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Washington DC, USA (African Boulevard News) – Alice Nkom: Cameroon’s tireless defender of LGBTQ rights and Double Citizenship rights for Cameroonian of the Diaspora
The visit was confirmed by New York – based Cameroonian activist, Patrice Nouma on his Youtube Channel (INVITED BY THE CAMEROONIANS OF THE UNITED STATES, Barrister ALICE NKOM GIVES YOU THE REASONS FOR HER PRESENCE) Alice Nkom, a Cameroonian lawyer, is known for her relentless advocacy for the rights of the LGBTQ community and the Cameroonian diaspora. She has been fighting for the decriminalization of homosexuality in Cameroon, where it is illegal and punishable by up to five years in prison. Her efforts have earned her numerous awards and recognition, including the 2011 Human Rights Watch Alison Des Forges Award. At the age of 24, Alice Nkom became the first black French-speaking woman to be called to the bar in Cameroon. She has since dedicated her legal career to defending marginalized communities and fighting against discrimination. She founded the Association for the Defense of Homosexuals (ADEFHO) in 2003 to provide legal assistance and support to members of the LGBTQ community in Cameroon. Despite facing threats and intimidation from authorities, Alice Nkom has continued her work to defend the rights of the LGBTQ community in Cameroon. In an interview with France24, she stated, “I’m not afraid because I’m convinced that what I’m doing is right. I’m fighting for the rights of human beings, not just a category of people.”Meeting with Cameroonian Diaspora in the USA
In April 2023, Alice Nkom is set to embark on a tour of the Cameroonian diaspora in the USA. The purpose of her visit is to discuss the question of double citizenship for Cameroonians living abroad. Cameroon currently does not allow dual citizenship, which has been a major concern for Cameroonians living in the diaspora who wish to retain their Cameroonian citizenship while obtaining citizenship in their country of residence. Alice Nkom believes that it is up to Africans to have leaders capable of speaking as equals with France, China, and Russia. She argues that double citizenship is a fundamental right and that Cameroonians in the diaspora should not be forced to choose between their Cameroonian identity and their country of residence. During her tour, Alice Nkom will meet with members of the Cameroonian community in various cities across the USA to discuss their concerns and explore ways to advocate for the recognition of double citizenship in Cameroon. The tour is expected to be a significant event for the Cameroonian diaspora in the USA, as it provides an opportunity to engage with one of the country’s leading human rights activists. Alice Nkom’s visit to the USA is a testament to her unwavering commitment to defending human rights and promoting equality. Her tireless advocacy for the rights of the LGBTQ community and the Cameroonian diaspora has earned her international recognition and admiration. As Cameroon continues to grapple with issues of discrimination and inequality, Alice Nkom’s work remains crucial in promoting tolerance and acceptance. Her tour of the Cameroonian diaspora in the USA provides an opportunity for Cameroonians living abroad to engage with a leader who has dedicated her life to fighting for their rights and freedoms. African Boulevard News diaspora Correspondents will follow this story with updates of the visit.