The Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, has banned members of non-profit organisations from wearing or possessing uniforms, insignia and other items that resemble those used by Cameroon’s Defence and Security Forces or the United Nations.
The decision is contained in a ministerial order signed on July 21, 2026, and takes immediate effect across the national territory.
According to the order, members of non-governmental and other non-profit organisations are no longer allowed to wear, keep or use clothing, badges, insignia or any distinctive signs that could be mistaken for those of the military, police, gendarmerie or the United Nations system.
The ministry said the measure is intended to prevent confusion between humanitarian organisations and official state security institutions, while ensuring public order.
The order further instructs leaders of non-profit organisations currently in possession of such items to surrender them to the administrative authorities where their organisations are based within 15 days from the date the order was signed.
Failure to comply with the directive could result in legal action. The ministerial order states that anyone found violating the new regulations will be prosecuted in accordance with the laws in force.
Regional Governors, Senior Divisional Officers (Prefects) and Divisional Officers (Sub-Prefects) have been tasked with ensuring the effective implementation of the order throughout the country.
The ministerial decision is based on provisions of the Constitution, the 1990 laws governing freedom of association and the maintenance of public order, as well as decrees defining the organisation of the government and the Ministry of Territorial Administration.
The new directive is expected to affect non-profit organisations whose members use uniforms or insignia similar to those of the defence and security forces or the United Nations, requiring them to review their dress codes and visual identity to comply with the law.
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