2024-03-04 02:44:38
Serious accusations weigh on Professor James Mouangue Kobila, president of the Cameroon Human Rights Commission (CDHC). In a press release made public on February 28, the NGO Mandela Center International revealed that a complaint was filed against him in the Yaoundé court for sexual harassment, indecent exposure and threats.
The complainant, Ms. Nkouete Messah, is a former colleague of Professor Kobila at the CDHC. According to the press release, she would have suffered moral harassment and insistent advances from her hierarchical superior since her appointment to the position of chief of staff in 2022. A hold that was difficult to maintain which would ultimately have led her to leave her position in February 2023.
Inaction and retaliation of the accused
Faced with these extremely serious accusations against the head of a public institution responsible for protecting human rights, the silence is deafening. Neither the main person concerned nor the CDHC considered it necessary to react to deny or clarify the facts.
Worse, according to Mandela Center, Professor Kobila would have undertaken reprisals by initiating disciplinary proceedings against his accuser, before dismissing her. ” without notice » on February 28.
An unacceptable reaction for the human rights NGO, for whom such an accusation of an attack on dignity and morals is incompatible with the function of president of the CDHC.
« It is highly unhealthy, unworthy and inconceivable that the head of a National Human Rights Institution continues to go about his business with such accusations.” the press release protests.
Before concluding bluntly: “Mandela Center International firmly demands the dismissal or immediate resignation of Professor James Mouangue Kobila from the CDHC for serious breach of ethics.” And immediately announces the “suspension of all collaboration with the institution”.
The ball is now in the court of the Cameroonian authorities. Will they launch an impartial investigation into these accusations? Is the resignation of Professor Kobila possible at this stage? The least we can say is that the credibility of the CDHC is seriously damaged.