limbo, caught between compliance with regulatory demands and the reality of continued operational restrictions.