By M. Aliah Atonji
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| Formukom Pael dragged into custody |
It
is no longer news that Cameroonians in their majority have rejected the concept
of homosexuality in all its forms. It is
not simply because the law in Cameroon forbids it under article 347 bis of the Cameroon Criminal Code, but
because the traditions and cultures of most Cameroonian ethnic groups regard
the practice as an aberration and forbids the practise in all its forms.
The mere fact that the law and cultures of Cameroon
forbid homosexuality, at times suspects are often subjected to mob justice and
police harassment without proper investigations. Most often, suspects are
incarcerated for weeks, months or years without any charge. The perception of
the practice of homosexuality in Cameroon by a majority of the population as a
taboo has made it possible for suspects to be arrested, tortured and molested
by individuals or traditional authorities who still exert a lot of powers in
the Cameroonian society especially in the grass field regions.
Homosexuality
in Cameroon is not only condemned in the media, but also strongly opposed by
religious figures. Police officers and civilians are instigated to oppress
homosexuals on the misconception that homosexuals are not recognised, they do
not hold legal rights. This represents a clear breach of Article 2 of the
African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, which states that the principle
of non-discrimination provides the foundation for the enjoyment of all human
rights.
A
glaring example which took place recently here in the North West regional
capital, Bamenda is the case of a lady Formukum Pael. The incident which
occurred on the 30th of September, 2015 was pathetic. Simple because
she was suspected of lesbianism by her neighbours, the gendarmes swooped in and
had her molested. She was not only molested but she was arrested and kept in
custody for over sometime. As of now, no one knows where Formukum is being held
and the family has expressed fears that she might have been killed or sent to
the dreaded Kondengui maximum prison in Yaoundé. Quizzed on whether they were
aware that their daughter was a lesbian. The family hinted that that she
exhibited such feelings not openly until now. According to them, she has often
behaved strangely towards other women which caused her the trouble she is in
today. They have also launched an appeal for anyone to help inform them of her whereabouts.
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| Formukum Pael ar her best |
This
kind of stories abounds in the West and North West regions of Cameroon where
traditional authorities still wield a lot of power and are completely against
the practise. Another case in question is that of one Nformi Ernest Ndi of
Donga mantung Division who suffered mob justice on sometimes in February for
having an affair with Nigerian man. Though the Nigerian fellow escaped back to
Nigeria alive, Nformi was unfortunate as he was stoned to death. Nothing has
been said about him and no criminal case opened to verify the validity of the
crime he was accused of.
In
the few instances where cases have been taken to court and appeals against
conviction are successful, the courts are reluctant in releasing written
judgments. This prevents defendants involved in new actions from relying on
important legal precedent. Moreover, such conduct clearly obstructs the
administration of justice. Even when charges are dropped, it is often too late
to remedy their disastrous impact. As the media are abused to publicise those
charged, defendants find themselves “outed” to a homophobic society and are
often rejected by their own families and friends.
Although
sometimes in 2012, President Biya spoke of a “change of mind” towards
homosexuality, he did not take any further steps towards its
decriminalisation. For homosexuals to be free in Cameroon, the government has
to repeal article 347 bis to ensure the dignity, rights and freedom of this
class of people.
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