The sexual harassment trial brought by Judith Nkouete against James Mouangue Kobila, President of the Cameroon Human Rights Commission (CDHC), has stalled. For the past six months, Mr. Mouangue Kobila has not appeared in court in Yaoundé. At the last hearing on February 3, 2026, his lawyers justified his absence by citing his obligations as head of the CDHC, an excuse that the plaintiff categorically refutes. The postponement of the case to April 30 has sparked outrage from Judith Nkouete, who denounces a delaying tactic orchestrated to exhaust her and bury the case.
Judith Nkouete, a former colleague of James Mouangue Kobila, filed a complaint for sexual harassment in early 2024. Since then, the legal proceedings have been marked by numerous twists and turns, including the repeated absence of the accused and postponements of hearings. According to the plaintiff, James Mouangue Kobila allegedly asked more than 200 questions from the stand during the 2025 hearings, subjecting her to intensive questioning. Faced with this situation, Judith Nkouete decided to no longer answer direct questions from her accuser since July 31, 2025.
The case is taking on a political dimension, especially as James Mouangue Kobila is a candidate for the presidency of the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (RINADH). Some observers believe he is trying to buy time while waiting to obtain this position. Judith Nkouete has sought the support of President Paul Biya, his wife Chantal Biya, and Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute, a sign of her isolation in the face of a man with considerable resources.
The situation is paradoxical: James Mouangue Kobila, as president of the CDHC, is supposed to protect the fundamental rights of Cameroonians, while he himself is accused of sexual harassment and evading justice. This case highlights the persistent challenges in the fight against sexual harassment and gender equality in Cameroon. James Mouangue Kobila's absence from his trial is seen as an affront to Judith Nkouete and all victims of sexual harassment in the country. The next hearing on April 30 will be decisive for the future of this case.
