Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mimi Mefo Info
Published on 2024-03-01 13:08:03
After accusing her boss, the president of the Human Rights Commission of Cameroon (CDHC) of sexual harassment, Judith Esperance Tsemo was finally dismissed after several disciplinary hearings where she did not appear. The decision to terminate her employment, signed by the very person she accuses of misconduct, seems like a blow to human rights in an institution whose main mission is to protect human rights.
Harassment in all its forms could now be seen as the mode of governance at the Human Rights Commission of Cameroon (CDHC). After claiming to be sexually harassed by James Mouangue Kobila, the president of the CDHC, here is Miss Judith Esperance Tsemo, who is once again being harassed on a professional level. Yesterday, February 28, her dismissal decision was signed by the same person who is accused of being her harasser. An act that resonates as a challenge to human rights in an institution whose mission is to protect human rights.
The dismissal of the woman who was previously the head of the translation department at the CDHC comes after yet another disciplinary hearing where she did not appear. “The Disciplinary Board, meeting in its sessions on January 25, February 13 and 27, 2024, after deliberating and finding that the facts alleged against her are established, issued an opinion in favor of her dismissal… for serious misconduct,” a document from the Ad Hoc Disciplinary Board states. The CDHC Disciplinary Board accuses her of “serious shortcomings and neglect in the performance of your professional duties; blatant insubordination and disobedience towards the hierarchy…” In addition, there are “excessive delays on a permanent basis, unexplained absences, repeated and prolonged absences.”
Once the dismissal decision signed by James Mouangue Kobila was relayed, it was very poorly received in public opinion and among legal professionals. “The prerequisite before taking action against this woman should have been for the commission president who signs the document to be cleared of the accusations against him, especially since they concern good morals,” commented a legal expert. In early January, the president of the CDHC had been the target of a complaint for, among other things, “sexual harassment,” “private outrage to modesty,” “threats with conditions,” “blackmail,” “minor injuries” and “defamation.” These accusations were made by Miss Tsemo. The case is still pending in court.
This dismissal is indeed nonsensical and only increases suspicion among citizens. “By having her dismissed before any prior decision was made, he has created a serious spirit of suspicion. The average citizen may believe that he wanted to remove a troublesome person from his proximity as well as the institution he represents. How can he announce the dismissal of an employee while denying her the right to the notice period that is recognized by law? On what basis or internal decision was this text taken? What does he mean by serious misconduct? How was this misconduct determined? These could be questions that need answers,” commented a lawyer at the Cameroon bar association.
“And undoubtedly, if this woman turns to the administrative judge to request the suspension and annulment of this act, or to the social judge to claim her rights for wrongful dismissal, she will prevail,” he added.
In the meantime, several NGOs, including the Mandela Center, are demanding the resignation of James Mouangue Kobila, who they believe is “no longer worthy to defend the interests of the Human Rights Commission of Cameroon (CDHC).”
Read the original article(French) on Mimi Mefo Info
