Imprisoned Gays in Cameroon Send Message - as More Arrests Reported

Seven jailed gay men in Cameroon have issued a New Year’s message thanking all those who have supported them.

Also, Cameroonian activists have shared a photo of one of those jailed with the lawyer and activist Alice N’Kom.

The message reads:

Although you’ve accompanied us with a lot of sadness, you’ve especially shown us a lot of kindness, love and determination throughout this year. We exhort you to never give up in to the discouragement and to never weaken in your mobilization for us and for the LGBT cause. Because your support represents for LGBT in Cameroon in general and specially for us who are in prison… the HOPE. The HOPE to be one day, released from the PRISON in which we’ve been thrown, but also the HOPE that one day, LGBT people can walk quite freely in Cameroon, without any humiliation.

We wish you, from the bottom of our heart, to be of happy, healthy and that the coming year be full of promises and success.

Happy New Year.

On behalf of:

Jean Claude Roger Mbede
Singha Jonas
Ndome Ndome Frankie
Ombwa Joseph Magloire
Tiomela Lontsie Emma
Ntamack Nicolas
Ntsama Séraphin

As reported here last month, Cameroon is extending anti-gay laws and, according to N’Kom, doing this quietly to try to avoid international attention — a clear sign that international focus on Cameroon’s repression of gay people is having an impact.

At least 10 men have been arrested and imprisoned for homosexuality in Cameroon last year, not only for what they allegedly did, but for who they are, or even appeared to be.

In November, ADEFHO and other groups announced that there is a government-organized campaign run by youth brigades to entrap gay men on the Internet.

You can sign a petition here.

Four more gay men were arrested at the end of December, Cameroon gay activists report.

N’Kom was threatened with arrest by a government representative a year ago.

Related stories:

Cameroon Doubles Down on Gays

Cameroon Court Jails 3 Gay Men

Cameroon Men Arrested ‘Because They Appear to Be Gay’

Read more: africa, cameroon, law, lgbt

Image of Alice N'Kom with Jean Claude Roger Mbede courtesy ADEFHO

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Joan M.

3:00PM PST on Feb 4, 2012

Thanks for your article, I honestly believe that it is fear and ignorance at work here, what is needed is education. Thanks to all who are fighting this especially the lawyer Alice N'Kom keep up the good work