By Armand Mouko, BBC Afrique, Douala

Despite enduring public vilification, threats, and humiliation, 80-year-old Cameroonian lawyer Alice Nkom remains unwavering in her fight to uphold the rights of the LGBT community in her country. Her work is a defiant stand against societal and governmental opposition, fueled by a deep belief in human rights and justice.

Challenging the Odds

Alice Nkom, who also runs the human rights NGO Redhac, faces accusations of money laundering and funding terror groups, allegations she firmly denies. The NGO was recently suspended by the government, a move she interprets as an attempt to obstruct her advocacy for the LGBT community.

"I will always defend homosexuals because they risk their freedom every day and are thrown into prison like dogs," she asserts passionately, sitting in her Douala office.

Cameroon's penal code prescribes up to five years of imprisonment and fines for individuals found guilty of homosexual acts. Beyond legal penalties, members of the LGBT community face ostracism from their families and society at large.

Despite the hostility, Nkom sees her work as a moral obligation. "My job is to defend people. I don't see why I would say I'm defending everyone except homosexuals," she explains.

A Lifelong Commitment

Alice Nkom's career has been defined by her dedication to justice. In 1969, at just 24 years old, she became Cameroon's first Black female lawyer, after studying in France and her home country. Her early legal work focused on advocating for disadvantaged individuals, but a fateful moment in 2003 shifted her focus to LGBT rights.

At the public prosecutor's office in Douala, she noticed a group of young people handcuffed in pairs, avoiding eye contact. Curious, she reviewed their case and discovered they were being prosecuted for homosexuality.

This moment ignited her resolve to fight for sexual minorities. She founded the Association for the Defence of Homosexuality (Adefho) in 2003, marking the start of her two-decade-long battle against the criminalization of homosexuality.

High-Profile Cases and Continued Advocacy

One of Nkom's notable cases was defending transgender celebrity Shakiro and their friend Patricia in 2021. The pair were arrested while dining at a restaurant and charged with "attempted homosexuality." They received the maximum penalty of five years imprisonment.

"It's a hammer blow," Nkom said at the time. "The message is clear: homosexuals don't have a place in Cameroon."

Though Shakiro and Patricia were later released pending appeal and eventually fled the country, the case underscores the relentless challenges faced by the LGBT community.

A Dangerous Climate

The situation for LGBT individuals in Cameroon remains perilous. LGBT activist Sébastien (not his real name), who supports families with homosexual children, believes conditions have worsened.

A song with lyrics inciting violence against homosexuals, set to the popular mbolé rhythm, has gained traction, playing in major cities and emboldening attacks. "People attack us because of this song, which glorifies crime," Sébastien laments.

LGBT individuals often hide their identities, yet some are lured into traps by those seeking to harm or report them to authorities.

Leveraging Precedent for Change

A glimmer of hope emerged last year when Brenda Biya, daughter of President Paul Biya, publicly identified as a lesbian. Brenda’s openness sparked discussions about potential legal reforms.

"I’m using the Brenda case as a precedent," Nkom explains. "Now I have a case on which I can challenge the president."

Though Brenda has not responded to Nkom's public appeals for her support, the veteran lawyer remains optimistic about her potential influence.

Unyielding Resolve

Over the years, Nkom has faced physical threats and societal backlash. Early in her advocacy, she even employed bodyguards for her safety. At the entrance to her NGO, a memorial wall commemorates seven activists who lost their lives in the past two decades.

Yet, these obstacles have only strengthened her determination. "You shouldn't jail fundamental rights; you shouldn't repress them – you should protect them," she insists.

Despite the latest governmental efforts to stifle her work, Nkom is resolute. She views these challenges as temporary setbacks in a lifelong fight for justice and equality.

Her message is clear: "This battle is far from over."