Douala: Court hands Barrister Alice Nkom suspended sentence, acquits Ngo Mbe of rebellion.

However, the court acquitted Nkom and REDHAC Executive Director, Chantal Maximilienne Ngo Mbe, of the charge of rebellion, ruling that the offence was not established.

The verdict was delivered on Monday, September 21, 2026, after several months of hearings. In addition to the suspended prison sentence, Nkom was ordered to pay a fine of 500,000 FCFA and 62,100 FCFA in legal charges. 

The court also ruled that no imprisonment in lieu of payment could be enforced against her because of her age. The defence has thus been given 10 days to appeal the decision. 

It should be recalled that the case dates back to December 2024, when a decision by the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, suspended REDHAC's activities for three months. 

The measure cited allegations including “illicit and exorbitant financing” and other concerns relating to the organisation's operations. Authorities, led by the Senior Divisional Officer, SDO, of Wouri, Sylyac Marie Mvogo, subsequently placed seals on REDHAC's offices in Douala. 

Barrister Alice Nkom was later accused of breaking the seals and rebellion. However, she had insisted that her actions were not rebellious, but rather a call for justice and respect for the law. 

She saw the then incident as a reflection of the larger struggle against abuse of power and injustice in Cameroon. Human rights organisations have raised concerns about the suspension and the legal proceedings involving REDHAC officials. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3918 of Wednesday September 23, 2026