CameroonS Exit Laws Under Fire: Calls for Reform on International Migrants’ Day
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On December 19,2024, a Cameroonian NGO,Un Monde Avenir, launched a scathing critique of the nation’s 1990 law governing entry and exit from the country (Law 90/043). the law, which mandates strict border controls and imposes harsh penalties for unauthorized departures, has drawn sharp criticism for its impact on Cameroonian citizens returning home.
The law’s articles are stark: “Any person entering or leaving Cameroon must submit to border police control”; “Any Cameroonian who wishes to leave the national territory must present a valid passport to the police authority”; and “Any Cameroonian or foreigner who leaves the area despite the request of the ministers responsible for state control, duly notified by the legal authorities, is punished by imprisonment from 6 months to 2 years and a fine of 100,000 to 2 million francs.” These provisions, according to critics, criminalize migration and fail to distinguish between those who left legally and those who did not.
Philippe Nanga, coordinator of Un Monde Avenir, argued that Article 3 is particularly problematic. “Today, we believe that we must first suspend the application of this law because we must protect Cameroonian citizens when they return home, irrespective of the situation they were in,” Nanga stated. He further emphasized, “We are not saying that a Cameroonian citizen who has committed a crime abroad should not be prosecuted by local jurisdictions. We are saying that a migrant who,as part of his migration journey,must be in a situation so-called irregular and return to Cameroon,to be protected and to join him to reintegrate socially. It is indeed meaningful as we benefit from having one of our own left and couldn’t do it and come back to you. We benefit from supporting him and reuniting him and contributing to the advancement of the country.”
The conference, held on the eve of International Migrants’ Day (December 18), was themed “Immigrants not criminals! No double punishment: refoulement + imprisonment on return.” Epoko Epoko, representing the Ministry of Youth and Civic Education (Minjec), echoed these concerns, stating, “it is urgent that we can humanize this law so that we do not have double punishments again.” Alain Koum, Secretary of Foreign Affairs at the Ministry of External Relations (Minrex), acknowledged the issue’s importance, noting that it is indeed “really at the heart of the construction of this migration policy that we are currently thinking about.”
The meeting concluded with calls for the government to establish a framework for either repealing the law or temporarily suspending its application until a more humane and just replacement can be implemented. Un Monde Avenir, a 20-year-old organization dedicated to social development and citizen participation in Cameroon, continues its advocacy for human rights and improved migration policies.
Cameroon’s Strict Exit Law Faces Condemnation: A Conversation on Migrant Rights
Cameroon’s exit law,enacted in 1990,has come under intense scrutiny from human rights advocates. This law,seen as overly punitive,dictates strict border controls and imposes harsh penalties for unauthorized departures,raising concerns about the treatment of returning Cameroonian citizens. On International Migrants’ Day, a Cameroonian NGO called for the law’s repeal or suspension, emphasizing the need for humane migration policies. We spoke with Dr. Ndongo Mougni, a leading expert on migration and human rights in Central Africa, about this contentious law and its implications.
The Impact of Cameroon’s Exit Law on Returning Citizens
Senior Editor: Dr. Mougni, thank you for joining us today. Many are criticizing Cameroon’s 1990 exit law as being overly harsh, especially towards Cameroonian citizens who may have been forced to leave the country irregularly. Can you elaborate on this?
dr. Mougni: Absolutely.This law, while intending to control borders, creates a situation where Cameroonians who may have faced economic hardships or other difficult circumstances abroad are criminalized upon return. Imagine someone who, due to lack of prospect, left cameroon without proper documentation and is now trying to rebuild their life at home. They face a potential prison sentence upon arrival.This is simply unacceptable.
Concerns Over “Double Punishment”
Senior Editor: The article mentions the term “double punishment.” Could you explain what Un Monde Avenir means by this?
Dr. Mougni: It’s a crucial point. This law essentially punishes individuals twice. First,they may have been subjected to hardship or legal challenges while abroad.Then, upon returning to their own country, they face further penalties based on their irregular departure status. This creates a fear of returning home and disincentivizes reintegration, which is counterproductive for both the individual and Cameroon itself.
A Call for Reform: Path Forward for Cameroon
Senior Editor: What are the potential solutions being proposed by Un Monde Avenir and other advocates?
Dr. Mougni: There are several meaningful avenues. Primarily, there’s a strong push for the government to either repeal this law entirely or, at the very least, suspend its request while a more humane and just replacement is drafted. This new law should focus on protocols for safe and dignified return, provide reintegration support, and differentiate between those who left willingly and those forced to do so.
Senior Editor: It’s clear this is a complex issue with significant implications. Dr. Mougni, thank you for sharing your expertise and shedding light on this important topic.
