Why court-ordered debts trap young Cameroonians

Prison overcrowding in Cameroon is partly driven by the requirement that convicts pay court-ordered fines or restitution before release. Without funds, many languish behind bars long after completing their sentences.

« We visited prisons across the country and found Bafoussam Central Prison overwhelmed by young detainees — some as young as 17, others 18 or 16. The oldest was just 28 », explained Françoise Puene, founder and president of the foundation.

Officials acknowledge the issue. « Our prisons are overcrowded. Many inmates cannot pay their court-ordered debts, so they remain incarcerated », said Adray Epente Tazeu, secretary general of the West Region governor’s services.

One young man’s story

Efred Ngayeu, who spent nine months in prison instead of the six-month sentence he received, was among those released. « I’m so relieved they paid for me », he shared.

How much does freedom cost?

The court-ordered debts for the 38 released detainees ranged from 40,000 to 150,000 Central African francs — roughly 60 to 228 euros.

The legal backdrop

Under Cameroon’s Penal Procedure Code, convicts must settle financial penalties or restitution orders upon completing their prison terms. Failure to do so can extend their detention indefinitely.