CAMEROON'S JUSTICE SYSTEM: WHEN MONEY AND CORRUPTION OVERPOWER THE RULE OF LAW

In Cameroon, the justice system is plagued by serious issues that have left countless individuals languishing in prison for years due to the negligence and disregard of laws by magistrates, state counsels, gendarmes, and police officers. Far too often, these authorities detain individuals without sufficient evidence, taking pride in their power to imprison people for crimes they have not proven.

The core issue lies in a distorted system where the plaintiff often holds the upper hand, effectively treating the accused as guilty until proven innocent. This perversion of justice stands in stark contrast to the country's legal framework, which theoretically upholds the presumption of innocence.

A troubling reality is that attending a Friday inquiry at a police station or gendarmerie can be perilous. If the matter at hand involves money or debt, the chances of facing detention increase significantly. Corruption runs deep within law enforcement, and officers often operate with a singular focus: money. Those who can pay bribes effectively manipulate the system, turning justice into a commodity for sale to the highest bidder.

In Cameroon, having financial means can grant you the power to imprison anyone, regardless of their innocence. This culture of corruption has turned the justice system into a tool for personal vendettas and exploitation, leaving the innocent at the mercy of those who can afford to buy their way to victory.