21/07/2026
Cameroon Bans Non-Profit Organizations from Wearing Military, Security and UN-Like Uniforms and Insignia
The Government of Cameroon has introduced a new measure prohibiting members of Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) from wearing or possessing uniforms, insignia, badges or any other distinctive signs that resemble those used by the country's Defence and Security Forces or the United Nations (UN) System.
The decision is contained in Ministerial Order No. 000106/A/MINAT, signed on 21 July 2026 by the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji.
The order cites the Constitution, the 1990 Law on Freedom of Association, the 1990 Law on the Maintenance of Law and Order, and other relevant legal instruments as its legal basis.
According to Article 1, the prohibition takes immediate effect throughout the national territory. It applies to all members of Non-Profit Organizations, who are no longer permitted to wear or possess uniforms, attributes, insignia or any distinctive signs that could be mistaken for those of the Defence and Security Forces or the United Nations.
Article 2 instructs leaders of Non-Profit Organizations currently in possession of such items to surrender them to the administrative authorities in the locality where their organizations are headquartered within 15 days from the date of signature of the order.
The ministerial order further warns in Article 3 that individuals or organizations that fail to comply with the new directive will be liable to legal proceedings in accordance with the laws in force.
Implementation of the order has been entrusted to Governors, Senior Divisional Officers and Divisional Officers, who have been directed to ensure strict enforcement.
The order will also be published in the Official Gazette in both French and English.
The measure is expected to strengthen public order by preventing confusion between members of civil society organizations and official state security institutions, while reinforcing respect for the identity and authority of Cameroon’s Defence and Security Forces and the United Nations.
It also serves as a reminder for non-profit organizations to ensure that their uniforms, logos and symbols are clearly distinguishable from those of official institutions.
