Cameroon - April 2026

On 6 April, the Douala-Bonanjo Court of First Instance reopened judicial proceedings against prominent human rights defender Maximilienne Ngo Mbe. The reopening occurred after both the prosecution and defence had already presented their cases in a trial linked to her opposition to the administrative sealing of the offices of the Central Africa Human Rights Defenders Network (REDHAC). The decision came after a request by a state representative to introduce additional evidence, despite earlier hearings having concluded and deliberations reportedly expected. Critics argued that reopening the case at such a late stage raised concerns about due process, legal certainty and judicial independence. Rights groups also linked the case to a broader pattern of pressure on civil society actors, noting that Ngo Mbe has faced threats and legal challenges connected to her human rights advocacy. The reopening of the case will cause further delays to the judicial proceedings and suggests that the authorities are deliberately prolonging the proceedings against Maximilienne Ngo Mbe.  

Sources: Human Rights and Legal Research Centre; Frontline Defenders; Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights