Cameroon: dozens of young detainees freed from financial constraints

Thirty-eight young individuals, previously held in detention, have been granted their freedom in Bafoussam, Cameroon. These detainees, aged between 16 and 28, were unable to settle their financial penalties, known as ‘contraintes par corps,’ which had prolonged their incarceration. A compassionate initiative by the Françoise Puene Foundation for Freedom, a non-governmental organization, provided the necessary funds for their release.

This recent intervention marks the eighth time since 2014 that the foundation has stepped in to assist impoverished young prisoners in Cameroon. Their efforts enable these individuals to pay the mandatory pecuniary obligations and regain their liberty, combining vital humanitarian aid with crucial judicial assistance.

Françoise Puene, who presides over the eponymous foundation, highlighted the significant challenge of prison overcrowding across the nation. “Throughout the national territory, we observed that the central prison in Bafoussam was predominantly congested with young people. These were children aged 16, 17, and 18, with the oldest being 28 years old,” she explained, underscoring the demographic most affected by these financial impediments.

The compulsory payment of ‘contraintes par corps’ is a primary contributor to the severe overpopulation issues plaguing correctional facilities in Cameroon. Adray Epente Tazeu, Secretary General for the Governor’s services in the West region, acknowledged this reality. “Our penitentiary centers are experiencing overpopulation. Many prisoners cannot afford to pay their ‘contraintes par corps’ to qualify for release,” he stated.

Among those who benefited from the foundation’s support is Efred Ngayeu, an ex-prisoner who expressed immense relief. “I am incredibly happy that the payment was made on my behalf,” he shared, having spent nine months in custody instead of the initial six due to these outstanding fines.

Under Cameroon’s Penal Procedure Code, all convicted individuals are obligated to fulfill pecuniary sentences or make restitutions mandated by the courts after their primary prison term concludes. For the 38 former detainees in Bafoussam, the ‘contraintes par corps’ ranged from 40,000 to 150,000 CFA francs, equivalent to approximately 60 to 228 euros.