Temps de lecture : 3 minutes
DJANTOU YONGNA Rogny Dimitri, a young Cameroonian born in 1995, has been on the run for two years, forced to flee his country to escape an arbitrary arrest. His crime? Providing shelter at the end of 2022 to two young men accused of homosexuality—an accusation that often leads to persecution in a Cameroon where homophobia remains deeply entrenched.
This case, which has taken on the tone of a modern tragedy, unfolds in a society where homosexuality is not only criminalized but also widely condemned by the public. Some African countries, including Cameroon, continue to hunt down those suspected of engaging in same-sex relationships. Though DJANTOU YONGNA had no personal stake in this cause, he found himself trapped in a cycle of violence and intolerance since February 2023, when he was forced to flee abroad.
DJANTOU’s life took a drastic turn when, in December 2022, he temporarily offered refuge to two friends accused of homosexuality by their neighbors. What he considered a simple act of hospitality and friendship quickly spiraled into a nightmare. Rumors spread rapidly, and law enforcement, eager to crack down on any suspicion of homosexuality, launched a search for him. Charged with « complicity » through his act of sheltering, DJANTOU became a target for both the authorities and society.
The first threats came in the form of anonymous phone calls, followed by unsettling police visits and pressure from neighbors. DJANTOU, aware of the fate that awaited those arrested under similar circumstances, knew he had no choice but to flee. The climate of hostility and fear left no room for defending his rights or hoping for justice. The young man decided to leave his country, abandoning his family, friends, and life plans behind.
Today, DJANTOU has spent two years in a foreign country, without legal status, resources, or official support. Not only must he endure the hardships of forced exile, but he must also attempt to rebuild his life far from everything he has ever known. « I never imagined I would be forced to flee like this, » he says, his voice trembling. « All I did was help two friends in need. And for that, I became a criminal. »
This tragic situation highlights the institutional and social violence faced by individuals accused—directly or indirectly—of violating the moral norms of Cameroonian society. While many countries are making strides toward decriminalizing homosexuality, thousands of Cameroonians still live in constant fear of being hunted down for their real or perceived sexual orientation, or simply for helping those who are accused.
The case of DJANTOU YONGNA Rogny Dimitri underscores the urgent need to reform repressive laws in Cameroon and the necessity for the international community to protect those threatened by such oppressive regimes. Human rights organizations are calling for mobilization to support the victims of this unjust criminalization.
For DJANTOU, the future remains uncertain. He now hopes to secure asylum in a country where he can live in safety and peace, far from the persecution he faces in his homeland. But his dream of a normal life still feels distant, overshadowed by the trauma of exile and the constant fear of arrest.
In a world striving for greater justice and tolerance, DJANTOU YONGNA Rogny Dimitri’s story serves as a painful reminder that the fight for human rights is far from over.
Legal Status of LGBTQ+ Individuals in Cameroon
In Cameroon, homosexuality is criminalized under Article 347-1 of the Penal Code, which imposes prison sentences ranging from six months to five years and fines for « same-sex sexual acts. » This law, regularly condemned by international NGOs, continues to justify numerous arrests—often based on mere rumors.