LGBT rights activists have worked hard this month seeking public recognition of the human rights of LGBT citizens of Cameroon. During the month, in programs organized by Camfaids (the Cameroonian Foundation for Aids), activists have been: Marching against violence A peaceful march on July 13 challenged and educated policymakers and society in general about the … Continue reading
Tag Archives: Yaoundé
Cameroon police detain accused gay man for 9 days
By Erin Royal Brokovitch Hervé, a 25-year-old Cameroonian man facing homosexuality charges, was set free on bail on April 13 after nine days in police custody. His release was accomplished through the diligent work of LGBTI rights activists at Humanity First Cameroon and, in particular, the lawyers Michel Togue and Jatan Ndongo. But both Hervé … Continue reading
Cameroon lawyer: It’s time to repeal our anti-gay law
The repeal of Cameroon’s anti-LGBT law is long overdue, says a member of the Human Rights Commission of the Cameroon Bar Association. In fact, says barrister Walter Atoh, “It is absolutely sickening and ridiculous that in the 21st century a homosexual act gets a person in Cameroon six months to five years imprisonment.” Atoh, known … Continue reading
A family torn apart by homophobia in Cameroon
A year-end report about homophobia in Cameroon contains a heart-wrenching story about a family torn apart by fear of homosexuality. The story comes from a report compiled by Humanity First, a Yaoundé-based organization seeking improved health care for LGBTI Cameroonians and recognition of their human rights. The organization explained that, once a young man or … Continue reading
Proved: Lesbians, gays, straights can be friends in Cameroon
A homophobic neighborhood in Yaoundé, Cameroon was the site of a shock action on Nov. 14 that demonstrated the resilience of the LGBTI community and the ease with which gay and straight Cameroonians can interact peacefully. The event, called “Homosexual Visibility in Homophobic Neighborhoods,” was organized by AVAF (the Association for the Promotion of Women) … Continue reading
Gay man frequents Cameroon cybercafe; crowd attacks
A homophobic crowd attacked a Yaoundé resident in a cybercafe last month, the Cameroonian LGBTI activist organization CAMFAIDS reports. After the attack, Emmanuelle Ndjock, the owner of the cybercafe, filed charges against Henry O. of Yaoundé and Elvis T., a visitor to Cameroon, accusing Henry of obscene behavior, seeking prosecution on homosexuality charges and demanding … Continue reading
Cameroonian LGBTI activist targeted in murder attempt
Attacks continue in Cameroon against LGBT people and the human rights activists who defend them. The latest target was the program director of Camfaids (the Cameroonian Foundation for Aids), which fights against Aids and for the recognition of the human rights of LGBTI people. Jean Jacques Dissoke, the group’s legal coordinator, reported and commented on … Continue reading
Cameroon: A productive life wrecked by homophobia
For five months, Maxime, 26, had lived in a room in the Mimboman neighborhood of Yaoundé, earning his living by selling braised fish. In that densely populated area where homes butt against each other, his neighbors included his landlord and the landlord’s extended family. All seemed well until one day in June, when Maxime was … Continue reading
End is near for visits boosting LGBTI prisoners in Cameroon?
In Yaoundé, LGBTI prisoners know they are not totally isolated, because they receive regular visits from LGBTI rights activists who give them emotional support and food. During 2014, members of the anti-AIDS/pro-LGBTI-rights organization Cameroonian Foundation for AIDS (Camfaids) made 20 visits to four LGBTI prisoners of the Central Prison in Yaoundé, also known as the … Continue reading
Outing in Cameroon ends in homelessness
by Erin Royal Brokovitch The story of Aris, 26, will resonate in the minds of all those who have suffered violent setbacks after their homosexuality was suddenly revealed to their family. Makékéné, is a village on the line dividing the Central region of Cameroon, and the Western region. It is there, in March 2015 that Aris, … Continue reading
