Cameroon Dismisses France’s Attempt to ‘Propagate’ LGTB+ on Territory

By Synthia Lateu

BUEA, June 26, 2023 – Cameroon has barred the way to LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender/transsexual) on her territory. The nation, through its minister of territorial administration, Paul Atanga Nji banned a planned conference debate on homosexuality rights in the nation's political capital, Yaounde.

The visit by France's Ambassador for the Rights of LGBT+ People Jean-Marc Berthon to Cameroon was scheduled to take place from 27 June to 1 July, was to examine the situation of LGBT+ people in Cameroon, the legal provisions established to regulate their rights and measures taken to combat the prevalence of HIV in the country.

The visit sparked controversy amongst Cameroonians who expressed dissatisfaction about a possible discussion on homosexuality in the country. The Country's Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, in a letter on June 20, said it was impossible to grant any authorization about homosexuality in the country

He said: "Public meetings and demonstrations in Cameroon are subject to the prior authorization of the administrative authority, under the laws and regulations in force. Regarding the theme of the conference debate, it is in total contradiction with the relevant legislation."

While acknowledging that Ambassador Jean-Marc Berthon can stay in Cameroon at any time, Paul Atanga Nji said it is not possible to grant him any authorization within the framework of the purpose that motivated his trip.

The MINAT boss’ reaction followed the Minister of External Relations, Lejeune Mbella Mbella 's outing, recalling that the practice is unlawful in Cameroon. "It is good to remind that the position of the Cameroonian Government on the definitions of gender, orientation and individual identity in Cameroon is clear and devoid of any debate,” Minister Mbella Mbella wrote on June 19.

“It is therefore not possible to speak of LGBT people in Cameroon. The act is thus qualified as a crime of common law."

The decision to cancel Berthon’s visit to Cameroon was applauded by several Cameroonians who said the practice of homosexuality is against the customs and traditions of the country.

According to Civil Society Actor, Emmanuel Ndiwum, the time has come for Cameroonians to defend their values. "If we have failed to rise against other ills that have been chopping Cameroon, this is the time for us to rise and face it. It should not go through. There will never be any law to protect any individual in Cameroon who practices homosexuality in Cameroon,” Emmanuel Ndiwum said.

"No political rally should end without condemning such an act. In every social gathering, at least 15 minutes should be devoted to denouncing such a macabre act."

Cameroon's National Communication Council, NCC also recently warned the media against promoting homosexual content. In Cameroon and several other Africa, same-sex relationships remain a taboo; those involved in such acts are considered mentally derailed and sick. According to Human Rights Watch, abuse directed at the country's LGBT+ community is on the rise in the country, including violent attacks and arbitrary arrests. The practice of homosexuality is allowed in 22 out of 54 African countries.