The Minister of Territorial Administration, Atanga Nji Paul, on December 10, 2024, granted a press conference in Yaoundé to throw light on government action regarding the suspension of five non-governmental organisations. Journalists had a chance to be clear on the decision banning the five who violated state laws. Réseau d’Organisations de Défense des Droits de l’Homme en Afrique Centrale REDAC 1, Réseau d’Organisations de Défense des Droits de I’Homme en Afrique Centrale REDAC 2, l’Association Charitable Socio-Culturelle du Cameroun, Reach Out Cameroon, Réseau des Défenseurs des Droits Humains en Afrique Centrale
 and Nanje Foundation. Minister Atanga Nji stressed the need for all NGOs and associations in Cameroon to adhere to national and international regulations, quoting the 1990 law on Freedom of Association and the 1999 law on NGOs, which both establish requirements for transparency and proper financial management. Citing the law, the minister said NGOs are required to submit annual activity and financial reports, including the identity of funders. On the NGOs banned, Atanga Nji said two were banned for receiving excessive funds that did not tie with actual field activity, adding that the NGOs had collectively received nearly 16 billion CFA, which was deemed exorbitant and mismanaged. The government emphasised its commitment to preventing money laundering and terrorism financing. The minister highlighted the need for heightened vigilance regarding the sources of funding for NGOs, stressing that funds from illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, would not be tolerated. Financial institutions are also called to be on guard; NGOs accredited with national status should not receive funds from international partners; meanwhile, NGOs are called upon to declare transactions exceeding 500,000 CFA to MINAT for clearance. Minister Atanga Nji emphasised Cameroon’s commitment to international standards in combating money laundering and terrorism financing. He noted that Cameroon is on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list due to incomplete implementation of these standards, and the government is working to rectify this. The minister set a final deadline of January 30, 2025, for all NGOs and associations to submit their annual activity and financial reports. Non-compliance could lead to legal actions, including the suspension of operations. Minister Atanga Nji concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and national security.