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Regulatory News
Regulatory

Cameroon: Opération CRIPHARM XI Seizes Most Illicit Medicines

Journal du Cameroun · 13 Oct

Regulatory

Bowleven: Shareholder Funding Sought for Etinde Project Cameroon

Business in Cameroon · 6 Oct

Legal News
Cameroon
Legislation

Cameroun: Interdiction IA Élèves Primaire Pour Préserver Compétences

In Cameroon, on October 14, 2026, the Minister of Basic Education, Laurent Serge Etoundi Ngoa, officially prohibited the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including popular generative AI applications like ChatGPT, Meta AI, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot, for students in kindergarten and primary school. This ministerial directive represents a significant regulatory intervention in the educational sector, aiming to safeguard fundamental cognitive development in young learners against the perceived risks of over-reliance on AI. For practitioners, this highlights the growing trend of governments addressing the societal impact of AI, particularly concerning education and intellectual development. It sets a precedent for future regulations on AI use in schools and could influence curriculum development and pedagogical approaches. Businesses involved in educational technology or AI development might face restrictions or new compliance requirements if similar directives are extended or broadened, necessitating a review of their market strategies and product offerings. The directive was issued via a ministerial correspondence, indicating an exercise of executive power within the Ministry of Basic Education. In Cameroon, ministerial orders and directives, particularly from a sector-specific ministry like Education, carry legal weight and are immediately applicable across the national territory, covering both public and private secular, confessional, and international schools. This falls under the broader administrative law framework governing public education and the powers vested in government ministers to regulate their respective domains. The minister's rationale emphasizes "cognitive and pedagogical urgency," suggesting a basis in public interest and child development principles, and the directive's immediate application underscores its binding nature. The primary party is Laurent Serge Etoundi Ngoa, the Minister of Basic Education of Cameroon, who issued the directive. The directive targets students in kindergarten and primary school across all types of educational institutions in Cameroon. Popular generative AI applications such as ChatGPT, Meta AI, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot are explicitly named as prohibited tools. The CRTV (Cameroon Radio Television) is mentioned as the media outlet that reported the minister's philosophy, which posits that technology should not replace critical thinking. Attorneys advising educational institutions, technology companies, or parents in Cameroon should be aware of this immediate and nationwide prohibition. They should monitor any further clarifications or expansions of this directive, particularly regarding its enforcement mechanisms, potential penalties for non-compliance, and whether similar restrictions might be extended to higher education levels or to teachers. Businesses developing AI tools for educational purposes should assess the implications for their market access and product design in jurisdictions adopting similar protective measures. The outcome of this matter is not yet reported beyond the issuance of the directive, but its implementation will be crucial to observe.

15 Oct
Cameroon
Legal News

Cameroon: Land Dispute Involves Request to Annul Property Title

In Yaoundé, Cameroon, on September 28, 2026, Célestin Tawamba, president of the Groupement Interpatronal camerounais (Gicam) and manager of Sci Le Neyang, formally requested the Prime Minister's urgent intervention in a land dispute involving a property owned by Sci Le Neyang since 2015, which is now contested by Mme Awapira Crescence Baboke, the wife of the Deputy Director of the Civil Cabinet of the Presidency of the Republic. This dispute highlights the complexities and potential for political influence in land and property matters in Cameroon, particularly when high-profile individuals or those connected to the presidency are involved. For practitioners, it underscores the importance of robust due diligence in real estate transactions and the challenges that can arise even with established land titles. The request for the Prime Minister's arbitration, rather than immediate judicial recourse, suggests a recognition of the administrative and political dimensions that often intertwine with legal disputes in the region, especially concerning land. It also raises concerns about the integrity of administrative processes if, as Tawamba alleges, state administrative apparatus is being used to undermine private property rights. The core of the dispute revolves around land title N°1701/Mfoundi, which Sci Le Neyang claims to have held since 2015, with the land registered in 2016. The current conflict stems from an arrêté N°03292 issued by the Ministry of State Property, Cadastre and Land Affairs (Mindcaf) on September 3, 2026, which declared the nullity of this land title. This involves the Cameroonian land law framework, which governs property registration, land titles, and the powers of the Mindcaf to issue or revoke such titles. The appeal to the Prime Minister indicates an attempt to leverage administrative hierarchy to overturn a ministerial decision, suggesting a potential administrative law challenge or a request for executive oversight. The allegation of "nullité d’ordre public" (nullity of public order) implies a fundamental legal flaw in the original title, which Tawamba disputes. The key parties involved are Célestin Tawamba, representing Sci Le Neyang and Gicam, and Mme Awapira Crescence Baboke, identified as the wife of the Deputy Director of the Civil Cabinet of the Presidency of the Republic. The Ministry of State Property, Cadastre and Land Affairs (Mindcaf) issued the arrêté in question. The Prime Minister, Head of Government, is the authority to whom Tawamba has appealed for arbitration. The property in question is an urban building of 1003 m2 located in Mfandena, Yaoundé, under land title N°1701/Mfoundi. Attorneys advising on real estate investments or property disputes in Cameroon should pay close attention to this case. It illustrates the potential for administrative decisions to challenge established land titles and the need for vigilance against potential abuses of administrative power. Practitioners should advise clients on the robustness of their land titles, the procedures for challenging administrative decisions (such as those from Mindcaf), and the avenues for seeking redress, including administrative appeals or judicial review. The involvement of politically connected individuals underscores the importance of understanding the broader political and administrative landscape when navigating complex property disputes. The outcome of this matter, specifically the Prime Minister's decision or any subsequent legal actions, is not yet reported.

15 Oct
Cameroon
Legal News

Samuel Eto'o: Defamation Threat to L'Équipe Over FECAFOOT Allegations

Samuel Eto'o, President of the Fédération Camerounaise de Football (FECAFOOT), through his lawyers, initiated a counter-attack in Cameroon by threatening defamation proceedings against the French sports daily L’Équipe in September 2026, following an article alleging a suspicious transfer of over 500,000 euros related to an October 2023 friendly match between Russia and Cameroon. Eto'o's legal team issued a formal right of reply to L’Équipe, vehemently refuting any accusations of embezzlement or personal enrichment concerning the funds. They clarified that the use of a Qatari bank account for the transaction was necessitated by specific constraints encountered when dealing with Russia and asserted that this procedure had received prior authorization from the competent authorities within FECAFOOT. The lawyers further emphasized that FECAFOOT's financial operations are subject to rigorous independent audits and regular oversight by both the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), thereby implying a robust system of financial controls. The excerpt indicates a threat of defamation proceedings but does not report on their actual commencement or outcome. This development carries significant legal implications for practitioners, particularly those advising sports federations, public figures, and media organizations in Cameroon and across Africa. It highlights the increasing scrutiny on financial governance within sports bodies and the critical importance of transparent, well-documented financial practices, especially for international transactions involving complex geopolitical or financial environments. For media outlets, the threat of defamation underscores the necessity of meticulous fact-checking and robust legal review before publishing allegations that could damage reputations, as such actions can lead to costly litigation and significant reputational harm. Conversely, for individuals and organizations facing such allegations, it demonstrates a proactive legal strategy to defend reputation and challenge potentially misleading or unsubstantiated reports. The legal context primarily involves the principles of defamation law, likely governed by Cameroonian civil law, which typically requires proof of false statements causing harm to reputation. While specific Cameroonian statutes are not cited, defamation actions in civil law jurisdictions often fall under general civil code provisions or specific press laws. The involvement of FECAFOOT, CAF, and FIFA also brings into play the regulatory frameworks of international sports bodies, which often have their own ethics and financial compliance rules that operate in parallel with national legal systems. The explanation regarding the Qatari bank account due to

15 Oct
Cameroon
Legal News

Cameroon EITI: Petroleum Contract Publication Timeline Set

Cameroon, through its Acting Mines, Industry and Technological Development Minister Fuh Calistus Gentry, committed on October 9, 2026, in Brussels, Belgium, to establish a timetable for the publication of petroleum contracts, financial statements, and extractive sector data, as part of a broader reform effort aimed at lifting its suspension from the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). This commitment, presented to EITI Board Chair Maria van der Hoeven, signifies a strategic move by the Cameroonian government to enhance transparency within its vital extractive sector. The planned disclosures, to be developed in collaboration with the National Hydrocarbons Corporation (SNH), are intended to provide comprehensive information on petroleum agreements and financial activities, including the management of natural resources and associated revenues. This initiative directly addresses the shortcomings that led to Cameroon's EITI suspension, with a particular focus on implementing corrective measures under EITI Requirement 1.3 to ensure the free and effective participation of civil society organizations. This development holds significant legal and economic implications for Cameroon, its extractive industry, and international stakeholders. For practitioners, it signals a forthcoming increase in regulatory scrutiny and public disclosure requirements for companies operating within Cameroon's oil, gas, and mining sectors. The commitment to transparency, particularly regarding contract publication and financial flows, aims to foster a more predictable and accountable operating environment, potentially attracting further foreign direct investment by reducing perceived risks associated with opacity. Key parties involved include the Cameroonian Ministry of Mines, Industry and Technological Development, the EITI Board, and the National Hydrocarbons Corporation (SNH), which plays a central role in the country's hydrocarbons sector. The emphasis on civil society participation underscores the EITI's multi-stakeholder governance model, making civil society organizations crucial watchdogs in the implementation process. The outcome of the suspension being lifted is not yet reported, as this is a commitment to a future action plan. The legal context for this initiative is rooted in Cameroon's existing regulatory framework governing its extractive industries, which includes various laws and decrees related to mining, petroleum, and environmental protection. While the EITI is a global standard rather than a domestic law, adherence to its requirements often necessitates amendments or stricter enforcement of national legislation concerning contract disclosure, revenue management, and corporate governance. Cameroon's commitment to EITI Requirement 1.3, which pertains to civil society engagement, highlights the importance of national laws protecting freedom of association and expression. For attorneys advising clients in Cameroon's extractive sector, it is imperative to closely monitor the development and implementation of the promised publication timetable and any associated regulatory changes. Businesses should prepare for increased transparency obligations, including potential requirements to disclose contractual terms, financial payments to the government, and beneficial ownership information. Proactive engagement with the government and civil society on these evolving standards will be crucial for compliance and maintaining a social license to operate.

15 Oct
Cameroon
Legal News

FECAFOOT: Jean Manga Onguéné TAS Award of 229 Million FCFA Unpaid

In Cameroon, an open letter from writer Jean Ediegnie to Samuel Eto'o, President of the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot), questions the unresolved financial dispute concerning 229 million FCFA allegedly owed to former football legend Jean Manga Onguéné, stemming from a Sports Arbitration Tribunal award rendered in April 2023. This public inquiry highlights significant concerns regarding the enforcement of arbitral awards and financial accountability within national sports bodies in Cameroon. For legal practitioners, it underscores the potential challenges in ensuring compliance with arbitration decisions, particularly when they involve prominent figures or institutions. The public nature of this letter also brings to light the reputational risks associated with non-compliance and the pressure that can be exerted through public discourse to resolve such disputes. It suggests a broader issue of transparency and governance within Fecafoot, which could have implications for its stakeholders and international standing. The legal context for this matter primarily involves the enforcement of arbitral awards. While the excerpt refers to a

14 Oct
Cameroon
Legal News

Me Ntimbane Bomo: Cameroon Presidential Succession Without VP Clarified

In Cameroon, Me Ntimbane Bomo, Executive President of the Héritage party, has provided a legal analysis asserting that the absence of a Vice-President does not create an institutional crisis regarding presidential succession, as the President of the Senate is constitutionally mandated to assume interim presidential powers in the event of a definitive impediment of the President of the Republic. This analysis is of significant legal and political importance as it directly addresses a contentious constitutional debate in Cameroon concerning the continuity of state power. It aims to clarify the legal framework for presidential succession, which is crucial for maintaining political stability and investor confidence. For legal professionals, particularly those specializing in constitutional or public law, this interpretation provides a critical understanding of the mechanisms for presidential transition and refutes arguments suggesting an institutional vacuum in the absence of a Vice-President. The debate itself underscores the ongoing discussions about constitutional reforms and their practical implications in the Cameroonian political landscape. The legal context for this analysis is firmly rooted in the Cameroonian Constitution, specifically referencing Articles 6(6) and 6(7) of what the author describes as

14 Oct
Cameroon
Legislation

CEMAC: Private Placement Cap Lifted, CFA20 Billion Limit Removed

The Ministerial Committee of the Central African Monetary Union (UMAC) in N'Djamena, Chad, adopted an amended regulation on October 7, 2026, effective November 1, 2026, lifting the CFA20 billion cap on private placements for companies in the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) while introducing a new restriction of no more than two private placements within any rolling 24-month period. This significant regulatory shift is designed to provide companies and other issuers within the CEMAC region with greater flexibility to mobilize capital on the regional financial market, potentially stimulating economic growth and corporate expansion. The removal of the previous monetary ceiling on private placements addresses a long-standing limitation, allowing larger capital raises from qualified investors. However, the simultaneous introduction of a frequency restriction means that while the size of individual placements is unlimited, issuers must strategically plan their capital-raising activities to comply with the new two-placement-per-24-month rule. The legal context for these changes stems from an amendment to several provisions of the July 21, 2022, regulation that governs the regional financial market, specifically revising Article 88. These measures were adopted following a proposal from the Central African Financial Market Supervisory Commission (Cosumaf), underscoring Cosumaf's pivotal role as the primary financial market regulator and its influence on the evolution of capital market rules in the CEMAC zone. The publication of the text on the regulator's website on October 13, 2026, ensures transparency and provides market participants with official notice of the impending changes. For legal practitioners and businesses operating in the CEMAC region, this development necessitates an immediate review of capital-raising strategies. Attorneys advising companies on financial market transactions must familiarize themselves thoroughly with the revised Article 88, particularly the implications of the unlimited amount for private placements and the new restriction on placement frequency. Clients should be advised on how to structure their financing rounds to maximize capital access while adhering to the new regulatory limits, ensuring compliance with the updated framework well in advance of its November 1, 2026, effective date. This change represents both an opportunity for greater financial maneuverability and a new compliance challenge.

14 Oct
Cameroon
Legal News

Investally Cameroon: CEMAC Financial Market Launch Targets Brokerage, Listings

Serge Ngoube Edjenguele, an independent non-executive director of UBA Cameroon, was appointed chairman of the board and CEO of Investally, a new financial services firm established in Douala, Cameroon, on August 13, 2026, to operate in the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) financial market. This development signals the emergence of a new player in the CEMAC financial market, with Investally planning to offer a range of services including securities brokerage, stock market order execution, portfolio management, and securities account services. Furthermore, the firm intends to assist companies in raising capital through share and bond issues or listings on the Central African Stock Exchange (BVMAC). The entry of a new firm with such comprehensive offerings could intensify competition and expand the availability of financial services for businesses and investors across the region, subject to the necessary regulatory approvals. The legal context for Investally's operations is governed by the regulatory framework of the CEMAC financial market, primarily overseen by the Central African Financial Market Supervisory Commission (Cosumaf). All the services Investally intends to provide require explicit authorization from Cosumaf. Crucially, the company must also meet a minimum share capital requirement of CFA300 million, which must be fully paid up before such authorization can be granted. The legal notice, published in Cameroon Tribune and based on documents executed before a notary, confirms the formal establishment of the company, but the excerpt explicitly states that Investally's capital status and whether it has received regulatory approval are not disclosed. The mention of the two positions assigned to Serge Ngoube also raises a point of interest, though the specific nature of the concern is not detailed in the excerpt. Practitioners advising financial institutions or companies seeking financial services in the CEMAC region should closely monitor Investally's progress in securing Cosumaf authorization and its capitalisation. The successful entry of Investally could alter the competitive landscape for existing brokerage and investment firms. Furthermore, attorneys should be mindful of potential corporate governance considerations, particularly regarding the dual roles held by Mr. Ngoube, and advise clients on the implications of new market entrants for their own strategic planning and compliance obligations within the evolving CEMAC financial sector.

14 Oct
Cameroon
Legal News

Cameroon: EITI Report Reveals Gold Revenue Distribution Gaps

In his October 12, 2026, circular on preparations for the national budget, President Paul Biya of Cameroon called for tighter oversight and stronger controls across the mining sector, particularly for gold, with the aim of increasing public revenue from mining in 2027. This presidential directive carries significant legal and practical implications for the mining industry in Cameroon, signaling a heightened governmental focus on revenue generation and regulatory compliance. While the circular does not introduce new taxes on gold or set specific revenue targets, the emphasis on

14 Oct