Human rights defender's story: Nfor Hanson Nchanji from Cameroon

Nfor Hanson Nchanji, a committed human rights journalist and founder of the Cameroon News Agency, has dedicated his career to documenting and disseminating critical information on human rights abuses in Cameroon. Born in the Southern part of the country, Nchanji’s journalistic journey began at university, where he served on the student council and later joined the Cameroon association of English-speaking journalists, focusing on the rights of journalists and, more broadly, the Anglophone community.

His work became especially crucial following the outbreak of the Anglophone crisis in 2016. As the first journalist on the ground in the Northwest region, Nchanji witnessed firsthand the severe violations committed by both State and non-State actors. These experiences propelled him to establish his news outlet to ensure these injustices were brought to light, particularly those that went unnoticed in remote areas.

Nchanji’s commitment to human rights was further amplified during his participation in the UN minority forum in 2017 in Geneva, Switzerland. However, his international advocacy came at a personal cost; upon his return to Cameroon, threats against his family forced him into hiding. This situation underscores the perilous environment in which many human rights defenders operate in Cameroon—often in hiding or exile, without adequate support or recognition.

Determined to continue his advocacy, Nchanji remains hopeful for change, leveraging international interest in Cameroon’s crisis to press for greater respect for human rights by the State. His story is not just one of personal bravery but also a call to the international community for solidarity and support, ensuring that defenders like him are not seen as enemies of the State but as essential voices for justice and accountability.