The Central African Minister of Justice has given national and international NGOs working on human rights in the country until July 30 to submit their activity reports for 2023. Like his colleague from the Economy a few days earlier, he is urging these organizations to respect their legal obligations. The NGOs, for their part, acknowledge certain shortcomings linked to a framework that has been unclear until now, but questions are also being raised about this communication and a possible tightening of the screws against them.
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The first reminder, at the beginning of the month, came from a circular from the Minister of Economy Richard Filakota. He was annoyed by the publication by NGOs of data collected but not validated by national authorities, a regulatory obligation, according to him. He cited article 40 of the decree of April 23, implementing the 2019 law governing the activity of NGOs.
This same article is taken up by the Minister of Justice Arnaud Djoubaye Abazène. The circular taken this week requires the sending of the 2023 reports of NGOs dealing with human rights, at the latest by July 30, and threatens suspensions or withdrawals of approvals.
He also threatens organizations that are linked to political parties, election candidates, ” subversive activities “, Or ” would incite violence, hatred or discrimination “.
Several NGO leaders contacted in Bangui acknowledge that until now the legal framework was vague and therefore not necessarily respected. The interlocutors believe that better control is desirable, but question its application and possible threats to their activities.
This occurs particularly after the arrest at the end of May of a consultant for the American NGO FHI 360This arrest gave rise to a warning to those involved in the sector.