Under the instruction of the Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanaga Nji, sub-prefects have launched a crackdown on non-compliant revival churches in the Cameroonian political capital.
Pastors and members of certain revival churches have not been able to sleep for several days. More awake than ever, they are awaiting the arrival of the authorities. Likely to show up at any moment, administrative authorities are conducting compliance checks and ensuring regulations are respected. In Yaoundé, two sub-prefects stand out in particular in this operation. The sub-prefect of the Yaoundé V district and the sub-prefect of the Yaoundé VI district.
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Both on the ground, they patrol the neighborhoods of their respective command territories. They are searching for non-compliant revival churches that stand out due to noise disturbances. In a week and a few days, at least 50 churches have been closed for similar reasons. Some do not have legal existence. Others operate under the cover of congregations recognized by the authority but are not in compliance. Another category, although impeccable in terms of legal existence, operates in residential houses and not in chapels.
All of them produce noise that harms the health, tranquility, and well-being of residents. For one reason or another, or for all combined reasons, the administrative authorities, after sealing, summon the leaders of these churches to their offices. They must explain themselves and commit to complying with the law and regulations.
With about fifty churches already closed in a few days, the total number of revival churches closed in the past year and a half almost reaches 1,500. During a meeting last week with leaders of certain revival churches, the Minister of Territorial Administration indicated that more than 1,400 churches run by “bandits” have been closed since the launch of the sanitation operation instructed by the Head of State. According to consistent sources, at least 2,000 non-compliant revival churches will be forced to close and comply with legal and administrative requirements.
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The operation is seen by some city residents accustomed to these spaces as a relief due to the nuisances and other social problems these churches cause. In this category are those who consider these churches as pernicious sects. On the other hand, adherents of these churches see the administrative crackdown as persecution of revival churches that play a significant role in stabilizing society. Some of them therefore ask the authorities to apply fairness with bars that also produce noise disturbances, sometimes even more. Failing that, remind these churches under scrutiny of the decibel level not to be exceeded when emitting sounds.
All in all, the Minister of Territorial Administration is clear. Administrative tolerance has lasted too long. There are acts that the authorities can no longer tolerate.
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