CYBERSECURITE ET LA CYBERCRIMINALITE AU CAMEROUN

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March 18, 2021

CYBERSECURITE ET LA CYBERCRIMINALITE AU CAMEROUN

La cybercriminalité au Cameroun est l’une des formes de criminalité à la croissance la plus rapide car elle espère s’enrichir rapidement.

Généralement, ces criminels exploitent la polyvalence, la vitesse et la fonctionnalité des technologies modernes, ainsi que l’anonymat qu’ils apportent pour commettre ces crimes. Après de multiples cris nationaux et internationaux de victimes de la cybercriminalité au Cameroun, le gouvernement camerounais a pris des mesures pour mettre en place des lois pour dissuader et punir la cybercriminalité.

LOI N°2010/012 DU 21 DECEMBRE 2010 RELATIVE
A LA CYBERSECURITE ET LA CYBERCRIMINALITE
AU CAMEROUN

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

TITRE PREMIER – DISPOSITIONS GENERALES

Article 1er.-

La présente loi régit le cadre de sécurité des réseaux de
communications électroniques et des systèmes d’information, définit et
réprime les infractions liées à l’utilisation des technologies de l’information
et de la communication au Cameroun. A ce titre, elle vise notamment à :
– instaurer la confiance dans les réseaux de communications électroniques
et les systèmes d’information ;
– fixer le régime juridique de la preuve numérique, des activités de sécurité,
de cryptographie et de certification électronique ;
– protéger les droits fondamentaux des personnes physiques, notamment
le droit à la dignité humaine, à l’honneur et au respect de la vie privée,
ainsi que les intérêts légitimes des personnes morales.

Commentaire

L’Antic combattre le cybercriminalité au Cameroun.

Autres lois pénales camerounaises

Code de Procedure Penale
Code Pénal Camerounais

Article 2.-

Sont exclues du champ de la présente loi, les applications
spécifiques utilisées en matière de défense et de sécurité nationales.

Article 3.-

Les réseaux de communications électroniques visés par la présente
loi comprennent : les réseaux satellitaires, les réseaux terrestres, les réseaux
électriques lorsqu’ils servent à l’acheminement de communications
électroniques, les réseaux assurant la diffusion ou la distribution de services de
communication audiovisuelle.

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

Article 4.-

Au sens de la présente loi et de ses textes d’application, les
définitions ci-après, sont admises :

1)

Accès illicite : accès intentionnel, sans en avoir le droit, à l’ensemble ou
à une partie d’un réseau de communications électroniques, d’un
système d’information ou d’un équipement terminal ;

2)

Administration chargée des Télécommunications : Ministère ou Ministre
selon le cas, investi pour le compte du Gouvernement, d’une
compétence générale sur le secteur des télécommunications et des
technologies de l’information et de la communication.

3)

Algorithme : suite d’opérations mathématiques élémentaires à appliquer
à des données pour aboutir à un résultat désiré ;

4)

Algorithme asymétrique : algorithme de chiffrement utilisant une clé
publique pour chiffrer et une clé privée (différente) pour déchiffrer les
messages ;

5)

Algorithme symétrique : algorithme de chiffrement utilisant une même
clé pour chiffrer et déchiffrer les messages ;

6)

Attaque active : acte modifiant ou altérant les ressources ciblées par
l’attaque (atteinte à l’intégrité, à la disponibilité et à la confidentialité
des données) ;

7)

Attaque passive : acte n’altérant pas sa cible (écoute passive, atteinte à
la confidentialité) ;

8)

Atteinte à l’intégrité : fait de provoquer intentionnellement une
perturbation grave ou une interruption de fonctionnement d’un système
d’information, d’un réseau de communications électroniques ou d’un
équipement terminal, en introduisant, transmettant, endommageant,
effaçant, détériorant, modifiant, supprimant ou rendant inaccessibles des
données ;

9)

Audit de sécurité : examen méthodique des composantes et des acteurs
de la sécurité, de la politique, des mesures, des solutions, des procédures
et des moyens mis en œuvre par une organisation, pour sécuriser son
environnement, effectuer des contrôles de conformité, des contrôles
d’évaluation de l’adéquation des moyens (organisationnels, techniques,
humains, financiers) investis au regard des risques encourus,
d’optimisation, de rationalité et de performance.

10)

Authentification : critère de sécurité défini par un processus mis en
œuvre notamment pour vérifier l’identité d’une personne physique ou
morale et s’assurer que l’identité fournie correspond à l’identité de cette
personne préalablement enregistrée ;

11)

Autorité de certification : autorité de confiance chargée de créer et
d’attribuer des clés publiques et privées ainsi que des certificats
électroniques ;

12)

Autorité de Certification Racine : Organisme investi de la mission
d’accréditation des autorités de certification, de la validation de la
politique de certification des autorités de certification accréditées, de la
vérification et de la signature de leurs certificats respectifs ;

13)

Certificat électronique : document électronique sécurisé par la signature
électronique de la personne qui l’a émis et qui atteste après constat, la
véracité de son contenu ;

14)

Certificat électronique qualifié : certificat électronique émis par une
autorité de certification agréée ;

15)

Certification électronique” : émission de certificat électronique

16)

Chiffrement : procédé grâce auquel on transforme à l’aide d’une
convention secrète appelée clé, des informations claires en informations
inintelligibles par des tiers n’ayant pas la connaissance de la clé ;

17)

Clé : dans un système de chiffrement, elle correspond à une valeur
mathématique, un mot, une phrase, qui permet, grâce à l’algorithme de
chiffrement, de chiffrer ou de déchiffrer un message ;

18)

Clé privée : clé utilisée dans les mécanismes de chiffrement
asymétriques (ou chiffrement à clé publique), qui appartient à une entité
et qui doit être secrète ;

19)

Clé publique : clé servant au chiffrement d’un message dans un système
asymétrique et donc librement diffusée ;

20)

Clé secrète : clé connue de l’émetteur et du destinataire servant de
chiffrement et de déchiffrement des messages et utilisant le mécanisme
de chiffrement symétrique ;

21)

Code source : ensemble des spécifications techniques, sans restriction
d’accès ni de mise en œuvre, d’un logiciel ou protocole de
communication, d’interconnexion, d’échange ou d’un format de données ;

22)

Communication audiovisuelle : communication au public de services de
radiodiffusion télévisuelle et sonore ;

23)

Communication électronique : émission, transmission ou réception de
signes, signaux, d’écrits, d’images ou de sons, par voie
électromagnétique ;

24)

Confidentialité : maintien du secret des informations et des transactions
afin de prévenir la divulgation non autorisée d’informations aux non
destinataires permettant la lecture, l’écoute, la copie illicite d’origine
intentionnelle ou accidentelle durant leur stockage, traitement ou
transfert ;

25)

Contenu : ensemble d’informations relatives aux données appartenant à
des personnes physiques ou morales, transmises ou reçues à travers les
réseaux de communications électroniques et les Systèmes
d’information ;

26)

Contenu illicite : contenu portant atteinte à la dignité humaine, à la vie
privée, à l’honneur ou à la sécurité nationale ;

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

27)

Courrier électronique : message, sous forme de texte, de voix, de son ou
d’image, envoyé par un réseau public de communication, stocké sur un
serveur d’un réseau ou dans l’équipement terminal du destinataire,
jusqu’à ce que ce dernier le récupère ;

28)

Cryptage : utilisation de codes ou signaux non usuels permettant la
conversion des informations à transmettre en des signaux
incompréhensibles par les tiers ;

29)

Cryptanalyse : ensemble des moyens qui permet d’analyser une
information préalablement chiffrée en vue de la déchiffrer ;

30)

Cryptogramme : Message chiffré ou codé ;

31)

Cryptographie : application des mathématiques permettant d’écrire
l’information, de manière à la rendre inintelligible à ceux ne possédant
pas les capacités de la déchiffrer ;

32)

Cybercriminalité : ensemble des infractions s’effectuant à travers le
cyberspace par d’autres moyens que ceux habituellement mis en œuvre,
et de manière complémentaire à la criminalité classique ;

33)

Cybersécurité : ensemble de mesures de prévention, de protection et de
dissuasion d’ordre technique, organisationnel, juridique, financier,
humain, procédural et autres actions permettant d’atteindre les
objectifs de sécurité fixés à travers les réseaux de communications
électroniques, les systèmes d’information et pour la protection de la vie
privée des personnes ;

34)

Déclaration des pratiques de certification : ensemble des pratiques
(organisation, procédures opérationnelles, moyens techniques et
humains) que l’autorité de certification compétente applique dans le
cadre de la fourniture de ce service et en conformité avec la (les)
politique(s) de certification qu’il s’est engagé à respecter ;

35)

Déchiffrement : opération inverse du chiffrement ;

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

36)

Déni de service : attaque par saturation d’une ressource du système
d’information ou du réseau de communications électroniques, afin qu’il
s’effondre et ne puisse plus réaliser les services attendus de lui ;

37)

Déni de service distribué : attaque simultanée des ressources du
système d’information ou du réseau de communications électroniques,
afin de les saturer et amplifier les effets d’entrave ;

38)

Disponibilité : critère de sécurité permettant que les ressources des
réseaux de communications électroniques, des systèmes d’information
ou des équipements terminaux soient accessibles et utilisables selon
les besoins (le facteur temps) ;

39)

Dispositif de création de signature électronique : ensemble
d’équipements et/ou logiciels privés de cryptage, homologués par une
autorité compétente, configurés pour la création d’une signature
électronique ;

40)

Dispositif de vérification de signature électronique” : ensemble
d’équipements et/ou logiciels publics de cryptage, homologués par une
autorité compétente, permettant la vérification par une autorité de
certification d’une signature électronique ;

41)

Données : représentation de faits, d’informations ou de notions sous une
forme susceptible d’être traitée par un équipement terminal, y compris
un programme permettant à ce dernier d’exécuter une fonction ;

42)

Données de connexion : ensemble de données relatives au processus
d’accès dans une communication électronique ;

43)

“Données de trafic : données ayant trait à une communication
électronique indiquant l’origine, la destination, l’itinéraire, l’heure, la
date, la taille et la durée de la communication ou le type du service sous-
jacent ;

44)

Equipement terminal : appareil, installation ou ensemble d’installations
destiné à être connecté à un point de terminaison d’un système
d’information et émettant, recevant, traitant, ou stockant des données
d’information ;

45)

Fiabilité : aptitude d’un système d’information ou d’un réseau de
télécommunications à fonctionner sans incident pendant un temps
suffisamment long ;

46)

Fournisseur des services de communications électroniques : personne
physique ou morale fournissant les prestations consistant entièrement
ou principalement en la fourniture de communications électroniques ;

47)

Gravité de l’impact : appréciation du niveau de gravité d’un incident,
pondéré par sa fréquence d’apparition ;

48)

Intégrité des données : critère de sécurité définissant l’état d’un réseau
de communications électroniques, d’un système d’information ou d’un
équipement terminal qui est demeuré intact et permet de s’assurer que
les ressources n’ont pas été altérées (modifiées ou détruites) d’une
façon tant intentionnelle qu’accidentelle, de manière à assurer leur
exactitude, leur fiabilité et leur pérennité ;

49)

Interception illégale : accès sans en avoir le droit ou l’autorisation, aux
données d’un réseau de communications électroniques, d’un système
d’information ou d’un équipement terminal ;

50)

Interception légale : accès autorisé aux données d’un réseau de
communications électroniques, d’un système d’information ou d’un
équipement terminal

51)

Intrusion par intérêt : accès intentionnel et sans droit dans un réseau de
communications électroniques ou dans un système d’information, dans
le but soit de nuire soit de tirer un bénéfice économique, financier,
industriel, sécuritaire ou de souveraineté ;

52)

Intrusion par défi intellectuel: accès intentionnel et sans droit dans un
réseau de communications électroniques ou dans un système
d’information, dans le but de relever un défi intellectuel pouvant
contribuer à l’amélioration des performances du système de sécurité de
l’organisation ;

53)

Logiciel trompeur : logiciel effectuant des opérations sur un équipement
terminal d’un utilisateur sans informer préalablement cet utilisateur de
la nature exacte des opérations que le logiciel va effectuer sur son
équipement terminal ou sans demander à l’utilisateur s’il consent à ce
que le logiciel procède à ces opérations ;

54)

Logiciel espion : type particulier de logiciel trompeur collectant les
informations personnelles (sites web les plus visités, mots de passe,
etc.) auprès d’un utilisateur du réseau de communications
électroniques ;

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

55)

Logiciel potentiellement indésirable : logiciel présentant des
caractéristiques d’un logiciel trompeur ou d’un logiciel espion ;

56)

Message clair” : version intelligible d’un message et compréhensible par
tous ;

57)

Moyen de cryptographie : équipement ou logiciel conçu ou modifié pour
transformer des données, qu’il s’agisse d’informations ou de signaux, à
l’aide de conventions secrètes ou pour réaliser une opération inverse
avec ou sans convention secrète afin de garantir la sécurité du stockage
ou de la transmission de données, et d’assurer leur confidentialité et le
contrôle de leur intégrité ;

58)

Non répudiation : critère de sécurité assurant la disponibilité de preuves
qui peuvent être opposées à un tiers et utilisées pour prouver la
traçabilité d’une communication électronique qui a eu lieu ;

59)

Politique de certification : ensemble de règles identifiées, définissant
les exigences auxquelles l’autorité de certification se conforme dans la
mise en place de ses prestations et indiquant l’applicabilité d’un service
de certification à une communauté particulière et/ou à une classe
d’applications avec des exigences de sécurité communes ;

60)

Politique de sécurité : référentiel de sécurité établi par une organisation,
reflétant sa stratégie de sécurité et spécifiant les moyens de la réaliser ;

61)

Prestation de cryptographie : opération visant à la mise en œuvre, pour
le compte d’autrui, de moyens de cryptographie ;

62)

Réseau de communications électroniques : Systèmes de transmission,
actif ou passif et, le cas échéant, les équipements de commutation et
de routage et les autres ressources qui permettent l’acheminement des
signaux par câble, par voie hertzienne, par moyen optique ou par
d’autres moyens électromagnétiques comprenant les réseaux
satellitaires, les réseaux terrestres fixes (avec commutation de circuit
ou de paquet, y compris l’Internet) et mobile, les systèmes utilisant le
réseau électrique, pour autant qu’ils servent à la transmission des
signaux, les réseaux utilisés pour la radiodiffusion sonore et télévisuelle
et les réseaux câblés de télévision, quel que soit le type d’information
transmise ;

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

63)

Réseau de télécommunications : installation ou ensemble d’installations
assurant soit la transmission et l’acheminement de signaux de
télécommunications, soit l’échange d’informations de commande et de
gestion associés à ces signaux entre les points de ce réseau ;

64)

Sécurité : situation dans laquelle quelqu’un, quelque chose n’est exposé
à aucun danger. Mécanisme destiné à prévenir un événement
dommageable, ou à en limiter les effets ;

65)

Service de certification : prestation fournie par une autorité de
certification ;

66)

Service de communications électroniques : prestation consistant
entièrement ou principalement en la fourniture de communications
électroniques à l’exclusion des contenus des services de communication
audiovisuelle ;

67)

Signataire : personne physique, agissant pour son propre compte ou
pour celui de la personne physique ou morale qu’elle représente, qui met
à contribution un dispositif de création de signature électronique ;

68)

Signature électronique : signature obtenue par un algorithme de
chiffrement asymétrique permettant d’authentifier l’émetteur d’un
message et d’en vérifier l’intégrité ;

69)

Signature électronique avancée : signature électronique obtenue à
l’aide d’un certificat électronique qualifié ;

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

70)

Standard ouvert : protocole de communication, d’interconnexion ou
d’échange et format de données interopérable, dont les spécifications
techniques sont publiques et sans restriction d’accès ni de mise en
œuvre ;

71)

Système de détection : système permettant de détecter les incidents qui
pourraient conduire aux violations de la politique de sécurité et
permettant de diagnostiquer des intrusions potentielles ;

72)

Système d’information : dispositif isolé ou groupe de dispositifs
interconnectés ou apparentés, assurant par lui-même ou par un ou
plusieurs de ses éléments, conformément à un programme, un
traitement automatisé de données ;

73)

Vulnérabilité : défaut de sécurité se traduisant soit intentionnellement,
soit accidentellement par une violation de la politique de sécurité, dans l’architecture d’un réseau de communications électroniques, dans la
conception d’un système d’information.

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

Article 5.-

Les termes et expressions non définis dans cette loi, conservent
leurs définitions ou significations données par les instruments juridiques
internationaux auxquels l’Etat du Cameroun a souscrit, notamment, la
Constitution et la Convention de l’Union Internationale des
Télécommunications, le Règlement des Radiocommunications et le Règlement
des Télécommunications Internationales.

TITRE II – DE LA CYBERSECURITE

CHAPITRE I – DE LA POLITIQUE GENERALE DE SECURITE ELECTRONIQUE

Article 6.-

L’Administration chargée des Télécommunications élabore et met en
œuvre, la politique de sécurité des communications électroniques en tenant
compte de l’évolution technologique et des priorités du Gouvernement dans ce
domaine.

A ce titre, elle :
 assure la promotion de la sécurité des réseaux de communications
électroniques et des systèmes d’information ainsi que le suivi de
l’évolution des questions liées à la sécurité et aux activités de
certification ;
 coordonne sur le plan national les activités concourant à la sécurisation
et à la protection des réseaux de communications électroniques et des
systèmes d’information ;
 veille à la mise en place d’un cadre adéquat pour la sécurité des
communications électroniques ;
 arrête la liste des autorités de certification ;
 assure la représentation du Cameroun aux instances internationales
chargées des activités liées à la sécurisation et à la protection des
réseaux de communications électroniques et des systèmes
d’information.

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

CHAPITRE II – DE LA REGULATION ET DU SUIVI DES ACTIVITES DE SECURITE ELECTRONIQUE

Article 7.- (1)

L’Agence Nationale des Technologies de l’Information et de la
Communication, ci-après désignée l’Agence, instituée par la loi régissant les
communications électroniques au Cameroun, est chargée de la régulation des
activités de sécurité électronique, en collaboration avec l’Agence de
Régulation des Télécommunications.

(2)

L’Agence prévue à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus, assure pour le compte de
l’Etat, la régulation, le contrôle et le suivi des activités liées à la sécurité des
systèmes d’information et des réseaux de communications électroniques, et à
la certification électronique. A ce titre, elle a notamment pour missions :
 d’instruire les demandes d’accréditation et de préparer les cahiers de
charges des autorités de certification et de les soumettre à la signature
du Ministre chargé des Télécommunications ;
 de contrôler la conformité des signatures électroniques émises ;
 de participer à l’élaboration de la politique nationale de sécurité des
réseaux de communications électroniques et de certification ;
 d’émettre un avis consultatif sur les textes touchant à son domaine de
compétence ;
 de contrôler les activités de sécurité des réseaux de communications
électroniques, des systèmes d’information et de certification ;
 d’instruire les demandes d’homologation des moyens de
cryptographie et de délivrer les certificats d’homologation des
équipements de sécurité ;
 de préparer les conventions de reconnaissance mutuelle avec les parties
étrangères et de les soumettre à la signature du Ministre chargé des
Télécommunications ;
 d’assurer la veille technologique et d’émettre des alertes et
recommandations en matière de sécurité des réseaux de
communications électroniques et de certification ;
 de participer aux activités de recherche, de formation et d’études
afférentes à la sécurité des réseaux de communications électroniques,
des systèmes d’information et de certification ;
 de s’assurer de la régularité, de l’effectivité des audits de sécurité des
systèmes d’information suivant les normes en la matière, des
organismes publics et des autorités de certification ;
 d’assurer la surveillance, la détection et l’information aux risques
informatiques et cybercriminels ;
 d’exercer toute autre mission d’intérêt général que pourrait lui confier
l’autorité de tutelle.

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

(3)

Un décret du Premier Ministre précise les modalités d’application
des dispositions de l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus.

Article 8.- (1)

L’Agence est l’Autorité de Certification Racine.

(2)

L’Agence est l’autorité de certification de l’Administration
Publique.

Article 9.- (1)

Les autorités de certification accréditées, les auditeurs de sécurité,
les éditeurs de logiciels de sécurité et les autres prestataires de services de
sécurité agréés, sont assujettis au paiement d’une contribution de 1,5 % de leur
chiffre d’affaires hors taxes, destinée au financement d’un fonds dénommé
« Fonds Spécial des Activités de Sécurité Electronique », au titre du financement
de la recherche, du développement, de la formation et des études en matière de
cybersécurité.

(2)

Les ressources visées à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus sont recouvrées par
l’Agence et déposées dans un compte ouvert à la Banque Centrale.

(3)

Il est créé un Comité chargé de la validation des projets prioritaires
de recherche, de développement, de formation et des études en matière de
cybersécurité.
Les modalités de fonctionnement de ce Comité sont fixées dans un
texte réglementaire.

(4)

Le Ministre chargé des Télécommunications est l’ordonnateur
des dépenses engagées sur le fonds visé à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus.

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

(5)

Les conditions et les modalités de perception et de gestion de
cette redevance sont définies par voie réglementaire.

CHAPITRE III – DU REGIME JURIDIQUE DES ACTIVITES DE CERTIFICATION

Article 10.-

L’activité de certification électronique est soumise à autorisation
préalable. Elle est exercée par des autorités de certification.

Article 11.-

Peuvent faire l’objet d’une autorisation :
 la mise en place et l’exploitation d’une infrastructure en vue d’émettre,
de conserver et de délivrer les certificats électroniques qualifiés ;
 la mise à la disposition du public, des clés publiques de tous les
utilisateurs.

Article 12.-

Les conditions et les modalités d’octroi de l’autorisation visée à
l’article 10 ci-dessus sont fixées par voie réglementaire.

CHAPITRE IV – DES ACTIVITES DE SECURITE

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

Article 13.- (1)

Sont soumis à un audit de sécurité obligatoire, les réseaux de
communications électroniques et les systèmes d’information, des opérateurs,
des autorités de certification et des fournisseurs de services de
communications électroniques.

(2)

Les conditions et les modalités de l’audit de sécurité prévu à
l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus sont définies par voie réglementaire.

Article 14.-

Le personnel de l’Agence et les experts commis en vue d’accomplir
des opérations d’audit sont astreints au secret professionnel.

CHAPITRE V – DE LA CERTIFICATION ELECTRONIQUE

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

Article 15.- (1)

Les certificats électroniques qualifiés ne sont valables que pour
les objets pour lesquels ils ont été émis.

(2)

Les dispositifs de création et de vérification des certificats
qualifiés sont du point de vue technologique neutres, normalisés, homologués
et interopérables.

Article 16.- (1)

Les autorités de certification sont responsables du préjudice causé
aux personnes qui se sont fiées aux certificats présentés par elles comme
qualifiés dans chacun des cas suivants :
 les informations contenues dans le certificat, à la date de sa délivrance,
étaient inexactes ;
 les données prescrites pour que le certificat puisse être regardé comme
qualifié étaient incomplètes ;
 la délivrance du certificat qualifié n’a pas donné lieu à la vérification que
le signataire détient la convention privée correspondant à la convention
publique de ce certificat ;
 les autorités de certification et les prestataires de certification n’ont
pas, le cas échéant, fait procéder à l’enregistrement de la révocation du
certificat qualifié et tenu cette information à la disposition des tiers.

(2)

Les autorités de certification ne sont pas responsables du
préjudice causé par un usage du certificat qualifié dépassant les limites fixées
à son utilisation ou à la valeur des transactions pour lesquelles il peut être
utilisé, à condition que ces limites figurent dans le certificat qualifié et soient
accessibles aux utilisateurs.

(3)

Les autorités de certification doivent justifier d’une garantie
financière suffisante, spécialement affectée au paiement des sommes qu’elles
pourraient devoir aux personnes s’étant fiées raisonnablement aux certificats
qualifiés qu’elles délivrent, ou d’une assurance garantissant les conséquences
pécuniaires de leur responsabilité civile professionnelle.

CHAPITRE VI – DE LA SIGNATURE ELECTRONIQUE

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

Article 17.-

La signature électronique avancée a la même valeur juridique que
la signature manuscrite et produit les mêmes effets que cette dernière.

Article 18.-

Une signature électronique avancée doit remplir les conditions ci-
après:
 les données afférentes à la création de la signature sont liées
exclusivement au signataire et sont sous son contrôle exclusif ;
 toute modification à elle apportée, est facilement décelable ;

 elle est créée au moyen d’un dispositif sécurisé dont les
caractéristiques techniques sont fixées par un texte du Ministre chargé
des Télécommunications ;
 le certificat utilisé pour la génération de la signature est un certificat
qualifié. Un texte du Ministre chargé des Télécommunications fixe les
critères de qualification des certificats.

CHAPITRE VII – DES CERTIFICATS ET SIGNATURES ELECTRONIQUES DELIVRES PAR LES AUTORITES DE CERTIFICATION

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

Article 19.-

L’autorité de certification ayant conféré la validité à un certificat
électronique ne peut se renier.

Article 20.- (1)

Un certificat électronique émis hors du territoire national produit
les mêmes effets juridiques qu’un certificat qualifié émis au Cameroun à
condition qu’il existe un acte de reconnaissance de l’autorité émettrice signé
par le Ministre chargé des Télécommunications.

(2)

L’interopérabilité des certificats électroniques qualifiés est
règlementée par un texte du Ministre chargé des Télécommunications.

CHAPITRE VIII – DU DOCUMENT ELECTRONIQUE

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

Article 21.-

Toute personne désirant apposer sa signature électronique sur un
document peut créer cette signature par un dispositif fiable dont les
caractéristiques techniques sont fixées par un texte du Ministre chargé des
Télécommunications.

Article 22.-

Toute personne utilisant un dispositif de signature électronique
doit :
– prendre les précautions minimales qui sont fixées par le texte visé à
l’article 21 ci-dessus, afin d’éviter toute utilisation illégale des
éléments de cryptage ou des équipements personnels relatifs à sa
signature ;
– informer l’autorité de certification de toute utilisation illégitime de
sa signature ;
– veiller à la véracité de toutes les données qu’elle a déclarées au
fournisseur de services de certification électronique et à toute
personne à qui il a demandé de se fier à sa signature.

Article 23.-

En cas de manquement aux engagements prévus à l’article 22 ci-
dessus, le titulaire de la signature est responsable du préjudice causé à autrui.

CHAPITRE IX – DE LA PROTECTION DES RESEAUX DE COMMUNICATIONS ELECTRONIQUES, DES SYSTEMES D’INFORMATION ET DE LA VIE PRIVEE DES PERSONNES SECTION I

DE LA PROTECTION DES RESEAUX DE COMMUNICATIONS ELECTRONIQUES

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

Article 24.-

Les opérateurs des réseaux de communications électroniques et
les fournisseurs de services de communications électroniques doivent prendre
toutes les mesures techniques et administratives nécessaires pour garantir la
sécurité des services offerts. A cet effet, ils sont tenus d’informer les usagers :
– du danger encouru en cas d’utilisation de leurs réseaux ;
– des risques particuliers de violation de la sécurité notamment, les
dénis de service distribués, le re-routage anormal, les pointes de
trafic, le trafic et les ports inhabituels, les écoutes passives et
actives, les intrusions et tout autre risque ;
– de l’existence de moyens techniques permettant d’assurer la
sécurité de leurs communications.

Article 25.- (1)

Les opérateurs de réseaux et les fournisseurs de services de
communications électroniques ont l’obligation de conserver les données de
connexion et de trafic pendant une période de dix (10) ans.

(2)

Les opérateurs de réseaux et les fournisseurs de services de
communications électroniques installent des mécanismes de surveillance de
trafic des données de leurs réseaux. Ces données peuvent être accessibles lors
des investigations judiciaires.

(3)

La responsabilité des opérateurs de réseaux et celles des
fournisseurs de services de communications électroniques est engagée si
l’utilisation des données prévue à l’alinéa 2 ci-dessus porte atteinte aux
libertés individuelles des usagers.

SECTION II – DE LA PROTECTION DES SYSTEMES D’INFORMATION

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

Article 26.- (1)

Les exploitants des systèmes d’information prennent toutes les
mesures techniques et administratives afin de garantir la sécurité des services
offerts. A cet effet, ils se dotent de systèmes normalisés leur permettant
d’identifier, d’évaluer, de traiter et de gérer continûment les risques liés à la
sécurité des systèmes d’information dans le cadre des services offerts
directement ou indirectement.

(2)

Les exploitants des systèmes d’information mettent en place
des mécanismes techniques pour faire face aux atteintes préjudiciables à la
disponibilité permanente des systèmes, à leur intégrité, à leur authentification,
à leur non répudiation par des utilisateurs tiers, à la confidentialité des
données et à la sécurité physique.

(3)

Les mécanismes prévus à l’alinéa 2 ci-dessus, font l’objet
d’approbation et de visa conforme par l’Agence.

(4)

Les plates-formes des systèmes d’information font l’objet de
protection contre d’éventuels rayonnements et des intrusions qui pourraient
compromettre l’intégrité des données transmises et contre toute autre attaque
externe notamment par un système de détection d’intrusions.

Article 27.-

Les personnes morales dont l’activité est d’offrir un accès à des
systèmes d’information sont tenues d’informer les usagers :
– du danger encouru dans l’utilisation des systèmes d’information
non sécurisés notamment pour les particuliers ;
– de la nécessité d’installer des dispositifs de contrôle parental ;
– des risques particuliers de violation de sécurité, notamment la
famille générique des virus ;
– de l’existence de moyens techniques permettant de restreindre
l’accès à certains services et de leur proposer au moins l’un de ces
moyens, notamment l’utilisation des systèmes d’exploitation les
plus récents, les outils antivirus et contre les logiciels espions et
trompeurs, l’activation des pare-feu personnels, de systèmes de
détection d’intrusions et l’activation des mises à jour automatiques.

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

Article 28.- (1)

Les exploitants des systèmes d’information informent les
utilisateurs de l’interdiction faite d’utiliser le réseau de communications
électroniques pour diffuser des contenus illicites ou tout autre acte qui peut
entamer la sécurité des réseaux ou des systèmes d’information.

(2)

L’interdiction porte également sur la conception de logiciel
trompeur, de logiciel espion, de logiciel potentiellement indésirable ou de tout
autre outil conduisant à un comportement frauduleux.

Article 29.- (1)

Les exploitants des systèmes d’information ont l’obligation de
conserver les données de connexion et de trafic de leurs systèmes
d’information pendant une période de dix (10) ans.

(2)

Les exploitants des systèmes d’information sont tenus d’installer
des mécanismes de surveillance de contrôle d’accès aux données de leurs
systèmes d’information. Les données conservées peuvent être accessibles lors
des investigations judiciaires.

(3)

Les installations des exploitants des systèmes d’information
peuvent faire l’objet de perquisition ou de saisie sur ordre d’une autorité
judiciaire dans les conditions prévues par les lois et règlements en vigueur.

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

Article 30.- (1)

Les exploitants des systèmes d’information évaluent, révisent
leurs systèmes de sécurité et introduisent en cas de nécessité les
modifications appropriées dans leurs pratiques, mesures et techniques de
sécurité en fonction de l’évolution des technologies.

(2)

Les exploitants des systèmes d’information et leurs utilisateurs
peuvent coopérer entre eux pour l’élaboration et la mise en œuvre des
pratiques, mesures et techniques de sécurité de leurs systèmes.

Article 31.- (1)

Les fournisseurs de contenus des réseaux de communications
électroniques et systèmes d’information sont tenus d’assurer la disponibilité
des contenus, ainsi que celle des données stockées dans leurs installations.

(2)

Ils ont l’obligation de mettre en place des filtres pour faire face
aux atteintes préjudiciables aux données personnelles et à la vie privée des
utilisateurs.

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

Article 32.- (1)

Les réseaux de communications électroniques et les systèmes
d’information sont soumis à un régime d’audit de sécurité obligatoire et
périodique de leurs systèmes de sécurité par l’Agence.

(2)

L’audit de sécurité et les mesures d’impact de gravité sont
effectués chaque année ou lorsque les circonstances l’exigent.

(3)

Les rapports d’audit sont confidentiels et adressés au Ministre
chargé des Télécommunications.

(4)

Un texte du Ministre chargé des Télécommunications fixe les
conditions d’évaluation des niveaux d’impact de gravité.

SECTION III – DES OBLIGATIONS DES FOURNISSEURS D’ACCES, DE SERVICES ET DES CONTENUS

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

Article 33.-

Les personnes dont l’activité est d’offrir un accès à des services de
communications électroniques, informent leurs abonnés de l’existence de
moyens techniques permettant de restreindre l’accès à certains services ou de
les sélectionner et leur proposent au moins un de ces moyens.

Article 34.- (1)

La responsabilité des personnes qui assurent, même à titre
gratuit, le stockage des signaux, d’écrits, d’images, de sons ou de messages de
toute nature fournis par les destinataires de ces services, peut être engagée.

(2)

Toutefois, la responsabilité prévue à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus n’est
point engagée dans les cas suivants :
– les personnes n’avaient pas effectivement connaissance de leur
caractère illicite ou de faits et circonstances faisant apparaître ce
caractère ;
– si, dès le moment où elles ont eu connaissance des faits, elles ont agi
promptement pour retirer ces données ou en rendre l’accès
impossible.

Article 35.- (1)

Les personnes mentionnées aux articles 33 et 34 ci–dessus,
sont tenues de conserver, pendant une durée de dix (10) ans, les données
permettant l’identification de toute personne ayant contribué à la création du
contenu des services dont elles sont prestataires.

(2)

Elles fournissent aux personnes qui éditent un service de
communications électroniques des moyens techniques permettant à celles-ci
de satisfaire aux conditions d’identification prévues aux articles 37 et 38 ci-
dessous.

(3)

L’autorité judiciaire peut requérir communication auprès des
prestataires mentionnés aux articles 33 et 34 ci-dessus des données prévues à
l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus.

Article 36.-

La juridiction compétente saisie statue dans un délai maximum de
trente (30) jours sur toutes mesures propres à prévenir un dommage ou à faire
cesser un dommage occasionné par le contenu d’un service de communication
électronique.

Article 37.-

Les personnes dont l’activité consiste à éditer un service de
communications électroniques, mettent à la disposition du public :
– leurs nom, prénoms, domicile et numéro de téléphone et, si elles
sont assujetties aux formalités d’inscription au registre de
commerce et du crédit mobilier, le numéro de leur inscription, s’il
s’agit des personnes physiques ;
– leur dénomination ou leur raison sociale et leur siège social, leur
numéro de téléphone et, s’il s’agit des personnes morales
assujetties aux formalités d’inscription au registre de commerce et
du crédit mobilier, le numéro de leur inscription, leur capital social,
l’adresse de leur siège social, s’il s’agit des personnes morales ;
– le nom du directeur ou du codirecteur de la publication et, le cas
échéant, celui du responsable de la rédaction ;
– le nom, la dénomination ou la raison sociale, l’adresse et le numéro
de téléphone du prestataire mentionné aux articles 33 et 34.

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

Article 38.- (1)

Les personnes éditant à titre non professionnel un service de
communications électroniques peuvent ne tenir à la disposition du public que
le nom, la dénomination ou la raison sociale et l’adresse du prestataire.

(2)

Les personnes mentionnées aux articles 33 et 34 ci-dessus, sont
assujetties au secret professionnel.

Article 39.- (1)

Toute personne victime d’une diffamation au moyen d’un
service de communications électroniques, dispose d’un droit de réponse et peut
en exiger la rectification.

(2)

Les conditions d’insertion du droit de réponse sont celles
prévues par les textes en vigueur.

Article 40.- (1)

Toute personne assurant une activité de transmission de
contenus sur un réseau de communications électroniques ou de fourniture
d’accès à un réseau de communications électroniques ne peut voir sa
responsabilité engagée que lorsque :
– elle est à l’origine de la demande de transmission litigieuse ;

– elle sélectionne ou modifie les contenus faisant l’objet de la
transmission.

(2)

Toute personne assurant dans le seul but de rendre plus efficace
leur transmission ultérieure, une activité de stockage automatique,
intermédiaire et temporaire des contenus qu’un prestataire transmet, ne peut
voir sa responsabilité civile ou pénale engagée en raison de ces contenus que
dans le cas où elle a modifié ces contenus, ne s’est pas conformée à leurs
conditions d’accès et aux règles usuelles concernant leur mise à jour ou a
entravé l’utilisation licite et usuelle de la technologie utilisée pour obtenir les
données.

SECTION IV – DE LA PROTECTION DE LA VIE PRIVEE DES PERSONNES

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

Article 41.-

Toute personne a droit au respect de sa vie privée. Les juges
peuvent prendre les mesures conservatoires, notamment le séquestre et la
saisie pour empêcher ou faire cesser une atteinte à la vie privée.

Article 42.-

La confidentialité des communications acheminées à travers les
réseaux de communications électroniques et les systèmes d’information, y
compris les données relatives au trafic, est assurée par les opérateurs et
exploitants des réseaux de communications électroniques et des systèmes
d’information.

Article 43.-

Le fournisseur de contenus est responsable des contenus véhiculés
par son système d’information, notamment lorsque ces contenus portent
atteinte à la dignité humaine, à l’honneur et à la vie privée.

Article 44.- (1)

Interdiction est faite à toute personne physique ou morale
d’écouter, d’intercepter, de stocker les communications et les données
relatives au trafic y afférent, ou de les soumettre à tout autre moyen
d’interception ou de surveillance, sans le consentement des utilisateurs
concernés, sauf lorsque cette personne y est légalement autorisée.

(2)

Toutefois, le stockage technique préalable à l’acheminement
de toute communication est autorisé aux opérateurs et exploitants des réseaux
de communications électroniques, sans préjudice du principe de
confidentialité.

Article 45.-

L’enregistrement des communications et des données de trafic y
afférentes, effectué dans le cadre professionnel en vue de fournir la preuve
numérique d’une communication électronique est autorisé.

Article 46.- (1)

Les fournisseurs de contenus des réseaux de communications
électroniques et systèmes d’information, sont tenus de conserver les contenus
ainsi que les données stockées dans leurs installations pendant une durée de
dix (10) ans.

(2)

Les fournisseurs de contenus des réseaux de communications
électroniques et systèmes d’information, ont l’obligation de mettre en place
des filtres pour faire face aux atteintes préjudiciables aux données
personnelles et à la vie privée des utilisateurs.

Article 47.-

L’utilisation des réseaux de communications électroniques et des
systèmes d’information aux fins de stocker les informations ou d’accéder à des
informations stockées dans un équipement terminal d’une personne physique
ou morale, ne peut se faire qu’avec son consentement préalable.

Article 48.- (1)

L’émission des messages électroniques à des fins de prospection
en dissimulant l’identité de l’émetteur au nom duquel la communication est
faite, ou sans indiquer une adresse valide à laquelle le destinataire peut
transmettre une demande visant à obtenir l’arrêt de ces informations est
interdite.

(2)

L’émission des messages électroniques en usurpant l’identité
d’autrui est interdite.

SECTION V – DE L’INTERCEPTION DES COMMUNICATIONS ELECTRONIQUES

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

Article 49.-

Nonobstant les dispositions du Code de Procédure Pénale, en cas de
crimes ou délits prévus dans la présente loi, l’Officier de Police Judiciaire peut
intercepter, enregistrer ou transcrire toute communication électronique.

Article 50.-

Si les opérateurs de réseaux de communications électroniques ou
les fournisseurs de services de communications électroniques procèdent au
codage, à la compression ou au chiffrement des données transmises, les
interceptions correspondantes sont fournies en clair aux services qui les ont
requis.

Article 51.-

Les personnels des opérateurs des réseaux de communications
électroniques ou des fournisseurs de services de communications électroniques
sont astreints au secret professionnel quant aux réquisitions reçues.

TITRE III – DE LA CYBERCRIMINALITE

CHAPITRE I – DES DISPOSITIONS DU DROIT PROCESSUEL

Article 52.- (1)

En cas d’infraction cybernétique, les Officiers de Police
Judiciaire à compétence générale et les agents habilités de l’Agence,
procèdent aux enquêtes conformément aux dispositions du Code de Procédure
Pénale.

(2)

Avant leur entrée en fonction, les agents habilités de l’Agence
prêtent serment, devant le Tribunal de Première Instance compétent, selon la
formule suivante : « Je jure de remplir loyalement mes fonctions et d’observer
en tout les devoirs qu’elles m’imposent, de garder secrètes les informations
dont j’ai eu connaissance à l’occasion ou dans l’exercice de mes fonctions ».

(3)

Les Officiers de Police Judiciaire et les agents habilités de
l’Agence peuvent, lors des investigations, accéder aux moyens de transport, à
tout local à usage professionnel, à l’exclusion des domiciles privés, en vue de
rechercher, de constater les infractions, de demander la communication de
tous les documents professionnels et en prendre copie, recueillir, sur
convocation ou sur place, les renseignements et justifications.

Article 53.- (1)

Les perquisitions en matière de cybercriminalité sont
susceptibles de porter sur des données qui peuvent être des supports
physiques ou des copies réalisées en présence des personnes qui assistent à la
perquisition.

(2)

Lorsqu’une copie des données saisies a été faite, celle-ci peut
être détruite sur instruction du Procureur de la République pour des raisons de
sécurité.

(3)

Sur accord du Procureur de la République, seuls seront gardés
sous scellé par l’Officier de Police Judiciaire, les objets, documents et données
utilisées à la manifestation de la vérité.

(4)

Les personnes présentes lors de la perquisition peuvent être
réquisitionnées de fournir les renseignements sur les objets, documents et
données saisis.

Article 54.-

Les perquisitions et les saisies sont effectuées conformément aux
dispositions du Code de Procédure Pénale en tenant compte du dépérissement
des preuves.

Article 55.- (1)

Lorsqu’il apparaît que les données saisies ou obtenues au cours
de l’enquête ou de l’instruction ont fait l’objet d’opérations de transformation
empêchant d’accéder en clair ou sont de nature à compromettre les
informations qu’elles contiennent, le Procureur de la République, le Juge
d’Instruction ou la juridiction de jugement peuvent réquisitionner toute
personne physique ou morale qualifiée, en vue d’effectuer les opérations
techniques permettant d’obtenir la version en clair desdites données.

(2)

Lorsqu’un moyen de cryptographie a été utilisé, les autorités
judiciaires peuvent exiger la convention secrète de déchiffrement du
cryptogramme.

Article 56.-

La réquisition prévue à l’article 50 ci-dessus peut être faite à tout
expert. Dans ce cas, son exécution est faite conformément aux dispositions du
Code de procédure pénale relatives à la commission d’expert.

Article 57.- (1)

Les autorités judiciaires camerounaises peuvent donner
commission rogatoire tant nationale qu’internationale, à toute personne morale
ou physique pour rechercher les éléments constitutifs des infractions de
cybercriminalité, dont au moins l’un des éléments constitutifs a été commis sur
le territoire camerounais ou dont l’un des auteurs ou complices se trouve dans
ledit territoire.

(2)

Sous réserve des règles de réciprocité entre le Cameroun et les
pays étrangers liés par un accord de coopération judiciaire, les commissions
rogatoires sont exécutées conformément aux dispositions du Code de Procédure
Pénale.

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

Article 58.- (1)

Les personnes physiques ou morales qui fournissent des
prestations de cryptographie visant à assurer une fonction de confidentialité,
sont tenues de remettre aux Officiers de Police Judiciaire ou aux agents habilités
de l’Agence, sur leur demande, les conventions permettant le déchiffrement des
données transformées au moyen des prestations qu’elles ont fournies.

(2)

Les Officiers de Police Judiciaire et agents habilités de l’Agence
peuvent demander aux fournisseurs des prestations visés à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus
de mettre eux-mêmes en œuvre ces conventions, sauf si ceux-ci démontrent
qu’ils ne sont pas en mesure de satisfaire à de telles réquisitions.

Article 59.- (1)

Lorsque les nécessités de l’enquête ou de l’instruction le
justifient, l’audition ou l’interrogatoire d’une personne et/ou la confrontation
entre plusieurs personnes, peuvent être effectuées en plusieurs points du
territoire national se trouvant reliés par des moyens de communications
électroniques garantissant la confidentialité de la transmission. Il est dressé,
dans chacun des lieux, un Procès-verbal des opérations qui y ont été
effectuées. Ces opérations peuvent faire l’objet d’enregistrement audiovisuel
et/ou sonore.

(2)

Lorsque les circonstances l’exigent, l’interprétation peut être
faite au cours d’une audition, d’un interrogatoire ou d’une confrontation par des
moyens de communications électroniques.

(3)

Les dispositions du présent article sont également applicables
pour l’exécution simultanée, sur un point du territoire national et sur un point
situé à l’extérieur, des demandes d’entraide émanant des autorités judiciaires
étrangères ou des actes d’entraide réalisés à l’étranger sur demande des
autorités judiciaires camerounaises.

(4)

Les modalités d’application du présent article sont définies par
voie réglementaire.

CHAPITRE II – DES INFRACTIONS ET DES SANCTIONS

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

Article 60.- (1)

Lorsqu’une autorité de certification ne respecte pas les
obligations auxquelles elle est assujettie, l’Agence peut, après avoir mis la
structure en demeure de présenter ses observations, prononcer l’interdiction de
mise en circulation du moyen de cryptographie concerné.

(2)

L’interdiction de mise en circulation est applicable sur
l’ensemble du territoire national. Elle emporte en outre pour le fournisseur,
l’obligation de procéder au retrait des :

– moyens de cryptographie dont la mise en circulation a été interdite
auprès des diffuseurs commerciaux ;
– matériels constituant des moyens de cryptographie dont la mise en
circulation a été interdite et qui ont été acquis à titre onéreux,
directement ou par l’intermédiaire de diffuseurs commerciaux.

(3)

Le moyen de cryptographie concerné pourra être remis en
circulation dès que les obligations antérieurement non respectées auront été
satisfaites et dûment constatées par l’Agence.

Article 61.- (1)

Sont punis d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à trois (03)
ans et d’une amende de 20.000 (vingt mille) à 100.000 (cent mille) F CFA, les
personnels de l’Agence et les experts des personnes morales chargés des
audits qui révèlent sans autorisation, des informations confidentielles dont ils
ont eu connaissance à l’occasion d’un audit de sécurité.

(2)

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à quatre (04)
ans, le refus de déférer aux convocations des agents habilités de l’Agence.

(3)

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (05) ans et d’une
amende de 100.000 (cent mille) à 1.000.000 (un million) F CFA ou de l’une de
ces deux peines seulement, celui qui, par quelque moyen que ce soit, fait
obstacle, incite à résister ou à empêcher le déroulement des audits de sécurité
prévus au présent article ou refuse de fournir les informations ou documents y
afférents.

Article 62.- (1)

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (05) ans et
d’une amende de 200.000 (deux cent mille) à 2.000.000 (deux millions) F CFA,
celui qui présente aux personnes mentionnées aux articles 33 et 34 ci-dessus,
un contenu ou une activité comme étant illicite dans le but d’en obtenir le
retrait ou d’en faire cesser la diffusion, alors qu’elle sait cette information
inexacte.

(2)

Le directeur de la publication est tenu d’insérer, sous peine
d’une amende de 100.000 (cent mille) à 2.000.000 (deux millions) F CFA, dans
les quarante huit (48) heures de leur réception, les réponses de toute personne
désignée dans le service de communications électroniques.

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

Article 63.- (1)

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (05) ans et
d’une amende de 40.000 (quarante mille) à 4.000.000 (quatre millions) F CFA,
le dirigeant de droit ou de fait d’une personne morale exerçant l’activité définie
aux articles 33 et 34 de la présente loi, qui n’a pas conservé les éléments
d’information visés aux articles 25 et 29 ci-dessus.

(2)

Est passible des mêmes peines, le dirigeant de droit ou de fait
d’une personne morale exerçant l’activité définie aux articles 37 et 38 qui ne
respecte pas les prescriptions prévues auxdits articles.

Article 64.- (1)

Les personnes morales sont pénalement responsables des
infractions commises, pour leur compte, par leurs organes dirigeants.

(2)

La responsabilité pénale des personnes morales n’exclut pas
celle des personnes physiques auteurs ou complices des mêmes faits.

(3)

Les peines encourues par les personnes morales sont des
amendes de 5.000.000 (cinq millions) à 50.000.000 (cinquante millions) F CFA.

(4)

Nonobstant la peine prévue à l’alinéa 3 ci-dessus, l’une des
peines accessoires suivantes peut également être prononcée à l’encontre des
personnes morales :
– la dissolution lorsqu’il s’agit d’un crime ou d’un délit puni en ce qui
concerne les personnes physiques d’une peine d’emprisonnement
supérieure ou égale à trois (03) ans et que la personne morale a été
détournée de son objet pour servir de support à la commission des
faits incriminés ;
– l’interdiction, à titre définitif ou pour une durée de cinq ans au
moins, d’exercer directement ou indirectement une ou plusieurs
activités professionnelles ou sociales ;
– la fermeture temporaire pour une durée de cinq (05) ans au moins,
dans les conditions prévues par l’article 34 du Code Pénal, des
établissements ou de l’un ou de plusieurs des établissements de
l’entreprise ayant servi à commettre les faits incriminés ;
– l’exclusion des marchés publics à titre définitif ou pour une durée
de cinq (05) ans au moins ;
– l’interdiction, à titre définitif ou pour une durée de cinq (05) ans au
moins, de faire appel public à l’épargne ;
– l’interdiction, pour une durée de cinq (05) ans au moins, d’émettre
des chèques autres que ceux qui permettent le retrait de fonds par
le tireur auprès du tiré ou ceux qui sont certifiés ou d’utiliser des
cartes de paiement ;
– la confiscation de la chose qui a servi ou était destinée à
commettre l’infraction ou de la chose qui en est le produit ;
– la publication ou la diffusion de la décision prononcée soit par la
presse écrite, soit par tout moyen de communication au public par
voie électronique.

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

Article 65.- (1)

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans et
d’une amende de 5.000.000 (cinq millions) à 10.000.000 (dix millions) F CFA
ou de l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui effectue, sans droit ni
autorisation, l’interception par des moyens techniques, de données lors des
transmissions ou non, à destination, en provenance ou à l’intérieur ou non d’un
réseau de communications électroniques, d’un système d’information ou d’un
équipement terminal.

(2)

Est puni des peines prévues à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus, tout accès
non autorisé, à l’ensemble ou à une partie d’un réseau de communications
électroniques ou d’un système d’information ou d’un équipement terminal.

(3)

Les peines prévues à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus sont doublées, en cas
d’accès illicite portant atteinte à l’intégrité, la confidentialité, la disponibilité
du réseau de communications électroniques ou du système d’information.

(4)

Est puni des mêmes peines prévues à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus, celui
qui, sans droit, permet l’accès dans un réseau de communications
électroniques ou dans un système d’information par défi intellectuel.

Article 66.- (1)

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de deux (02) à cinq (05) ans et
d’une amende de 1.000.000 (un million) à 2.000.000 (deux millions) F CFA ou de
l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui entraîne la perturbation ou
l’interruption du fonctionnement d’un réseau de communications électroniques
ou d’un équipement terminal, en introduisant, transmettant, endommageant,
effaçant, détériorant, modifiant, supprimant ou rendant inaccessibles les
données.

(2)

Sont passibles des mêmes peines prévues à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus,
les personnes qui font usage d’un logiciel trompeur ou indésirable en vue
d’effectuer des opérations sur un équipement terminal d’un utilisateur sans en
informer au préalable celui-ci de la nature exacte des opérations que ledit
logiciel est susceptible d’endommager.

(3)

Est puni des mêmes peines prévues à alinéa 1 ci-dessus, celui
qui, à l’aide d’un logiciel potentiellement indésirable collecte, tente de
collecter ou facilite l’une de ces opérations pour accéder aux informations de
l’opérateur ou du fournisseur d’un réseau ou de service électronique afin de
commettre des infractions.

Article 67.-

Constitue une atteinte à l’intégrité d’un réseau de communications
électroniques ou d’un système d’information et punie des peines prévues à
l’article 66, alinéa 1 ci-dessus, le fait de provoquer une perturbation grave ou
une interruption de fonctionnement d’un réseau de communications
électroniques d’un équipement terminal par l’introduction, la transmission, la
modification, la suppression, l’altération des données.

Article 68.- (1)

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans et
d’une amende de 10.000.000 (dix millions) à 50.000.000 (cinquante millions) F
CFA ou de l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui accède ou se
maintient, frauduleusement, dans tout ou partie d’un réseau de
communications électroniques ou d’un système d’information en transmettant,
endommageant, provoquant une perturbation grave ou une interruption du
fonctionnement dudit système ou dudit réseau.

(2)

Les peines prévues à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus sont doublées s’il en
est résulté, soit la suppression ou la modification des données contenues dans
le système d’information, soit une altération de son fonctionnement.

Article 69.-

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans et d’une
amende de 10.000.000 (dix millions) à 100.000.000 (cent millions) F CFA ou
de l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui accède sans droit, et en
violation des mesures de sécurité, à l’ensemble ou à une partie d’un réseau de
communications électroniques, d’un système d’information ou d’un équipement
terminal, afin d’obtenir des informations ou des données, en relation avec un
système d’information connecté à un autre système d’information.

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

Article 70.-

Est puni d’une amende de 1.000.000 (un million) à 5.000.000 (cinq
millions) F CFA, celui qui provoque par saturation, l’attaque d’une ressource de
réseau de communications électroniques ou d’un système d’information dans
le but de l’effondrer en empêchant la réalisation des services attendus.

Article 71.-

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de deux (02) à cinq (05) ans et d’une
amende de 1.000.000 (un million) à 25.000.000 (vingt cinq millions) F CFA,
celui qui introduit sans droit, des données dans un système d’information ou
dans un réseau de communications électroniques en vue de supprimer ou de
modifier les données qui en sont contenues.

Article 72.-

Est puni des peines prévues par l’article 66 ci-dessus celui qui, de
quelque manière que ce soit, sans droit, introduit, altère, efface, ou supprime,
afin d’obtenir un bénéfice économique, les données électroniques, de manière
à causer un préjudice patrimonial à autrui.

Article 73.- (1)

Est puni d’un emprisonnement deux (02) à dix (10) ans et d’une
amende de 25.000.000 (vingt cinq millions) à 50.000.000 (cinquante millions)
F CFA, ou de l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui, par la voie d’un
système d’information ou dans un réseau de communications contrefait, falsifie
une carte de paiement, de crédit, ou de retrait ou fait usage ou tente de faire
usage en connaissance de cause, d’une carte de paiement, de crédit ou de
retrait contrefaite ou falsifiée.

(2)

Est puni des peines prévues à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus, quiconque,
en connaissance de cause, accepte de recevoir par voie de communications
électroniques, un règlement au moyen d’une carte de paiement, de crédit ou de
retrait contrefaite ou falsifiée.

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

Article 74.- (1)

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à deux (02) ans et
d’une amende de 1.000.000 (un million) à 5.000.000 (cinq millions) F CFA,
quiconque, au moyen d’un procédé quelconque porte atteinte à l’intimité de la
vie privée d’autrui en fixant, enregistrant ou transmettant, sans le
consentement de leur auteur, les données électroniques ayant un caractère
privé ou confidentiel.

(2)

Sont passibles des peines prévues à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus les
personnes qui, sans droit, interceptent des données personnelles lors de leur
transmission d’un système d’information à un autre ;

(3)

Est puni d’un emprisonnement d’un (01) à trois (03) ans et d’une
amende de 1.000.000 (un million) à 5.000.000 (cinq millions) F CFA ou de l’une
de ces deux peines seulement, quiconque procède ou fait procéder, même par
négligence au traitement des données à caractère personnel en violation des
formalités préalables à leur mise en œuvre.

(4)

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) mois à deux (02) ans
et d’une amende de 1.000.000 (un million) à 5.000.000 (cinq millions) F CFA ou
de l’une de ces deux peines seulement, le fait de collecter par des moyens
illicites, des données nominatives d’une personne en vue de porter atteinte à
son intimité et à sa considération.

(5)

Les peines prévues à l’alinéa 4 ci-dessus sont doublées, à
l’encontre de celui qui met, fait mettre en ligne, conserve ou fait conserver en
mémoire informatisée, sans l’accord exprès de l’intéressé, des données
nominatives qui, directement ou indirectement, font apparaître ses origines
tribales, ses opinions politiques, religieuses, ses appartenances syndicales ou
ses mœurs.

(6)

Les peines prévues à l’alinéa 5 ci-dessus, s’appliquent aux
personnes qui détournent les informations, notamment, à l’occasion de leur
enregistrement, de leur classement, de leur transmission.

(7)

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) mois à deux (02) ans et
d’une amende de 5.000.000 (cinq millions) à 50.000.000 (cinquante millions) F
CFA, ou de l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui conserve des
informations sous une forme nominative ou chiffrée au-delà de la durée légale
indiquée dans la demande d’avis ou la déclaration préalable à la mise en œuvre
du traitement automatisé.

(8)

Est puni des peines prévues à l’alinéa 7 ci-dessus, le fait de divulguer
des données nominatives portant atteinte à la considération de la victime.

Article 75.- (1)

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de deux (02) à cinq (05) ans et
d’une amende de 1.000.000 (un million) à 5.000.000 (cinq millions) F CFA ou
de l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui enregistre et diffuse à but
lucratif, par la voie de communications électroniques ou d’un système
d’information sans le consentement de l’intéressé, des images portant atteinte
à l’intégrité corporelle.

(2)

Le présent article n’est pas applicable lorsque l’enregistrement
et la diffusion résultent de l’exercice normal d’une profession ayant pour objet
d’informer le public ou sont réalisés afin de servir de preuve en justice
conformément aux dispositions du Code de procédure pénale.

Article 76.-

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans et d’une
amende de 5.000.000 (cinq millions) à 10.000.000 (dix millions) F CFA ou de
l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui confectionne, transporte, diffuse,
par voie de communications électroniques ou d’un système d’information, un
message à caractère pornographique enfantine, ou de nature à porter
gravement atteinte à la dignité d’un enfant.

Article 77.- (1)

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de deux (02) à cinq (05) ans et
d’une amende de 2.000.000 (deux millions) à 5.000.000 (cinq millions) F CFA
ou de l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui, par la voie de
communications électroniques ou d’un système d’information, commet un
outrage à l’encontre d’une race ou d’une religion.

(2)

Les peines prévues à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus sont doublées
lorsque l’infraction est commise dans le but de susciter la haine ou le mépris
entre les citoyens.

Article 78.- (1)

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) mois à deux (02) ans
et d’une amende de 5.000.000 (cinq millions) à 10.000.000 (dix millions) F CFA
ou de l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui publie ou propage par voie
de communications électroniques ou d’un système d’information, une nouvelle
sans pouvoir en rapporter la preuve de véracité ou justifier qu’il avait de bonnes
raisons de croire à la vérité de ladite nouvelle.

(2)

Les peines prévues à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus sont doublées lorsque
l’infraction est commise dans le but de porter atteinte à la paix publique.

Article 79.-

Les peines réprimant les faits d’outrage privé à la pudeur prévus à
l’article 295 du Code Pénal, sont un emprisonnement de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans
et une amende de 5.000.000 (cinq millions) à 10.000.000 (dix millions) F CFA
ou de l’une de ces deux peines seulement, lorsque la victime a été mise en
contact avec l’auteur desdits faits, grâce à l’utilisation des communications
électroniques ou des systèmes d’information.

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

Article 80.- (1)

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) à six (06) ans et d’une
amende de 5.000.000 (cinq millions) à 10.000.000 (dix millions) F CFA ou de
l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui diffuse, fixe, enregistre ou
transmet à titre onéreux ou gratuit l’image présentant les actes de pédophilie
sur un mineur par voie de communications électroniques ou d’un système
d’information.

(2)

Est puni des mêmes peines prévues à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus,
quiconque offre, rend disponible ou diffuse, importe ou exporte, par quelque
moyen électronique que ce soit, une image ou une représentation à caractère
pédophile.

(3)

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (05) ans et
d’une amende de 5.000.000 (cinq millions) à 10.000.000 (dix millions) F CFA
ou de l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui détient dans un réseau de
communications électroniques ou dans un système d’informations, une image ou
une représentation à caractère pédophile.

(4)

Les peines prévues à l’alinéa 3 ci-dessus sont doublées,
lorsqu’il a été utilisé un réseau de communications électroniques pour la
diffusion de l’image ou la représentation du mineur à destination du public.

(5)

Les dispositions du présent article sont également applicables
aux images pornographiques mettant en scène les mineurs.

Article 81.- (1)

Sont punis des peines prévues à l’article 82 ci-dessous, les faits
ci-dessous, lorsqu’ils sont commis en utilisant un réseau de communications
électroniques ou un système d’information :
– l’offre, la production, la mise à disposition de pornographie
enfantine en vue de sa diffusion ;
– le fait de se procurer ou de procurer à autrui de la pornographie
enfantine par le biais d’un système d’information ;
– le fait pour les personnes majeures de faire des propositions
sexuelles à des mineurs de moins de quinze (15) ans ou une
personne se présentant comme telle ;
– la diffusion ou la transmission de pornographie enfantine par le
biais d’un système d’information.

(2)

Est considéré comme pornographie enfantine, tout acte
présentant de manière visuelle :
– un mineur se livrant à un comportement sexuellement explicite ;
– une personne qui apparaît comme mineur se livrant à un
comportement sexuellement explicite ;
– des images réalistes présentant un mineur se livrant à un
comportement sexuellement explicite.

Article 82.-

Est puni du double des peines prévues à l’article 79 de la présente
loi celui qui commet ou tente de commettre par voie de communications
électroniques un outrage à la pudeur sur un mineur de moins de quinze (15)
ans.

Article 83.- (1)

Est puni d’un emprisonnement d’un (01) à deux (02) ans et d’une
amende de 500.000 (cinq cent mille) à 1.000.000 (un million) F CFA ou de
l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui par voie de communications
électroniques, fait des propositions sexuelles à une personne de son sexe.

(2)

Les peines prévues à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus, sont doublées lorsque
les propositions ont été suivies de rapports sexuels.

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

Article 84.- (1)

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six mois (06) à deux (02) ans
et d’une amende de 500.000 à 1.000.000 F CFA ou de l’une de ces deux peines
seulement, celui qui accède, prend frauduleusement connaissance, retarde
l’accès ou supprime les communications électroniques adressées à autrui.

(2)

Est puni des mêmes peines prévues à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus, celui
qui intercepte sans autorisation, détourne, utilise ou divulgue les
communications électroniques émises, ou reçues par des voies électroniques
ou procède à l’installation d’appareils conçus pour réaliser de telles
interceptions.

Article 85.-

Est punie des peines prévues à l’article 84 ci-dessus, celui qui,
chargé d’une mission de service public, agissant dans l’exercice ou à l’occasion
de l’exercice de ses fonctions, détourne ou facilite le détournement, la
suppression ou l’accès aux communications électroniques ou la révélation du
contenu de ces communications.

Article 86.- (1)

Est puni des peines prévues l’article 71 ci-dessus, celui qui
importe, détient, offre, cède, vend ou met à disposition, sous quelle que forme
que ce soit, un programme informatique, un mot de passe, un code d’accès ou
toutes données informatiques similaires conçus et ou spécialement adaptés,
pour permettre d’accéder, à tout ou partie d’un réseau de communications
électroniques ou d’un système d’information.

(2)

Est également puni des mêmes peines prévues à l’alinéa 1 ci-
dessus, quiconque provoque une perturbation grave ou une interruption d’un
réseau de communications électroniques ou d’un système d’information dans
l’intention de porter atteinte à l’intégrité des données.

Article 87.-

Les auteurs de l’une des infractions prévues à l’article 86 ci-dessus
encourent également les peines complémentaires suivantes :
– la confiscation selon les modalités prévues par l’article 35 du Code
Pénal, de tout objet ayant servi ou destiné à commettre l’infraction
ou considéré comme en étant le produit, à l’exception des objets
susceptibles de restitution ;
– l’interdiction dans les conditions prévues par l’article 36 du Code
Pénal, pour une durée de cinq (05) ans au moins, d’exercer une
fonction publique ou une activité socioprofessionnelle, lorsque les
faits ont été commis dans l’exercice ou à l’occasion de l’exercice
des fonctions ;
– la fermeture, dans les conditions prévues par l’article 34 du Code
Pénal pour une durée de cinq (05) ans au moins, des
établissements ou de l’un ou de plusieurs des établissements de
l’entreprise ayant servi à commettre les faits incriminés ;
– l’exclusion, pour une durée de cinq (05) ans au moins, des marchés
publics.

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

Article 88.- 1)

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de (01) à cinq (05) ans et d’une
amende de 100.000 (cent mille) à 1.000.000 (un million) F CFA ou de l’une de
ces deux peines seulement, celui qui, ayant connaissance de la convention
secrète de déchiffrement, d’un moyen de cryptographie susceptible d’avoir été
utilisé pour préparer, faciliter ou commettre un crime ou un délit, refuse de
remettre ladite convention aux autorités judiciaires ou de la mettre en œuvre,
sur les réquisitions de ces autorités.

(2)

Si le refus est opposé alors que la remise ou la mise en œuvre de
la convention aurait permis d’éviter la commission d’un crime ou d’un délit ou
d’en limiter les effets, les peines prévues à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus, sont portées de
trois (03) à cinq (05) ans d’emprisonnement et l’amende de 1.000.000 (un
million) à 5.000.000 (cinq millions) F CFA.

Article 89.-

Le sursis ne peut être accordé pour les infractions prévues dans la
présente loi.

TITRE IV – DE LA COOPERATION ET DE L’ENTRAIDE JUDICIAIRE INTERNATIONALES

CHAPITRE I – DE LA COOPERATION INTERNATIONALE

Article 90.- (1)

Dans le cadre de l’exercice de leurs activités, les autorités de
certification camerounaises peuvent, sous le contrôle de l’Agence, établir des
conventions, avec les autorités de certification étrangères.

(2)

Les modalités d’établissement des conventions prévues à
l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus sont déterminées par voie règlementaire.

CHAPITRE II – DE L’ENTRAIDE JUDICIAIRE INTERNATIONALE

Article 91.- (1)

A moins qu’une convention internationale à laquelle le
Cameroun est partie n’en dispose autrement, les demandes d’entraide émanant
des autorités judiciaires camerounaises et destinées aux autorités judiciaires
étrangères sont transmises par l’intermédiaire du Ministère chargé des
Relations Extérieures. Les pièces d’exécution sont renvoyées aux autorités de
l’Etat requérant par la même voie.

(2)

Les demandes d’entraide émanant des autorités judiciaires
étrangères et destinées aux autorités judiciaires camerounaises doivent être
présentées par la voie diplomatique par le Gouvernement étranger intéressé. Les
pièces d’exécution sont renvoyées aux autorités de l’Etat requérant par la même
voie.

(3)

En cas d’urgence, les demandes d’entraide demandées par les
autorités camerounaises ou étrangères peuvent être transmises directement
aux autorités de l’Etat requis pour leur exécution. Le renvoi des pièces
d’exécution aux autorités compétentes de l’Etat requérant est effectué selon
les mêmes modalités.

(4)

Sous réserve des conventions internationales, les demandes
d’entraide émanant des autorités judiciaires étrangères et destinées aux
autorités judiciaires camerounaises doivent faire l’objet d’un avis de la part du
gouvernement étranger intéressé. Cet avis est transmis aux autorités
judiciaires compétentes par voie diplomatique.

(5)

En cas d’urgence, les demandes d’entraide émanant des
autorités judiciaires étrangères sont transmises au Procureur de la République
ou au Juge d’Instruction territorialement compétent.

(6)

Si le Procureur de la République reçoit directement d’une
autorité étrangère, une demande d’entraide qui ne peut être exécutée que par
le Juge d’Instruction, il la transmet pour exécution à ce dernier ou saisit le
Procureur Général dans le cas prévu à l’article 94 de la présente loi.

(7)

Avant de procéder à l’exécution d’une demande d’entraide dont il
a été directement saisi, le Juge d’Instruction la communique immédiatement
pour avis au Procureur de la République.

Article 92.- (1)

Les demandes d’entraide émanant des autorités judiciaires
étrangères sont exécutées par le Procureur de la République ou par les officiers
ou agents de Police Judiciaire requis à cette fin par ce magistrat.

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

(2)

Elles sont exécutées par le Juge d’Instruction ou par des
officiers de Police Judiciaire agissant sur commission rogatoire de ce magistrat
lorsqu’elles nécessitent certains actes de procédure qui ne peuvent être
ordonnés ou exécutés qu’au cours d’une instruction préparatoire.

Article 93.- (1)

Les demandes d’entraide émanant des autorités judiciaires
étrangères sont exécutées selon les règles de procédure prévues par le Code
de Procédure Pénale.

(2)

Toutefois, si la demande d’entraide le précise, elle est exécutée
selon les règles de procédure expressément indiquées par les autorités
compétentes de l’Etat requérant, sans que ces règles ne réduisent les droits
des parties ou les garanties procédurales prévues par le Code de Procédure
Pénale.

(3)

Lorsque la demande d’entraide ne peut être exécutée
conformément aux exigences de l’Etat requérant, les autorités compétentes
camerounaises en informent sans délai les autorités de l’Etat requérant et
indiquent dans quelles conditions la demande pourrait être exécutée.

(4)

Les autorités camerounaises compétentes et celles de l’Etat
requérant peuvent ultérieurement s’accorder sur la suite à réserver à la
demande, le cas échéant, en la subordonnant au respect desdites conditions.

(5)

L’irrégularité de la transmission de la demande d’entraide ne peut
constituer une cause de nullité des actes accomplis en exécution de cette
demande.

Article 94.- (1)

Si l’exécution d’une demande d’entraide émanant d’une autorité
judiciaire étrangère est de nature à porter atteinte à l’ordre public ou aux intérêts
essentiels de la Nation, le Procureur de la République saisi ou avisé de cette
demande, la transmet au Procureur Général qui en saisit le Ministre chargé de la
Justice et donne, le cas échéant, avis de cette transmission au Procureur de la
République.

(2)

S’il est saisi, le Ministre chargé de la Justice informe l’autorité
requérante, le cas échéant, de ce qu’il ne peut être donné suite, totalement ou
partiellement, à sa demande. Cette information est notifiée à l’autorité
judiciaire concernée et fait obstacle à l’exécution de la demande d’entraide ou
au retour des pièces d’exécution.

TITRE V – DISPOSITIONS TRANSITOIRES ET FINALES

Article 95.-

Des textes d’application fixent, en tant que de besoin, les modalités
d’application de la présente loi.

Article 96.-

Les autorisations et les déclarations de fourniture, d’importation et
d’exportation de moyens de cryptographie délivrées par les autorités
compétentes demeurent valables jusqu’à l’expiration du délai prévu par celles-
ci.

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

Article 97.-

La présente loi sera enregistrée et publiée suivant la procédure
d’urgence, puis insérée au Journal Officiel en français et en anglais./-

YAOUNDE, LE

LE PRESIDENT DE LA REPUBLIQUE,

PAUL BIYA

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Cyber Criminality law in Cameroon

cameroun_ahcmf5

March 18, 2021

The cyber criminality law in Cameroon is covered by the Law n°2010/012 of 21 December 2010 on cybersecurity and cybercrime. It includes criminal substantive rules, procedural rules as well as provisions on international cooperation.

LAW N° 2010/012 OF 21 DECEMBER 2010
RELATING TO CYBERSECURITY AND CYBERCRIMINALITY IN CAMEROON

The National Assembly deliberated and adopted, The President of the Republic hereby enacts the law set out below:

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

PART I – GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1 :

This law governs the security framework of electronic communication networks and information systems, defines and punishes offences related to the use of information and communication technologies in Cameroon.

Accordingly, it seeks notably to:

– build trust in electronic communication networks and information systems;
– establish the legal regime of digital evidence, security, cryptography and electronic certification activities;
– protect basic human rights, in particular the right to human dignity, honour and respect of privacy, as well as the legitimate interests of corporate bodies.

See other Cameroon criminal laws

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

Section 2.

This law shall not cover the specific applications used in national defense and security.

Section 3.

The electronic communication networks targeted by this law shall include:
satellite, ground and electronic networks when they are used to route electronic communications and audio-visual communication broadcast or distribution networks.

Section 4.

Within the meaning of this law and its implementing instruments, the following definitions shall be accepted:

(1) Illegal access : unauthorized intentional access to all or part of an electronic communication network, an information system or terminal equipment;

(2) Administration in charge of telecommunications: ministry or minister, as the case may be, invested with general powers over telecommunications and information and communication technologies by the Government;

(3) Algorithm: series of basic mathematical operations to be applied to data to achieve a desired result;

(4) Asymmetric algorithm: cipher algorithm using a public key to cipher and a private key (different) to decipher messages;

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

(5) Symmetric algorithm: cipher algorithm using the same key to cipher and decipher messages;

(6) Active attack: action modifying or altering the resources targeted by the attack (violation of the integrity and confidentiality of data);

(7) Passive attack: action that does not alter its target (eavesdropping, invasion of privacy);

(8) Integrity violation: action carried out intentionally to substantially disrupt or disable an information system, electronic communication network or terminal equipment by inputting, transmitting, damaging, deleting, deteriorating, altering suppressing or making data inaccessible;

(9) Security audit: systematic examination of components and security actors, policies, actions, procedures and resources used by an organization to protect its environment, conduct compliance tests controls to assess the adequacy of (organizational, technical, human and financial) resources allocated for risks, optimization, efficiency and performance;

(10) Authentication: safety criteria defined using a specific process to verify the identity of a person or entity and ensure that the identification given corresponds to the identity of the person initially registered;

(11) Certification Authority: trusted authority responsible for the creation and assignment of public and private keys and electronic certificates;

(12) Root Certification Authority: structure put in place in charge of the mission of accreditation of certification authorities, validating certification policy of certification authorities accredited, validating and signing certification authorities accredited certificates,

(13) Digital certificate: electronic record secured by the electronic signature of the person who issued it after ensuring that it certifies the authenticity of its contents;

(14) Qualified electronic certificate: digital certificate issued by a licensed Certification Authority;

(15) Electronic certification: issuance of electronic certificates;

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

(16) Cipher: the transformation of information using a secret key to make it illegible to anyone except those possessing special knowledge of the key;

(17) Key: in a cipher system, it corresponds to a mathematical value, a word, or a phrase which enables the ciphering or deciphering of a message with the help of the encryption algorithm;

(18) Private key: key used in asymmetric cipher mechanism (or public key cipher) which belongs to an entity and kept secret;

(19) Public key: used to cipher a message in an asymmetric system distributed freely;

(20) Secret key: key known to the sender and recipient used to cipher and decrypt messages using the symmetric cipher mechanism;

(21) Source code: all technical specifications, with no restrictions on access or implementation of a software or communication protocol, interconnection, interchange, or data format;

(22) Audiovisual communication: public communication by television and radio broadcasting services;

(23) Electronic communication: electromagnetic emission, transmission or reception of signs, signals, writings, images or sounds;

(24) Confidentiality: maintenance of the confidentiality of information and transactions to prevent unauthorized disclosure of information to non-recipients enabling the reading, listening, intentional or accidental, illegal copying during storage, processing or transfer;

(25) Content: all information relating to data belonging to individuals or legal entities, transmitted or received through electronic communication networks and information systems;

(26) Illegal content: content that infringes on human dignity, privacy, honour or national security;

(27) Electronic mail: message in the form of text, voice, sound or image transmitted through a public communication network, stored in a network server or the recipient’s terminal equipment until he retrieves it;

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

(28) Encryption: use of codes or signals to convert information to be transmitted in the form of signals that are not understood by others;

(29) Cryptanalysis: all resources used to analyze initially encrypted information to be decrypted;

(30) Encrypted text: encrypted or encoded message;

(31) Cryptography: use of mathematical algorithm to encrypt information in an attempt to make it unintelligible to those who are not authorized to access it;

(32) Cybercriminality: infraction of the law carried out through cyberspace using means other than those habitually used to commit conventional crimes;

(33) Cybersecurity: technical, organizational, legal, financial, human, procedural measures for prevention and deterrence and other actions carried out to attain set security objectives through electronic communication networks and information systems, and to protect privacy;

(34) Certification practice statement: practices (organization, operational procedures, technical and human resources) that the competent certification authority applies within the framework of the provision of this service in accordance with the certification of a policy or policies it undertook to comply with;

(35) Decryption: reverse of encryption;

(36) Denial of service: attack by saturation of a resource of the information system or electronic communication network to make it collapse and unable to provide expected services;

(37) Distributed Denial of Service: simultaneous attack of the resources of an information system or electronic communication network in order to saturate and amplify the effects of interference;

(38) Availability: security criterion of resources of electronic communication networks, information systems and terminal equipment being accessible and usable as required (time factor);

(39) Device for electronic signature creation: equipment and/or .private encryption software certified by a competent authority, configured to create an electronic signature;

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

(40) Device for electronic signature verification: equipment and/or public encryption software certified by a competent authority used by a certifying authority to verify electronic signatures;

(41) Data: representation of facts, information or concepts in a form suitable for processing by terminal equipment, including a program allowing it to perform a function;

(42) Connection data: data relating to the access process in an electronic communication;

(43) Traffic data: data relating to an electronic communication indicating the origin, destination, route, time, date, size and duration or type of underlying service;

(44) Terminal equipment: equipment, installation or facilities to be connected to the endpoint of an information system which broadcasts, receives, processes and stores information data;

(45) Reliability: ability of an information system or electronic communication’s network to operate without any incident for a very long time;

(46) Provider of electronic communication services : natural person or corporate body providing services consisting entirely or mainly in the provision of electronic communications;

(47) Impact severity: assessment of the gravity of an incident, weighted by its frequency of occurrence;

(48) Data integrity: safety criterion defining the status of an electronic communication’s network, an information system or terminal equipment that remains intact and helps ensure that resources have not been altered (modified or destroyed) intentionally and accidentally to ensure their accuracy, reliability and durability;

(49) Unlawful interception: illegal or unauthorized access to the data of an electronic communication’s network, an information system or a terminal equipment;

(50) Lawful interception: authorized access to the data of an electronic communication’s network, an information system or terminal equipment without right or authorization;

(51) Intentional intrusion: intentional and unauthorized access to an electronic communication’s network or an information system with the intent of causing harm or deriving economic, financial ,industrial , or security benefit or sovereignty;

(52) Intrusion by intellectual challenge: intentional access without right to an electronic communication’s network or an information system with the intent of taking up an intellectual challenge that can help improve the performance of the organization’s security system;

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

(53) Deceptive software: software that performs operations on a user’s terminal equipment without initially informing him of the exact nature of the operations to be performed on his terminal equipment by the software or without asking his approval for the software to perform the operations;

(54) Spyware: specific deceptive software that collects personal information (most visited websites, passwords, etc.) from a user’s electronic communication’s network;

(55) Potentially unwanted software: software having the features of a deceptive software or spyware;

(56) Plain text: version .of a message that is intelligible to and understandable by all;

(57) Cryptographic means: equipment or software designed or modified used in transforming data, be it information or signals, using secret codes or to perform an inverse operation with or without a secret code to guarantee the safe storage or transmission of data and ensure the confidentiality and control of their integrity;

(58) Non-repudiation: security criterion that ensures the availability of evidence that can be used to prove the traceability of an electronic communication that has taken place;

(59) Certificate policy: set of rules that define standards to be respected by Certification Authorities when providing their services, indicating the applicability of a certificate to a particular community and/or class of application with common security requirements;

(60) Security policy: security benchmark established by an organization which reflects its security strategy and specifies the means to achieve it;

(61) Provision of cryptographic service: operation aimed at implementing cryptographic solutions on behalf of others;

(62) Electronic communication’s network: active or inactive transmission systems and , where applicable, switching and routing equipment and other resources that enable signal routing by wire, radio, optical means or other electromagnetic means, including satellite, terrestrial networks, fixed (circuits or packets switching, including the Internet) and mobile networks, systems using electrical network, provided they are used to transmit signals, networks used for radio and television and cable television networks, irrespective of the type of information transmitted;

(63) Telecommunication network: installation or group of installations used in the transmission and routing of telecommunications signals, or exchange of command and management information associated with these signals between network points;

(64) Security: situation in which someone or something is not exposed to any danger.
Mechanism to prevent any havoc or their attendant effects;

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

(65) Certification service: service provided by a Certification Authority;

(66) Electronic communication’s service: service consisting wholly or mainly in the provision of electronic communications, except the content of audiovisual communication services;

(67) Representative: individual acting on his own behalf or on behalf of the person or entity he represents, which involves a device for creating an electronic signature;

(68) Electronic signature: signature obtained by an asymmetric encryption algorithm to authenticate the sender of a message and verify its integrity;

(69) Advanced electronic signature: electronic signature obtained using a qualified electronic certificate;

(70) Open standard: communication, interconnection or exchange and interoperable data format protocol whose technical specifications and access are public and have no restriction or implementation;

(71) Detection system: system that helps detect incidents that could lead to security policy violation and help diagnose potential intrusions;

(72) Information system: devices or group of interconnected or related devices performing, by itself or by one or many of its components, automatic data processing, in line with a program;

(73) Vulnerability: security breach resulting either intentionally or accidentally by a violation of security policy in the architecture of an electronic communication’s network, in designing an information system.

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

Section 5.

The terms and expressions not defined under this law shall maintain their definitions or meanings as provided for in international legal instruments to which Cameroon adheres, notably the Constitution and the Convention of the International Telecommunications Union, the Radiocommunications’ Regulation and the International Telecommunications’ Regulation.

PART II

CHAPTER I – ELECTRONIC SECURITY AND GENERAL SECURITY CYBERSECURITY

Section 6.

The Administration in charge of Telecommunications shall formulate and implement the electronic communication’s security policy by taking into account technological developments and Government priorities in this domain.
Accordingly, it shall:

– promote the security of electronic communication networks and information systems and monitor the evolution of issues related to security and certification activities;
– coordinate activities that contribute to the security and protection of electronic communication networks and information systems at national level;
– ensure the setting up of an electronic communication’s security framework; draw up the list of Certification Authorities; represent Cameroon in international bodies in charge of activities related to the security and protection of electronic communication networks and information systems.

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

CHAPTER II – REGULATION AND MONITORING OF ELECTRONIC SECURITY ACTIVITIES

Section 7. (1)

The National Agency for Information and Communication Technologies, hereinafter referred to as the Agency, instituted by the Law governing electronic communications in Cameroon, shall be responsible for the regulation of electronic security activities in collaboration with the Telecommunications Regulatory Board.

(2) The Agency referred to in subsection 1 above shall be responsible for the regulation , control and monitoring of activities related to the security of electronic communication networks, information systems, and electronic certification on behalf of the State.

Accordingly, its missions shall be to:

– examine applications for accreditation and prepare the specifications of Certification Authorities and submit them to the Minister in charge of telecommunications for signature;

– control the compliance of electronic signatures issued;

– participate in the development of the national policy on the security of electronic communication networks and certification;

– give an advisory opinion on instruments that fall under its area of competence;

– control activities aimed at ensuring the security of electronic communication networks, certification and information systems;

– examine applications for the certification of cryptographic means and issue certificates of homologation for security equipment;

– prepare agreements of mutual. recognition with foreign parties and submit them to the Minister in charge of Telecommunication for signature;

– monitor technological developments and issue warnings and recommendations regarding the security of electronic communication networks and certification ;

– participate in research, training and studies related to the security of electronic communication networks, certification and information systems;

– ensure the regularity and efficiency of security audits of information systems in accordance with established standards, public bodies and Certification Authorities

– monitor, detect and provide information on computer-related risks and cybercriminal activities;

– carry out any other mission of general interest assigned to it by the supervisory authority.

(3) A decree of the Prime Minister shall determine the modalities of implementation of subsection 1 above.

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

Section 8. (1)

The Agency shall be the Root Certification Authority.
(2) The Agency shall be the Certification Authority of the Public Administration.

Section 9. (1)

The Certification Authorities, security auditors, editors of security programs and other authorized security services are subject to the payment of a 1.5 % annual contribution of their untaxed turnover value intended to a fund named “Special Fund for Security Activities,” intended to finance research, development, training and studies in respect of cybersecurity.

(2) The resources referred to in Subsection 1 above shall be collected by the Agency and deposited in an account opened at the Central Bank.

(3) A Committee is hereby created to be in charge of the validation of priority projects for research, development, training and studies in the domain of cybersecurity.
The conditions and terms for the functioning of the Committee shall be defined by regulation .

(4) The Minister in charge of Telecommunications shall be the authorizing officer for expenses made under the fund referred to in subsection 1 above.

(5) The conditions and terms of collection and management of this contribution shall be defined by regulation.

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

CHAPTER III – LEGAL REGIME OF CERTIFICATION ACTIVITIES

Section 10.

Electronic certification activities shall be subject to prior approval. It shall be carried out by Certification Authorities.

Section 11.

The following activities may be subject to authorization:

– the setting up and exploitation of infrastructure to issue, preserve and deliver qualified

electronic certificates;

– the provision of public keys to all public users;

– the provision of security auditing, security programs editing, and other authorized security services to the public.

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

Section 12.

The conditions and terms for granting the authorization referred to in Section 10
above shall be laid down by regulation.

CHAPTER IV – SECURITY ACTIVITIES

Section 13. (1)

Electronic communication networks and information systems of operators, certification authorities and electronic communication service providers shall be subject to an obligatory security audit.

$1 The conditions and terms for the conduct of the security audits provided for in Sub-Section 1 above shall be laid down by regulation .

Section 14.

The staff of the Agency and experts recruited to carry out audit operations shall be required to maintain professional secrecy.

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

CHAPTER V – ELECTRONIC CERTIFICATION

Section 15. (1)

Qualified electronic certificates shall be valid only for the objects for which they were issued.

(2) Devices used to design and verify qualified certificates shall, from the technological standpoint, be neutral, standardized, certified and interoperable.

Section 16. (1)

Certification Authorities shall be responsible for prejudice caused to .people who relied on the certificates they presented as qualified in the case where:

– the information contained in the certificate on the date of its issuance was inaccurate;
– the data prescribed such that certificate could be considered as qualified was incomplete
– the issuance of the qualified certificate did not give rise to the verification that the signatory holds the private convention corresponding to the public convention of the certificate;
– Certification Authorities and certification service providers, as the case may be, have not registered the repeal of the qualified certificate and placed this information at the disposal of third parties.

(2) Certification Authorities shall not be responsible for the prejudice caused by the use of the qualified certificate that exceeds the limits fixed for its use or the value of transactions for which it can be used, provided that such limits appear in the qualified certificate and are accessible to users.

(3) Certification Authorities must justify adequate financial guarantee, allocated particularly for the payment of sums they may owe people who relied logically on the qualified certificates they issue, or an insurance that guarantees the pecuniary consequences of their civil professional responsibility.

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

CHAPTER VI – ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE

Section 17.

The advanced electronic signature shall have the same legal value as that handwritten signature and produce the same effects as the latter.

Section 18.

An advanced electronic signature must meet the following conditions:

– the data related to signature creation shall be exclusively linked to the signatory and be under his exclusive control;
– each modification shall be easily detectable;
– it shall be created using a protected device whose technical characteristics shall be defined by an instrument of the Minister in charge of telecommunications;
– the certificate used to generate signatures shall be a qualified certificate. An instrument of the Ministry in charge of telecommunications shall determine the criteria of the qualification of certificates.

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

CHAPTER VII – ELECTRONIC CERTIFICATES AND SIGNATURES ISSUED BY CERTIFICATION AUTHORITIES

Section 19.

The certification authority that validated an electronic certificate may not retract.

Section 20. (1)

An electronic certificate issued outside the national territory shall produce the same legal effects as a qualified certificate issued in Cameroon provided that there is a decision recognizing the issuing authority by the Minister in charge of telecommunications.

(2) The interoperability of qualified electronic certificates shall be regulated by an instrument of the Minister in charge of telecommunications.

CHAPTER VIII – ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT

Section 21.

Any person wishing to affix his electronic signature to a document can create the signature using a reliable device whose technical characteristics shall be determined by instrument of the Minister in charge of Telecommunications.

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

Section 22.

Any person using an electronic signature device must:

– take minimum precautions fixed by the instrument referred to in Section 21 above to avoid any illegal use of the encoding elements or personal equipment related to its signature;
– inform the Certification Authority about any illegitimate use of his signature;
– ensure the authenticity of all the data he declared to the electronic certification service

provider and to any person he requested to trust his signature.

Section 23.

In the event of failure to honor the commitments under Section 22 above, the holder of the signature shall be responsible for the injury caused to others.

CHAPTER IX – PROTECTION OF ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION NETWORKS, INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND PERSONAL PRIVACY

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

I- PROTECTION OF ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION NETWORKS

Section 24.

Electronic communication networks operators and electronic communication service providers must take all the necessary technical and administrative measures to guarantee the security of the services provided. To that end, they shall be bound to inform users about:

– the risks of using their networks;
– the specific risks of security violation , notably the denial of services distributed, abnormal rerouting, traffic points, traffic and unusual ports, passive and active listening, intrusion and any other risk;
– the existence of techniques to ensure the security of their communications.

Section 25. (1)

Network operators and electronic communication service providers shall be bound to conserve traffic connection data for a period of 10 (ten) years.

(2) Network operators and electronic communication service providers shall set up mechanisms for monitoring the traffic data of their networks. Such data may be accessible in the course of judicial inquiries.

(3) Network operators and electronic communication service providers shall be liable where the use of the data referred to in Sub-section 2 above undermines the individual liberties of users.

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

II – PROTECTION OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Section 26. (1)

Operators of information systems shall take every technical and administrative measure to ensure the security of services offered . To this end, they shall have standardized systems enabling them to at all times identify, assess, process or manage any risk relating to the security of the information systems of the services provided directly or indirectly.

(2) Operators of information systems shall set up technical mechanisms to avoid any hitches that may be prejudicial to the steady functioning of systems, their integrity, authentication, non repudiation by third party users, confidentiality of data and physical security.
(3) The mechanisms provided for in Subsection 2 above shall be subject to the approval and visa of the Agency.

(4) Information systems platforms shall be protected against any radiation or intrusion that may impair the integrity of data transmitted and any other external attack notably, through intrusions detection system.

Section 27.

Corporate bodies whose activity is to provide access to information systems shall be bound to inform users of:

– the dangers associated with the use of unprotected information systems notably for private individuals;
– the need to install parental control devices;
– specific security violation risks notably, the generic family of viruses;
– the existence of permanent technical means to restrict access to certain services and propose to them at least one of such means notably, the use of the most recent operating systems, the use of anti-viruses against spywares, misleading viruses, the activation of personal firewalls, intrusion detection systems and activation of automatic updating.

Section 28. (1)

Operators of information systems shall inform users of the prohibition to use electronic communication networks for the publishing of illicit content or any other act that IS likely to affect the security of networks or information systems.

(2) Such prohibition shall equally concern the designing of misleading viruses, spywares, potentially undesirable software or any other device leading to fraudulent practices.

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

Section 29. (1)

Operators of information systems shall be bound to conserve the connection and traffic data of their information systems for a period of 10 (ten) years.

(2) Operators of information systems shall be bound to set up mechanisms for monitoring and controlling access to the data of their information systems. Such data may be accessible in the course of judicial inquiries.

(3) The installations of operators of information systems may be subject to search or seizure, on the order of a judicial authority, under conditions provided for by the laws and regulations in force.

Section 30: (1)

Operators of information systems shall assess and revise their security systems and, where necessary, make the appropriate modifications to their security practices, measures and techniques according to technological change.

(2) Operators of information systems and users may cooperate mutually with a view to implementing the security practices, measures and techniques of their systems.

Section 31. (1)

Electronic communication networks and information systems content providers shall be bound to ensure the availability of material, as well as the data stored in their installations.

(2) They shall be bound to set up filters in order to avoid any attacks that may be prejudicial to personal data and the privacy of users.

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

Section 32. (1)

Electronic communication networks and information systems shall be subject to a regime of compulsory and periodic auditing of their security systems by the Agency.

(2) Security audit and severity scale rating shall be undertaken each year or as required by the prevailing circumstances.

(3) Audit reports shall be confidential and addressed to the Minister in charge of Telecommunications.

(4) An instrument of the Minister in charge of Telecommunications shall fix conditions for rating the severity scale.

III – OBLIGATIONS OF ACCESS, SERVICE AND CONTENT PROVIDERS

Section 33.

Persons whose activity consists in providing access to electronic communication services shall inform their subscribers of the existence of technical means of restricting access to certain services of choosing them and propose to them at least one of such means.

Section 34. (1)

The persons in charge, even gratuitously, of the storage of signals, written material, images, sound or messages of any nature supplied by the users of such services may be liable.

(2) However, the liability under sub-section 1 above shall not apply where:

– the said persons were not effectively aware of the illicit nature of the facts or circumstances characterizing them as such;
– once they became aware of the facts, acted promptly to withdraw such data or render them inaccessible.

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

Section 35. (1)

The persons referred to in Sections 33 and 34 above shall be bound to preserve, for a period of 10 (ten) years, data enabling the identification of any person who contributed to the creation of the content of the services they provided.

(2) They shall provide the persons who edit electronic .communication services with the technical means enabling them to fulfil the identification conditions referred to in Sections 37
and 38 below.

(3) A judicial authority may request the providers referred to in Sections 33 and 34 above to communicate communication data referred to in Subsection 1 above.

Section 36.

The competent court referred to shall rule, within a maximum time-limit of 30
(thirty) days, on all measures to prevent or stop any damage caused by the content of an electronic communication service.

Section 37.

Persons engaged in editing electronic communication services shall inform the public of:

– their full name, domicile and telephone numbers and, where they are subject to trade registration, personal property loan formalities and their registration number, in case of corporate bodies;

– their company or corporate name and head offices, telephone numbers and, where they are corporate bodies subject to trade registration, personal property loan formalities, their registration number, share capital, head office addresses, in case of corporate bodies;

– the name of the publisher or co-publisher and, where necessary, that of the editor in chief;

– the name, company or corporate name, address and telephone number of the provider referred to in Sections 33 and 34 above.

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

Section 38. (1)

Persons editing an electronic communication’s service may place at the disposal of the public only the name, company or corporate name and the address of the provider.

(2) The persons referred to in Sections 33 and 34 above shall be bound to confidentiality.

Section 39. (1)

Any person who is victim of defamation by means of an electronic communication’s service shall have the right to reply and may request for correction.

(3) Conditions for the insertion of a rejoinder of reply shall be those provided for by the instruments in force.

Section 40. (1)

Any person engaged in transmitting electronic communication networks content or providing access to an electronic communication’s network may not be liable where they:

– requested the contentious transmission;
– select or modify the content transmitted.

(2) Any person whose activity, for the sole purpose of rendering its subsequent transmission more efficient, is the automatic, intermediary and temporary storage of content transmitted by a provider, may be criminally or civilly liable in respect of such content only in the case where they modify such content, do not comply with the required conditions of access and ordinary updating rules or where they impede the licit and normal use of the technology used to obtain data.

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

IV – PROTECTION OF PRIVACY

Section 41.

Every individual shall have the right to the protection of their privacy. Judges may take any protective measures notably, sequestration or seizure to avoid or end the invasion of privacy.

Section 42.

The confidentiality of information channelled through electronic communication and information systems networks, including traffic data, shall be ensured by operators of electronic communication and networks information systems.

Section 43.

Content providers shall be responsible for data transmitted through their information system notably, if such content may entail infringement of human dignity, injury to character and invasion of privacy.

Section 44. (1)

It shall be forbidden for any natural person or corporate body to listen, intercept and store communications and the traffic data related thereto, or to subject them to any other means of interception or monitoring without the consent of the users concerned, save where such person is so authorized legally.

(2) However, technical storage prior to transmission of any communication shall be authorized for electronic communications’ networks and information systems operators, without prejudice to the principle of confidentiality.

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

Section 45.

The recording of communications and traffic data related thereto in a professional setting with a view to providing digital evidence of an electronic communication shall be authorized.

Section 46. (1)

Electronic communication networks and information systems content providers shall be bound to conserve such content and stored data in their installations for a period of the 10 (ten) years.

(2) Electronic communication networks and information systems content providers shall be bound to set up liters in order to contain any attacks that may be prejudicial to the personal data in privacy of users.

Section 47.

The use of electronic communication networks and information systems for the purpose of storing information or accessing information stored in the terminal equipment of a natural person or corporate body shall be made only with their prior consent.

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

Section 48. (1)

The sending of electronic messages for prospecting purposes by dissimilating the sender identity or without indicating the valid address to which the addressee may send a request aimed at blocking such information shall be prohibited.

(2) The sending of electronic mails by usurping the identity of another user shall be prohibited.

V -INTERCEPTION OF ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION

Section 49.

Notwithstanding the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code, in case of crimes or offences provided for hereunder, criminal investigation officers may intercept record or transcribe any electronic communication.

Section 50.

In the event of encoding, compressing or ciphering of data transmitted by electronic communication networks or electronic communication service providers, clear corresponding interceptions shall be provided to the services that requested them.

Section 51.

The personnel of electronic communication network operators or electronic communication service providers shall be bound to secrecy for any requests they receive.

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

PART III – CYBERCRIMINALITY

CHAPTER I – PROCEDURAL LAW PROVISIONS

Section 52. (1)

In case of any cyberoffence, Criminal Investigation Officers with general jurisdiction and authorized officials of the Agency shall carry out investigations, in accordance with the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code.

(2) Prior to assuming duty, authorized officials of the Agency shall take an oath before the competent Court of First Instance as follows : “I swear to perform my duties loyally and to always abide by the responsibilities bestowed on me, to keep secret information I am aware of on the occasion of or in the discharge of my duties”.

(3) Criminal Investigation Officers and authorized officials of the Agency, may in the course of investigations, have access to means of transport, any professional premises, with the exception of private residences, with a view to seeking and recording offences, requesting the production of all professional documents and taking copies thereof and gathering any information and evidence, upon a summons or in situ.

Section 53. (1)

Cybercriminal-related searches may concern data. Such data may be physical material or copies made in the presence of persons taking part in the search.

(2) When a copy of seized data is made, it may, for security reasons be destroyed on the instruction of the State Counsel.

(3) On the approval of State Counsel, only objects, documents and data used as evidence may be kept under seal.

(4) Persons present during searches may be requested to provide information on any seized objects, document and data.

Section 54.

Searches and seizures shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code, taking into account the loss of validity of evidence.

Section 55. (1)

When it appears that data seized or obtained in the course of an investigation or inquiry has been the subject of transformation, thus hindering clear access or is likely to impair the information it contains, the State Counsel, the Examining Judge or the Court may request any qualified natural person or corporate body to perform technical operations to obtain the clear version of the said data.

(2) When a cryptographic means has been employed, judicial authorities may request the secret conversion of the encrypted text.

Section 56.

The request provided for in Section 50 above may be made to any expert. In such case, it shall conform with the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code relating to the commissioning of an expert.

Section 57. (1)

Cameroonian judicial authorities may set up a rogatory commission at, both the national and international level, any corporate body or natural person to search the elements of cybercrime offences of which at least one of the elements was committed on Cameroonian territory or which one of the offenders or accomplices resides on the said territory.

(2) Subject to rules of reciprocity between Cameroon and foreign countries with which it has concluded a judicial cooperation agreement, rogatory commissions shall be executed in accordance with the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

Section 58. (1)

Natural persons or corporate bodies that provide cryptographic services aimed

at performing a duty of confidentiality shall be bound to hand over to criminal investigation officers or authorized officials of the Agency, at their request, the agreements allowing the conversion of data transformed by means of the services that they deliver.

(2) Criminal investigation officers and authorized officials of the Agency may request the service providers referred to in Sub-section 1 above to implement these agreements of their own motion, except where they are unable to satisfy such requests.

Section 59. (1)

For purposes of investigation or examination, the hearing or interrogation of a person and/or confrontation of several persons may be carried out on several locations on the national territory linked by electronic communication means that ensure the confidentiality of transmissions. A report shall be drawn up on the operations carried out in each location. Such operations may be subject to audiovisual and/or sound recording.

(2) According to the prevailing circumstances, their interpretation may be done by means of electronic communication in the course of a hearing, interrogation or confrontation.

(3) The provisions of this Section shall equally be applicable for the concurrent implementation, on a location on the national territory or on a location situated outside the national territory, of mutual assistance requests from foreign judicial officers or acts of mutual assistance performed outside the national territory, at the request of Cameroonian judicial authorities.

(4) Conditions for the implementation of this section shall be defined by regulation.

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

CHAPTER II – OFFENCES AND PENALITIES

Section 60. (1)

When a Certification Authority is non-compliant, the . Agency may, after serving a warning on the structure for comment, prohibit the circulation of the means of cryptography concerned.

(2) The prohibition of circulation shall be applicable throughout the national territory. It equally entails, for the provider, the obligation to withdraw:

– the means of cryptography whose circulation among commercial publishers was prohibited;
– materials that constitute a means of cryptography and whose circulation was prohibited and that was acquired directly or through commercial publishers for a consideration.

(3) The means of cryptography concerned could be put back into circulation once the previous obligations are fulfilled and duly ascertained be the Agency.

Section 61

. (1) Agency personnel and experts of corporate bodies in charge of security audits who without any authorization, disclose confidential information they are privy to on the occasion of a security audit shall be punished with imprisonment for from three 03 (three)
months to (three) 03 years and a fine of from 20,000 (twenty thousand) to 100,000 (one hundred) CFA francs.

(2) Refusal to comply with the summons of authorized officials shall be punished with imprisonment for from (three) 03 months to (four) 04 years.

(3) Whoever, by any means whatsoever, obstructs, gives incitement to resist or prevent the conduct of the investigation provided for in this section or refuses to provide information or documents related thereto shall be punished with imprisonment for from 01 (one) to 05 (five)
years or a fine of from 100,000 (one hundred thousand) to 1,000,000 (one million) CFA francs or both of such fine and imprisonment.

Section 62. (1)

Whoever presents the content or activity to the person referred to in Sections 33 and 34 above as illicit so as to cause the withdrawal or stop the publication thereof, knowing such information to be untrue, shall be punished with imprisonment for from 01
(one) to 05 (five) years and a fine of from 200,000 (two hundred thousand) to 2,000,000 (two million) CFA francs.

(2) The publisher, under pain of a fine of from 100,000 (one hundred thousand) to 2 000 000
(two million) CFA francs shall be bound to insert within 48 (forty-eight) hours of their reception , the response of any person designated in the electronic communication service.

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

Section 63. (1)

The de jure or de facto manager of a corporate body exercising the activity defined in Sections 33 and 34 of this law who fails to conserve the information elements referred to in Sections 25 and 29 shall be punished with imprisonment for from 01 (one) to 05
(five) years and a fine of from 40 000 (forty thousand) to 4 000 000 (four million) CFA francs.

(2) The de jure or de facto manager of a corporate body exercising the activity defined in Sections 37 and 38 who fails to comply with the provisions of the said Sections shall be liable to the same sanctions.

Section 64. (1)

Corporate bodies shall be criminally liable for offences committed on their account by their management structures.

(2) The criminal liability of corporate bodies shall not preclude that of natural persons who commit such offences or are accomplices.

(3) The penalties to be meted out on defaulting corporate bodies shall be fines of from 5,000,000 (five million) to 50 000 000 (fifty million) CFA francs.

(4) The penalties provided for in Subsection 3 above, not withstanding one of the following other penalties may equally be meted out on corporate bodies:

– dissolution in case of a crime or felony punishable with respect to natural persons with imprisonment of 03 (three) years and above and where the corporate body has departed from its declared object to aid and abet the incriminating acts;

– definitive prohibition or temporary prohibition for a period not less than 05 (five)
years, from directly or indirectly carrying out one or more professional or corporate activities;

– temporary closure for a period of not less than 05 (five) years under the conditions laid

down in Section 34 of the Penal Code of the establishments or one or more establishments of the company that was used to commit the incriminating acts;

– barring from bidding for public contracts either definitively or for a period of not less than 05 (five) years;
– barring from offering for public issues either definitively or for a period of not less than 05 (five) years;

– prohibition for a period of not less than 05 (five) years from issuing cheques other than those to be used by the drawer to withdraw money from the drawer or certified checks or from using payment cards;

– seizure of the device used or intended to be used in committing the offence or the proceeds of the offence;

– publication or dissemination of the decision taken either through the print media or through any electronic means of communication to the public.

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

Section 65. (1)

Whoever, without any right or authorization, proceeds by electronic means to intercept or not during transmission, intended for, whether or not within an electronic communication network, an information system or a terminal device shall be punished with imprisonment for from 05 (five) to 10 (ten) years or a fine of from 5.000.000 (five million) to 10.000.000 (ten million) CFA francs or both such fine and imprisonment.

(2) Any unauthorized access to all or part of an electronic communication network or an information system or a terminal device shall be liable to the same sanctions in accordance with Subsection 1 above.

(3) The penalties provided for in Subsection 1 above, shall be doubled where unauthorized access violates the integrity, confidentiality, availability of the electronic communication network or the information system.

(4) Whoever, without any right, allows access to an electronic communication network or an information system as an intellectual challenge shall be punished in accordance with Subsection 1 above.

Section 66. (1)

Whoever causes disturbance or disruption of the functioning of an electronic communication network or a terminal device by introducing, transmitting, destroying, erasing, deteriorating, altering, deleting data or rendering data inaccessible shall be punished with imprisonment for from 02 (two) to 05 (five) years or a fine of from 1.000.000 (one million) to 2.000.000 (two million) CFA francs or both of such fine an imprisonment.

(2) Whoever uses the deceptive or undesirable software to carry out operations on a user’s terminal device without first informing the latter of the true character of the operation which the said software is likely to damage shall be punishable with the same penalties.

(3) Whoever uses potentially undesirable software to collect, try to collect or facilitate any of such operations in order to access information of the operator or supplier of an electronic network or services and commit a crime shall be punishable in accordance with subsection 1
above.

Section 67.

Causing serious disturbance or disruption of the functioning of an electronic communication network or terminal equipment by introducing, transmitting, changing, deleting or altering data shall constitute a breach of the integrity of an electronic communication network or an information system and shall be punishable in accordance with

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

Section 66

above.

Section 68. (1)

Whoever fraudulently gains access or remains in all or part of an electronic communication network or an information system by transmitting, destroying, causing serious disturbance or disruption to the functioning of the said system or network shall be punished with imprisonment for from 05 (five) to 10 (ten) years or a fine of from 10.000.000 (ten million) to 50.000.000 (fifty million) CFA francs or both of such fine and imprisonment.

(2) The same penalties provided for in subsection 1 above shall be doubled where such acts result in the deletion or change to the data contained in the information system or a change in its functioning.

Section 69.

Whoever accesses all or part of an electronic communication network, an information system or terminal equipment without authorization and in violation of security measures in order to obtain information or data relating to an information system connected to another information system shall be punished with imprisonment for from 05 (five) to 10 (ten)
years or a fine of from 10 000 000 (ten million) to 100,000,000 (one hundred thousand million) CFA francs or both of such fine and imprisonment.

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

Section 70.

Whoever causes through saturation, the attack of an electronic communication network device or an information system with the intention to cause its collapse thus preventing it from rendering the expected services, shall be punished with a fine of from 1,000,000 (one million) to 5 000 000 (five million) CFA francs.

Section 71.

Whoever without permission, introduces data into an information system or an electronic communication network in order to delete or change the data contained therein, shall be punished with imprisonment for from 02 (two) to 05 (five) years and a fine of from 1 000 000 (one million) to 25 000 000 (twenty five million) FCFA francs.

Section 72.

Whoever without authorization and for financial gain, uses any means to introduce, alter, erase or delete electronic data such as to cause damage to someone else’s property shall be punished with the penalties provided for in Section 66 above.

Section 73. (1)

Whoever uses an information system or a counterfeit communication network to falsify payment, credit or cash withdrawal card or uses or attempts to use, in full knowledge of the facts, a counterfeit or falsified payment, credit or withdrawal card shall be punished with imprisonment for from 02 (two) to 10 (ten) years and a fine of from 25,000,000
(twenty five million) to 50 000 000 (fifty million) CFA francs or both of such fine and imprisonment.

(2) Whoever deliberately accepts to receive electronic communications payment using a forged or falsified payment, credit or cash withdrawal card shall be punished in accordance with Subsection 1 above.

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

Section 74. (1)

Whoever uses any device to receive the privacy of another person by

attaching, recording or transmitting private or confidential electronic data without the consent of their authors shall be punished with imprisonment for from 01 (one) to 02 (two) years and a fine of from 1,000,000 (one million) to 5,000,000 (five million) CFA francs.

(2) Whoever, without authorization, intercepts personal data in the course of their transmission, from one information system to another, shall be punished in accordance with Subsection 1 above.

(3) Whoever, even through negligence processes or causes the processing of personal data in violation of the conditions precedent to their implementation shall be punished with imprisonment from 01 (one) to 03 (three) years and a fine of from 1,000,000 (one million) to 5,000,000 (five million) or both of such fine and imprisonment.

(4) Whoever uses illegal means to collect the personal data of another in order to invade his or her privacy and undermine his or herself esteem shall be punishable with imprisonment for from 06 (six) months to 02 (two) years or a fine of from 1 000,000 (one million) to 5,000,000
(five million) CFA francs or both of such fine and imprisonment.

$1 The penalties provided for in Subsection 4 above shall be doubled where anyone posts online, stores or has someone else store in a computerized memory, without the express consent of the person concerned, personal data which directly or indirectly discloses his/her tribal origin, political opinions, religious beliefs, trade union membership or values.

(6) The penalties provided for in Subsection 5 above shall apply to persons found guilty of diverting information, in particular, during the recording, filing or transmission thereof.

$1 Whoever keeps information in works or in figures beyond the legal time-limit specified in the application for a prior opinion or declaration for use of .data processing shall be punished with imprisonment for from 06 (six) months to 02 (two) years or a fine of from 5000000 (five million) to 50000000 (fifty million) CFA francs or both of such fine and imprisonment.

(8) Whoever discloses personal information that undermines the consideration due to the victim shall be punished with the penalties provided for in Subsection 7 above.

Section 75. (1)

Whoever for financial gain, records or publishes images that undermine the bodily integrity of another person through electronic communications or an information system without the consent of the person concerned shall be punished with imprisonment for from 02 (two) years to 05 (five) years or a fine of from 1,000,000 (one million) to 5,000,000
(five million) CFA francs or both of such fine and imprisonment.

(2) This section shall not apply where such recording and publication fall under the normal exercise of profession aimed at informing the public on where they are carried out in order to be used as evidence in Court in accordance with the provisions of Criminal Procedure Code.

Section 76.

Whoever uses electronic communications or an information system to design, carry or publish a child pornography message or a message likely to seriously injure the self-
respect of a child shall be punished with imprisonment for from 5 (five) years to 10 (ten)
years or a fine of from 5,000,000 (five million) to 10,000,000 CFA francs or both of such fine and imprisonment.

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

Section 77. (1)

Whoever uses electronic communication or an information system to act in contempt of race or religion shall be punished with imprisonment for from 02 (two) years to 05 (five) years or a fine of from 2 000 000 (two million) to 5 000 000 (five million) CFA francs or both of such fine and imprisonment.

(2) The penalties provided for in Subsection 1 above shall be doubled where the offence is committed with the aim of stirring up hatred and contempt between citizens.

Section 78. (1)

Whoever uses electronic communications or an information system to design, to publish or propagate a piece of information without being able to attest its veracity or prove that the said piece of information was true shall be punished with imprisonment for from 06
(six) months to 02 (two) years or a fine of from 5,000,000 (five million) to 10,000,000 (ten million) CFA francs or both of such fine and imprisonment.

(2) The penalties provided for in Subsection 1 above shall be doubled where the offence is committed with the aim of disturbing public peace.

Section 79.

Penalties against private acts of indecency set forth in Section 295 of the Penal Code shall be punished with imprisonment for from 05 (five) years to 10 (ten) years or a fine of from 5,000,000 (five million) to 10,000,000 (ten million) CFA francs where the victim has been put in contact with the author of the said acts using electronic communication or an information system.

Section 80. (1)

Whoever for consideration or free of charge, uses electronic communications or an information system to publish, attach, record or transmit an image showing acts of pedophilia or a minor shall be punished with imprisonment for from 01 (one) to 05 (five)
years or a fine of from 5 000 000 (five million) to 10,000,000 (ten million) CFA francs or both of.such fine and imprisonment.

(2) Whoever uses electronic means whatsoever to offer, provide or publish, import or export an image or picture portraying pedophilia shall be punished with the penalties provided in Subsection 3 above.

(3) Whoever keeps an image or picture portraying pedophilia in an electronic communication network or an information system shall be punished with imprisonment for from 01 (one) to 05 (five) years or a fine of from 5,000,000 (five million) to 10,000,000 (ten million) CFA francs or both of such fine and imprisonment.

(4) The penalties provided for in Subsection 3 above shall be doubled where an electronic communication network is used to publish an image or picture of a minor.

(5) The provisions of this section shall equally apply to pornographic pictures showing minors.

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

Section 81. (1)

The following offences shall be punishable with the penalties provided for in

Section 82

below where they are committed using an electronic communication network or an information system:

– offering, producing, providing child pornography for publication;
– acquiring child pornography for oneself or for someone else using an information

system;
– where adult persons make sexual proposals to minors below 15 years old or to a person having the features of a minor;
– dissemination or transmission of child pornography using an information system.

(2) Child pornography shall be any act which visually presents:

– a minor involved in sexually explicit behavior;
– any person with the physical features of a minor involved in sexually explicit acts;
– real images of a minor involved in sexually explicit acts.

Section 82.

The penalties provided for in Section 79 above shall be doubled for whoever uses electronic communication devices to commit or attempt to commit any act of indecency on a minor less than 15 (fifteen) years old.

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

Section 83. (1)

Whoever uses electronic communication devices to make sexual proposal to a person of the same sex shall be punished with imprisonment for from 01 (one) to 02 (two)
years or a fine of from 500,000 (five hundred thousand) to 1,000,000 (one million) CFA francs or both of such fine and imprisonment.

(2) The penalties provided for in subsection (1) above shall be doubled if sexual proposals are followed by sexual intercourse.

Section 84 (1)

Whoever fraudulently becomes acquainted with, delays access to or deletes electronic messages addressed to another shall be punished with imprisonment for from 06
(six) months to 02 (two) years of a fine from 500,000 (five hundred thousand) to 1,000,000
(one million) CFA francs or both of such fine and imprisonment.

(2) The same penalties provided for in subsection 1 above shall apply against whoever, without authorization, intercepts, diverts, uses or divulges electronic messages sent or received by electronic means or proceeds to install equipment designed for such interceptions.

Section 85.

The penalties provided for in section 84 above shall apply against whoever, being responsible for a public service mission and acting in the discharge or during the discharge of his/her duties, diverts or facilitates the diversion, deletion or access to electronic messages or reveals the content thereof.

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

Section 86. (1)

The penalties provided for in section 71 above shall apply against whoever imports, keeps, offers, transfers, sells or provides, in any form whatsoever, a computer program, a password, an access code or any similar computer data designed and/or specially adapted to facilitate access to all or part of an electronic communication or an information system.

(2) Whoever causes serious disturbance or disruption on an electronic communication, or whoever uses electronic communication network or an information system with the intention of breaching the integrity of the data, shall be punishable with the penalties provided for in Subsection 1 above.

Section 87.

Authors of the offences provided for in Section 86 above shall be punishable with the following additional penalties:

– seizure, in accordance with the conditions laid down in Section 35 of the Penal Code, of any object used or intended to be used to commit the offence or considered to be the proceed thereof, with the exception of objects likely to be restituted;
– prohibition, in accordance with the conditions laid down in Section 36 of the Penal Code, for a period of not less than 05 (five) years from the holding of a public office or carrying out a socio-professional activity where the offence was committed in the discharge or during the discharge of one’s duties;
– closure, in accordance with the conditions laid down in \ Section 34 of the Penal Code, for a period of not less than 05 (five) years, of establishments or of one or more of the establishments of the company that was used to commit the offence;
– barring, for a period of not less than 05 (five) years, from public contracts.

Section 88. (1)

Whoever, knowing about the secret decoding convention, a cryptographic means likely to have been used to prepare, facilitate or commit a crime or felony, refuses to hand over the said convention to judicial authorities or to use it upon request by such authorities shall be punished with imprisonment for from 01 (one) to 05 (five) years or a fine of from 1,000,000 (one million) to 5,000,000 (five million) CFA francs or both of such fine and imprisonment.

(2) Where such refusal occurs whereas the handing over or use of the convention could have helped prevent the commission of the crime or felony or limit the effects thereof, the penalties provided for in Subsection 1 above shall be increased to imprisonment for from 03 (three) to 05 (five) years and a fine of from 1 000000 (one million) to 5000000 (five million) CFA francs.

Section 89.

There shall be no suspended sentence for the offences provided for in this law.

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

PART IV – INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AND MUTUAL JUDICIAL ASSISTANCE

CHAPTER I – INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

Section 90. (1)

In the discharge of their duties, Cameroonian Certification Authorities may, under the control of the Agency, conclude conventions with foreign Certification Authorities.
(2) The conditions for concluding the conventions referred to in Subsection 1 above shall be laid down by regulation,

CHAPTER II – INTERNATIONAL AND MUTUAL JUDICIAL ASSISTANCE

Section 91 (1)

Unless otherwise provided for by an international convention to which Cameroon is signatory, requests for judicial assistance from Cameroonian judicial officers to foreign judicial officers shall be sent through the Ministry in charge of External Relations.
Enforcement documents shall be sent to the authorities of the requesting State through the same channel.

(2) Requests for mutual judicial assistance from foreign authorities to Cameroonian judicial authorities must be presented through diplomatic channels by the foreign Government concerned.

Enforcement documents shall be sent to the authorities of the requesting State through the same channel.

(3) In case of emergency, requests for judicial assistance from Cameroonian or foreign authorities may be sent directly to the authorities of the requested State for enforcement. The enforcement documents shall be dispatched to the relevant State authorities under the same conditions.

(4) Subject to international conventions, request for mutual judicial assistance from foreign authorities to Cameroonian judicial authorities shall be subject to an opinion of foreign Government concerned. Such opinion shall be forwarded to the relevant judicial authorities through diplomatic channels.

(5) In case of emergency, requests for mutual judicial assistance from foreign judicial authorities shall be forwarded to the State Counsel or Examining Magistrate with territorial jurisdiction.

(6) Where the State Counsel receives a request for mutual judicial assistance directly from authority, but which can only be enforced by the Examining Magistrate, he shall forward it to the latter for enforcement or refer to the General Prosecutor in the case provided for in section 94 below.

(7) Before proceeding to enforce a request for mutual assistance forwarded directly to him, the Examining Magistrate shall immediately communicate same to the State Counsel for an opinion.

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

Section 92. (1)

Requests for mutual judicial assistance from foreign judicial officers shall be enforced by the State Counsel or Judicial Police Officers or Agents requested for this purpose by the said State Counsel.

(2) The requests shall be enforced by the Examining Magistrate or Judicial Police officers acting on the rogatory commission of the Examining Magistrate where they require certain procedural measures which can be ordered or enforced only during a preliminary investigation.

Section 93 (1)

Request for mutual judicial assistance from foreign judicial officers shall be enforced in accordance with the procedure laid down by the Criminal Procedure Code.

(2) However, where the request for assistance so specifies, it shall be enforced in accordance with the procedure explicitly indicated by the relevant authorities of the requesting State, without such rules violating the rights of the parties or the procedural guarantees provided for by the Criminal Procedure Code.

(3) Where the request for mutual assistance cannot be enforced in accordance with the requirements of the requesting Sate, the relevant Cameroonian authorities shall immediately inform the authorities of the requesting State of such impossibility and specify under what conditions the request may be enforced.

(4) The relevant Cameroonian authorities and those of the requesting State may subsequently

agree on the onward processing of the request, where necessary, by subjecting it to compliance with such conditions.

(5) Irregularity in the transmission of the request for judicial assistance shall not constitute grounds for nullity of actions undertaken in enforcing such a request.

Section 94. (1)

Where the enforcement of a request for judicial assistance from a foreign judicial authority is such as can breach public law and order or negatively affect the essential interests of the Nation, the State Counsel to whom the request is addressed or who is appraised thereof shall forward same to the General Prosecutor who shall transmit to the Minister in charge of Justice and where necessary, inform the State Counsel of such transmission.

(2) Where the request is forwarded to the Minister in charge of Justice, he shall inform the requesting authority, where necessary, that it is not possible to totally or partially accede to the request. Such information shall be communicated to the judicial authority concerned and shall block the enforcement of the request for mutual judicial assistance or the return of the enforcement papers.

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

PART V – TRANSITIONAL AND FINAL PROVISIONS

Section 95.

The conditions of applications of this law shall, and as when necessary, be laid down by implementation instruments.

Section 96.

Authorizations and declarations for the supply, import and export of cryptographic devices issued by the relevant authorities shall remain valid until the expiry of the time-limit specified therein.

Section 97.

This law shall be registered, published according to the procedure of urgency and inserted in the Official Gazette in English and French.

Yaounde, 21 December 2010

(S) Paul Biya President of the Republic

Cyber Criminality Law in Cameroon

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CODE PENAL CAMEROUNAIS

cameroun_ahcmf5

March 16, 2021

Le code pénal camerounais est l’une des lois qui définissent le crime et la répression des infractions commises sur le territoire du Cameroun.

Code Penal Camerounais

Loi_n0_2016/007 PORTANT CODE PENAL
Le Parlement a délibéré et adopté, le
Président de la République promulgue la
loi dont la teneur suit :

Code Penal Camerounais

TITRE I – DE L’APPLICATION DE LA LOI PENALE

CHAPITRE I

– DISPOSITIONS PRELIMINAIRES

ARTICLE 1. – CONTENU

Le Code Pénal comprend :
a) le Livre I, constitué des articles 1 à 101 ;
b) le Livre II, constitué des articles 102 à 361 ;
c)le décret portant partie règlementaire du Code Pénal définissant les
contraventions, des articles 362 à 370 ;
d) les articles 371 et 372 fixant les dispositions transitoires et finales.

ARTICLE 1-1.- Aucune exemption

La loi pénale s’impose à tous.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 2.- Application générale et spéciale

(1) Les règles de droit international, ainsi que les traités dûment
Promulgués et publiés, s’imposent au présent Code, ainsi qu’à toute disposition
pénale.

(2) Le présent Livre s’impose à toute autre disposition pénale, sauf
disposition spéciale visant notamment l’interdiction du sursis et l’interdiction ou
la limitation des circonstances atténuantes édictées même antérieurement à
l’entrée en vigueur du présent Livre par une loi ou par un texte règlementaire
ayant portée législative. Le présent alinéa rétroagit au 1” octobre 1966
inclusivement.

(3) Lorsqu’une même matière fait l’objet à la fois d’une disposition générale
non comprise dans le présent Livre et d’une disposition spéciale, cette dernière
est seule applicable s’il n’en a pas été autrement disposé.

Autres lois pénales camerounaises

Code de Procedure Penale
Cybersécurité et la Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

Code Penal Camerounais

CHAPITRE II – DE L’APPLICATION DE LA LOI PENALE DANS LE TEMPS

ARTICLE 3.- Nonrétroactivité

Ne sont pas soumis à la loi pénale, les faits commis antérieurement à son
entrée en vigueur ou ceux qui n’ont pas été jugés avant son abrogation
expresse ou tacite.

ARTICLE 4 .- Loi moins rigoureuse

(1) Toute disposition pénale nouvelle et moins rigoureuse s’applique aux
infractions non définitivement jugées au jour de son entrée en vigueur.

(2) Si la disposition nouvelle est plus rigoureuse, les infractions commises
avant son entrée en vigueur continuent à être jugées conformément à la loi
ancienne.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 5 .- Nouvelle mesure de sûreté

Toute loi édictant une mesure de sûreté est applicable aux faits non
définitivement jugés au jour de son entrée en vigueur.

ARTICLE 6.- Abolition de l’infraction, de la peine ou de la mesure de sûreté

Cesse immédiatement de recevoir exécution, toute peine ou mesure de
sûreté :
a) prononcée raison d’un fait qui ne constitue plus une infraction;
b) abolie postérieurement à la condamnation.

CHAPITRE III – DE L’APPLICATION DE LA LOI PENALE DANS L’ESPACE

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 7 .- infraction commise sur le territoire

(1) La loi pénale de la République s’applique à tout fait commis sur son
territoire.

(2) Sont compris dans le territoire de la République, les eaux territoriales et
l’espace aérien au-dessus de ce territoire et de ces eaux, ainsi que les navires
et aéronefs immatriculés dans la République.

Toutefois, aucun membre de l’équipage d’un navire ou aéronef étrangers,
auteur d’une infraction commise à leur bord au préjudice d’un autre membre de
l’équipage, même à l’intérieur des eaux territoriales ou de l’espace aérien, ne
peut être jugé par les juridictions de la République, à moins que le secours de
l’autorité locale n’ait été réclamé ou que l’ordre public n’ait été compromis.

ARTICLE 8.- infraction partiellement ou totalement commise à l’étranger

La loi pénale de la République s’applique :

a) à toute infraction dont l’un des éléments constitutifs s’est trouvé
réalisé en tout ou en partie sur son territoire ;
b) aux infractions d’atteinte à la sûreté de l’Etat, de contrefaçon du
sceau de l’Etat ou de monnaies nationales y ayant cours,
commises même à l’étranger.

Toutefois, aucun étranger ne peut être jugé par les juridictions de la
République en application du paragraphe (b), à moins qu’il n’ait été arrêté sur le
territoire de la République ou qu’il n’y ait été extradé.

ARTICLE 9.- Complicité, conspiration, tentative

Sont soumis à la loi pénale de la République:

a) les faits constitutifs de complicité, de conspiration et de tentative
SECRETARIAT GENERAL

réalisés sur le territoire de la République, en vue de commettre une
infraction à l’étranger, si cette infraction est également réprimée par
la loi étrangère;
b) les mêmes faits réalisés à l’étranger, en vue de commettre une
infraction sur le territoire de la République.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 10.- infraction commise à l’étranger par le citoyen ou résident

(1) La loi pénale de la République s’applique aux faits commis à l’étranger
par un citoyen ou par un résident, à condition qu’ils soient punissables par la loi
du lieu de leur commission et soient qualifiés crimes ou délits par les lois de la
République.
Toutefois, la peine encourue ne peut être supérieure à celle prévue parla
loi étrangère.

(2) Aucun citoyen ou résident coupable d’un délit commis contre un
particulier ne peut, toutefois, être jugé par les juridictions de la République, en

application du présent article, que sur la poursuite du Ministère Public saisi
d’une plainte ou d’une dénonciation officielle au Gouvernement de la
République par le Gouvernement du pays où le fait a été commis.

ARTICLE 11. Infractions internationales

La loi pénale de la République s’applique au mercenariat, à la
discrimination raciale, à la piraterie, au trafic des personnes, à la traite des
personnes, à l’esclavage, au trafic des stupéfiants, au trafic des déchets
toxiques, au blanchiment des capitaux, à la cybercriminalité, à la corruption et
aux atteintes à la fortune publique commis même en dehors du territoire de la
République.

Toutefois, aucun étranger ne peut être jugé sur le territoire de la
République, pour les faits visés au présent article commis à l’étranger, ques’il a
été arrêté sur le territoire de la République et n’a pas été extradé, et à condition
que la poursuite soit engagée par le Ministère Public.

ARTICLE 12.- Compétence générale des juridictions de la République

Sous réserve des exceptions prévues au présent Chapitre, les juridictions
de la République sont compétentes pour connaître de toutes les infractions
auxquelles s’applique sa loi pénale.

Code Penal Camerounais

CHAPITRE IV – DE LA LOI ET DES SENTENCES PENALES ETRANGERES

ARTICLE 13.- Exclusion de la loi étrangère

Sous réserve des articles 9 et 10 et du présent Chapitre, la loi pénale
étrangère est sans effet devant les juridictions de la République.

ARTICLE 14.- Sentences étrangères

Les sentences pénales prononcées contre quiconque, par des juridictions
étrangères, ne produisent d’effet sur le territoire de la République que si :

– le fait est qualifié crime ou délit de droit commun par la loi pénale de la
République ;
– la régularité de la décision, son caractère définitif et sa conformité à
l’ordre public de la République sont constatés par la juridiction saisie
d’une poursuite à l’encontre de la même personne ou par la Cour
d’Appel du lieu de résidence du condamné saisie par le Ministère
Public.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 15.- Effets des sentences étrangères

Les sentences pénales étrangères :

– sont prises en considération pour la récidive et la relégation, pour
l’octroi ou la révocation du sursis, pour la révocation de la libération
conditionnelle, pour la réhabilitation et l’amnistie ;
-_ font obstacle à toute nouvelle poursuite pour les mêmes faits sur le
territoire de la République, à condition qu’en cas de condamnation,
la peine ait été subie ou prescrite ou que la grâce ait été accordée.

ARTICLE 16.- Exécution des sentences étrangères

(1) Lorsque les sentences visées et constatées dans les conditions
prévues à l’article 14 ci-dessus ont été prononcées contre des citoyens ou des
résidents et n’ont pas été exécutées dans un autre pays, elles sont exécutoires
sur le territoire de la République, à moins que le condamné n’ait été libéré
conditionnellement, gracié ou amnistié, ou qu’il n’ait prescrit sa peine.

(2) Il appartient à la juridiction saisie, dans les conditions prévues à l’article
14 ci-dessus d’ordonner l’exécution de cette peine et de prononcer, le cas
échéant, les mesures de sûreté que la loi de la République attache auxdites
infractions.

TITRE II – DES PEINES ET DES MESURES DE SURETE

CHAPITRE I

– DISPOSITIONS PRELIMINAIRES

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 17.- Légalité des peines et des infractions

Les peines et les mesures sont fixées par la loi et ne sont prononcées
qu’en raison des infractions légalement prévues.

ARTICLE 18. Peines principales

a) pour les personnes physiques:

– la peine de mort ;
– l’emprisonnement ;
– l’amende.

b) pour les Personnes morales :
– la dissolution;
– la fermeture temporaire ou définitive de l’établissement;
– l’amende.

ARTICLE 18-1 – Peines alternatives

Les peines alternatives sont :
– le travail d’intérêt général;
– la Sanction-réparation.

rases.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 19.- Peines accessoires

Les peines accessoires sont :
2) pour les personnes physiques:
– les déchéances
– la publication de la décision ;
– la fermeture de l’établissement
– la confiscation.

b) pour les Personnes morales:
– L’interdiction, pour une durée déterminée, de s’investir directement ou indirectement dans l’une ou plusieurs des activités prévues par son objet social;
– le placement sous surveillance judiciaire pendant une durée déterminée;
– la fermeture, pour une durée déterminée, des établissements ou succursales ayant servi a la commission des faits incriminés;
– la publication de la décision ou sa diffusion par voie de médias;
– toutes autres peines accessoires prévues par des textes spéciaux.

ARTICLE 20 – Mesures de sûreté

Les mesures de sûreté sont:

a) pour les personnes physiques k

– l’interdiction de l’exercice de la profession;
– la relégation;
– les mesures de surveillance et d’assistance postpénales ;
– l’internement dans une maison de santé ;
– la confiscation ;

b) pour les personnes morales:
– l’interdiction de s’investir dans une activité précise pour une durée
– déterminée ;
– la confiscation ;
– le placement sous surveillance judiciaire pour une durée déterminée.

ARTICLE 21.- Classification des infractions

(1) Les infractions sont classées en crimes, délits et contraventions selon
les peines principales qui les sanctionnent:

– sont qualifiées crimes, les infractions punies de la peine de mort ou
d’une peine privative de liberté dont le maximum est supérieur à dix
(10) ans et d’une amende lorsque la loi en dispose ainsi ;
– sont qualifiées délits, les infractions punies d’une peine privative de
liberté ou d’une amende lorsque la peine privative de liberté encourue
est supérieure à dix (10) jours et n’excède pas dix (10) ans ou que le
maximum de l’amende est supérieur à vingt cinq mille (25 000) francs ;
– sont qualifiées contraventions, les infractions punies d’un
‘emprisonnement qui ne peut excéder dix (10) jours ou d’une amende
quine peut excéder vingt cinq mille (25 000) francs.
(2) La nature d’une infraction n’est pas modifiée :

a) lorsque par suite de l’admission d’une excuse ou de circonstances
atténuantes, la peine prononcée est celle afférente à une autre
catégorie d’infractions;
b) dans les cas d’aggravation prévus aux articles 88 et 89 du présent
Code.

Code Penal Camerounais

CHAPITRE II – DES PEINES PRINCIPALES

SECTION I – DE LA PEINE DE MORT

ARTICLE 22.- Conditions préalables à l’exécution

(1) Toute condamnation à mort est soumise au Président de la
République, en vue de l’exercice de son droit de grâce.
(2) Tant qu’il n’a pas été statué par le Président de la République sur la
grâce du condamné, aucune condamnation à mort ne peut recevoir exécution.

(8)La femme enceinte ne subit la peine de mort qu’après son
accouchement.

(4)Aucune exécution ne peut avoir lieu les dimanches et jours fériés.

ARTICLE 23.- Exécution

(1) Le condamné à mort est exécuté par fusillade ou pendaison suivant ce
qui est décidé par l’arrêt portant condamnation. L’exécution est publique, sauf
s’il en est autrement décidé par la décision de rejet du recours en grâce.

(2) Les corps des suppliciés sont remis à leurs familles si elles les réclament,
à charge pour elles de les faire inhumer sans aucun appareil.

(3) Le procès-verbal d’exécution et éventuellement un communiqué officiel
peuvent seuls être publiés dans la presse.
(4)Un décret fixe les conditions d’application du présent article.

Code Penal Camerounais

SECTION II- DE MPRISONNEMENT

ARTICLE 24.- Emprisonnement

L’emprisonnement est une peine privative de liberté pendant laquelle le
condamné est astreint au travail, sauf décision contraire et motivée de la
juridiction.

ARTICLE 25.Pécule

(1)Le produit du travail du détenu est affecté ainsi qu’il suit :

– 1/3 au Trésor Public ;
– 2/3 à la constitution du pécule

(2) Les modalités d’application du présent article, notamment les conditions
de gestion du pécule, sont fixées par voie réglementaire.

Code Penal Camerounais

SECTION III – DE L’AMENDE

ARTICLE 25-1.- Amende

(1) L’amende est une peine pécuniaire en vertu de laquelle le condamné,
personne physique ou morale, verse ou fait verser au Trésor Public une somme
d’argent déterminée par la loi.

(2) Le taux maximum de l’amende applicable aux personnes morales est
égal au quintuple de celui prévu pour les personnes physiques.

(3) Lorsqu’une personne morale est coupable d’un crime pour lequel seule
une peine d’emprisonnement est prévue, l’amende encourue est de un million
(1 000 000) à cinq cent millions (500 000 000) de francs.

SECTION
DE LA DISSOLUTION

ARTICLE 25-2.- Dissolution

(1) La dissolution est la peine capitale susceptible d’être prononcée contre
une personne morale.

(2) La dissolution peut être prononcée l’encontre d’une personne morale
qui a agi en violation de son objet social.

(3) La décision prononçant la dissolution de la personne morale comporte
le renvoi de celle-ci devant la juridiction compétente pour procéder à sa
liquidation, à la diligence du Ministère Public.

SECTION
DE LA FERMETUREDEL’ÉTABLISSEMENT

ARTICLE 25-3.- Fermeturede l’établissement

La peine de fermeture de l’établissement consiste dans la fermeture,
temporaire ou définitive, d’un établissement entendu au sens d’une personne
morale.

Cette peine emporte l’interdiction, pour la personne morale en cause,
d’exercer l’activité à l’occasion de laquelle l’infraction a été commise.
La durée de la fermeture temporaire ne peut excéder cinq (05) ans et le
sursis ne peut être prononcé.

Code Penal Camerounais

SECTION VI – DES PEINES ALTERNATIVES

ARTICLE 26.- Travail d’intérêt général

(1) Le travail d’intérêt général est une peine applicable aux délits passibles
d’un emprisonnement inférieur à deux (02) ans ou d’une peine d’amende. Cette
peine est exécutée en faveur, soit d’une personne morale de droit public, soit
d’une personne morale de droit privé chargée d’une mission de service public,
soit encore d’un organisme habilité à mettre en œuvre des travaux d’intérêt
général.

(2) La peine prévue à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus est prononcée par la
juridiction de jugement à la place de l’emprisonnement ou de l’amende, après la
déclaration de culpabilité et sur consentement préalable du prévenu.

(3) La juridiction fixe la durée du travail d’intérêt général, qui ne peut être
inférieure à deux cent (200) heures ou supérieure à deux cent quarante (240)
heures, et le sursis ne peut être prononcé.

(4) Le travail d’intérêt général n’est pas rémunéré.
(5) La décision du juge prévoit la durée de l’emprisonnement encouru en
cas d’inexécution de la peine de travail d’intérêt général; cette peine
d’emprisonnement ne peut être assortie de sursis.

(6) La liste des travaux d’intérêt général est fixée par un texte particulier.

ARTICLE 26-1.- Sanction-réparation

(1) La sanction-réparation est une peine applicable aux délits passibles
d’un emprisonnement inférieur à deux (02) ans ou d’une peine d’amende.

Elle consiste dans l’obligation, pour le condamné, de procéder à la
réparation matérielle du préjudice subi par la victime dans le délai et selon les
modalités fixées par la juridiction compétente.

(2) La peine prévue l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus est prononcée par la juridiction
de jugement à la place de l’emprisonnement ou de l’amende, après la
déclaration de culpabilité, et le sursis ne peut être accordé.

(3) La décision du juge prévoit la durée de l’emprisonnement encouru en
cas d’inexécution de la peine de sanction-réparation: cette peine
d’emprisonnement ne peut être assortie de sursis.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 26-2.- Mise en œuvre des peines alternatives

Les modalités d’application des peines alternatives sont fixées par un texte
particulier.

ARTICLE 26-3.- Personnes exclues du bénéfice des peines alternatives

Les peines alternatives prévues aux articles 26 et 26-1 ci-dessus ne sont
pas applicables aux auteurs d’infractions à la législation sur les armes, de
même qu’aux auteurs d’offenses sexuelles et aux auteurs d’atteintes à
l’intégrité corporelle prévues par le présent Code.

SECTION VII – DES DISPOSITIONS COMMUNES AUX PEINES PRIVATIVES DE LIBERTE

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 27.- Début de la peine

(1) Si le condamné n’est pas en état de détention provisoire ou si un
mandat d’arrêt ou d’incarcération n’est pas décerné contre lui à l’audience,
dans les conditions prévues par le Code de Procédure Pénale, la peine
privative de liberté ne peut être mise à exécution que lorsque la condamnation
est devenue définitive.

(2) Si une femme condamnée à une peine privative de liberté est enceinte
ou vient d’accoucher, elle ne subit sa peine que six (06) semaines après son
accouchement.

(3) La femme enceinte placée en détention provisoire continue, jusqu’à
l’expiration du délai visé à l’alinéa 2 ci-dessus, de bénéficier du régime de
détention provisoire.
(4) Le mari et la femme condamnés même pour des infractions différentes
à une peine d’emprisonnement inférieure à un (01) an et non détenus au jour
du jugement peuvent, sur leur demande, ne pas subir simultanément leur peine
si, justifiant d’un domicile commun certain, ils ont à leur charge et sous leur
garde un enfant âgé de moins de dix-huit (18) ans.

ARTICLE 28.- Calcul de la peine

(1)La peine privative de liberté exprimée en jours se calcule par vingt-
quatre (24) heures.

(2)La peine d’un mois est de trente (30) jours.
()La peine exprimée en mois et en années se calcule de date à date.
(4)Sous réserve des dispositions de l’article 53 du Présent Code, le point
de départ de la peine est fixé :
a) au jour où le condamné est incarcéré en exécution de la
condamnation ;
b) en cas de confusion de peines au jour de la première incarcération
en exécution de l’une des condamnations confondues.

(5) En cas d’évasion, la période pendant laquelle le condamné a été en
fuite est exclue du calcul de la durée de la peine.

ARTICLE 29.- Séparation des mineurs

Les mineurs de dix-huit (18) ans subissent leur peine privative deliberté
dans des établissements spéciaux.

A défaut, ils sont séparés des détenus majeurs.

Code Penal Camerounais

CHAPITRE III – DES PEINES ACCESSOIRES

SECTION I – DES DECHEANCES

ARTICLE 30.- Définition

Les déchéances consistent dans :

1) la destitution et l’exclusion de toutes fonctions, emplois ou offices
publics;
2) l’incapacité d’être juré, assesseur, expert, juré-expert ;
3)l’interdiction d’être tuteur, curateur, subrogé tuteur ou conseil judiciaire,
si ce n’est de ses propres enfants, ou membre d’un conseil de famille ;
4)l’interdiction de porter toute décoration ;
5) l’interdiction de servir dans les forces armées;
6) l’interdiction de tenir une école ou même d’enseigner dans un
établissement d’instruction et, d’une façon générale, d’occuper des
fonctions se rapportant à l’éducation ou à la garde des enfants.

ARTICLE 31.- Application

(1) La condamnation à une peine perpétuelle emporte à vie les
déchéances prévues à l’article 30 ci-dessus.

(2) Toute autre condamnation pour crime emporte les mêmes déchéances,
pendant la durée de la peine, et pendant les dix (10) ans qui suivent son
expiration ou la libération conditionnelle si celle-ci n’a pas été révoquée.

(3)La juridiction compétente peut, dans tous les cas prévus à l’alinéa 2 ci-
dessus, par décision motivée, relever le condamné de tout ou partie de ces
déchéances et en réduire la durée jusqu’à deux (02) ans.

(4) En cas de condamnation pour délit et lorsque la loi les y autorise, les
juridictions compétentes peuvent, par décision motivée, prononcer pour une
durée de cinq (05) ans au plus, tout ou partie des déchéances prévues à
l’article 30 ci-dessus.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 32.- Déchéances et condamnation par défaut

En cas de condamnation par défaut, les déchéances sont encourues à
partir du jour de l’accomplissement des mesures de publicité prévues par le
Code de Procédure Pénale.
PRESIDENCE DE LA

SECTION II – DES AUTRES PEINES ACCESSOIRES

ARTICLE 33.- Publication de la décision

(1) Dans les cas où la juridiction compétente peut ordonner la publication
de sa décision, celle-ci est affichée dans les conditions qui sont fixées par
décret pour une durée de deux (02) mois au maximum en cas de condamnation
pour crime ou délit, et de quinze (15) jours au maximum en cas de
contravention.

(2) Dans les mêmes cas, la juridiction compétente peut également
ordonner la publication de sa décision par voie de médias qu’elle indique.

(3) Ces publications sont faites aux frais du condamné.

(4) L’affichage peut être limité au dispositif de la décision.

(5) Les dispositions prévues aux alinéas 1, 2, 3 et 4 ci-dessus s’appliquent
également aux personnes morales.
7) L’information par voie de presse écrite, de radio et de télévision ou sur
internet, ainsi que les commentaires objectifs, sont libres.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 34.- Fermeture de l’établissement

Dans les cas où la juridiction compétente peut ordonner la fermeture d’un
établissement commercial ou industriel ou d’un local, cette mesure emporte
interdiction, pour le condamné ou pour le tiers auquel le condamné a vendu,
cédé ou loué l’établissement professionnel ou le local, d’exercer dans le même
local le même commerce, la même industrie ou la même profession.

ARTICLE 34-1.- Placement sous surveillance judiciaire

(1)La peine de placement sous surveillance judiciaire est applicable aux
personnes morales pénalement responsables et consiste dans la désignation
d’un mandataire de justice dont la mission de contrôle et la durée sont
précisées par la juridiction de jugement.

(2) La mission prévue à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus ne peut porter que sur l’activité à
l’occasion de laquelle l’infraction a été commise.
(3)Le mandataire de justice visé à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus rend compte au
Parquet compétent, aussi régulièrement que nécessaire, de l’accomplissement
de sa mission.

(4)A la fin de la mission du mandataire de justice et au vu du compte rendu
de celui-ci, le Parquet compétent saisit la juridiction qui a prononcé le
placement sous surveillance judiciaire, laquelle relève la personne morale de la
mesure de placement.

ARTICLE 35.- Confiscation du « corpus delicti »

(1) En cas de condamnation pour crime ou délit, la juridiction compétente
peut ordonner la confiscation de tous les biens meubles ou immeubles
appartenant au condamné et saisis, lorsque ceux-ci ont servi d’instrument pour
commettre l’infraction ou qu’ils en sont le produit.

(2) En matière de contravention, cette confiscation ne peut être ordonnée
que dans les cas déterminés par la loi.

Code Penal Camerounais

CHAPITRE IV – DES MESURES DE SÛRETE

ARTICLE 1

DE L’INTERDICTION DE LA PROFESSION

ARTICLE 36.- Interdiction de la profession

{1) L’interdiction d’exercer une profession peut être prononcée par décision
motivée contre les condamnés pour crime ou délit de droit commun, lorsqu’il est
constaté que l’infraction commise a une relation directe avec l’exercice de la
profession et qu’il y a de graves craintes que cet exercice ne constitue un
danger de rechute pour le condamné.

(2) Cette interdiction est prononcée pour une durée qui ne peut être
inférieure à un (01) an ni supérieure à cinq (05) ans, à compter du jour où la
peine a été subie, sauf les cas où la loi en dispose autrement.

(3) Pour les personnes morales, l’interdiction visée aux alinéas 1 et 2 ci-
dessus correspond à l’interdiction, pour une durée déterminée, de s’investir

directement ou indirectement dans l’une ou plusieurs des activités prévues par
Son objet social.

(4) Encas de récidive dans les conditions prévues à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus et
à l’article 88 du présent Code, pour crime ou délit, l’interdiction devient
perpétuelle.

Code Penal Camerounais

SECTION II – DE LA RELEGATION

ARTICLE 37.- Définition de la relégation

(1) La relégation est l’internement, pour une durée de cinq (05)à vingt (20)
ans, sous un régime de travail et de réadaptation sociale pendant laquelle les
relégués sont, à défaut d’établissement spécial, séparés des condamnés qui
exécutent leurs peines.

(2) Des décrets règlent les conditions de fonctionnement de
l’établissement, du régime du travail et de la réadaptation sociale des relégués.

ARTICLE 38. Personnes exclues de la relégation

Ne peuvent être relégués, les condamnés qui seraient âgés de moins de
vingt-cinq (25) ans ou de plus de soixante (60) ans à l’expiration de la peine
principale.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 39.- Conditions de la relégation

(1) Peut être relégué, le récidiviste qui, dans l’intervalle de dix (10) ans, non
compris les peines subies et les mesures de sûreté privatives de liberté, a
‘encouru, compte tenu de la condamnation prononcée pour la nouvelle infraction
commise, soit :

a) deux (02) condamnations à l’emprisonnement pour crime ou la peine
de mort originellement commuée en emprisonnement;
b) une des condamnations prévues au paragraphe (a) et deux (02)
condamnations pour délit à plus d’un an (01) d’emprisonnement;
c) quatre (04) condamnations pour délit à plus d’un (01) an
d’emprisonnement.

(2) Le point de départ de la période décennale susvisée est la date de la
dernière infraction susceptible d’entraîner la relégation.

(3) Les condamnations retenues pour la relégation doivent être définitives
et chacun des faits motivant ces condamnations doit être postérieur à la
condamnation précédente devenue définitive.

(4) Il est tenu compte des condamnations qui ont fait l’objet de grâce, de
commutation ou de réduction de peine.

(5) Il n’est pas tenu compte de celles qui ont été effacées par la
réhabilitation ou par l’amnistie.
(6) Il n’est pas tenu compte des condamnations prononcées contre les
mineurs âgés de moins de dix-huit (18) ans lors de la commission des faits.

SECTION III – DE LA SURVEILLANCE ETDE L’ASSISTANCE POST-PENALES

ARTICLE 40.- Définition et durée

(1) Tout condamné à une peine privative de liberté supérieure à un an (01)
peut, compte tenu des faits de la cause et par décision motivée, être placé par
la juridiction qui le condamne et, pour une durée maximum de cinq (05) ans,
sous le régime de surveillance et d’assistance post-pénales comprenant des
obligations générale set, le cas échéant, des obligations spéciales.

(2) L’observation de ces obligations par le condamné est contrôlée par un
magistrat désigné à cet effet, assisté de surveillants bénévoles ou rétribués.

Toutefois, ce contrôle est exercé par les autorités de police lorsqu’il s’agit
d’un individu condamné pour crime ou d’un récidiviste condamné pour délit.

(3) Un décret détermine les conditions d’application du présent article.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 41.- Obligations générales

Les obligations générales qui s’imposent de plein droit au condamné sont
les suivantes:

1. établir son domicile en un lieu déterminé ;
2. répondre aux convocations de l’autorité chargée de la mission de
surveillance et d’assistance ;
3. recevoir les visites du surveillant et lui communiquer les
renseignements ou documents de nature à permettre le contrôle de
ses moyens d’existence ;
4. informer le surveillant ou justifier auprès de lui les motifs de ses
changements d’emploi ou de résidence :
5. prévenir le surveillant de toute absence excédant quinze (15) jours et
l’aviser de son retour ;
6. obtenir l’autorisation préalable de l’autorité chargée de cette mission
avant tout déplacement à l’étranger.

ARTICLE 42 .- Obligations spéciales

Outre les obligations générales imposées par l’article 41 ci-dessus, la
juridiction peut imposer au condamné tout ou partie des obligations suivantes :

1. établir sa résidence en un ou plusieurs lieux déterminés;

2.ne pas paraître en certains lieux déterminés, sauf autorisation
spéciale et temporaire;
3. exercer une activité professionnelle, suivre un enseignement ou
recevoir une formation professionnelle ;
4. se soumettre à des mesures de contrôle, de traitement ou de soins,
même sous le régime de l’hospitalisation, notamment aux fins de
désintoxication ;
5. contribuer aux charges familiales ou acquitter régulièrement les
pensions alimentaires;
6. réparer les dommages causés par l’infraction;
7. ne pas conduire certains véhicules déterminés par les catégories de
permis en vigueur;
8. ne pas fréquenter certains lieux tels que les débits de boisson,
champs de courses, maisons de jeux ;
9. ne pas engager de paris ;
10. s’abstenir de tout excès de boissons alcoolisées;
11. ne pas fréquenter certains condamnés, notamment les coauteurs ou
complices de l’infraction ;
12. s’abstenir de recevoir ou d’héberger à son domicile certaines
personnes.

SECTION IV – DE L’INTERNEMENTDANS UNE MAISON DE SANTE

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 43.- Malade mental

(1) En cas d’acquittement pour démence de l’auteur d’un crime ou d’un
délit passible d’une peine d’emprisonnement de deux (02) ans au moins, et
lorsque la liberté de l’inculpé est reconnue dangereuse pour l’ordre public par la
juridiction saisie, celle-ci ordonne son internement dans une maison spéciale de
santé.

(2) Cette juridiction peut seule mettre fin à l’internement, après avis de
l’autorité médicale compétente attestant que la liberté de l’interné ne présente
plus aucun danger pour l’ordre public.

ARTICLE 44.- Infirmité mentale

(1) Lorsqu’une personne alcoolique, toxicomane ou atteinte d’une infirmité
mentale est condamnée pour crime ou délit passible d’une peine
d’emprisonnement de deux (02) ans au moins, en rapport avec ses habitudes
ou son état mental, et que sa liberté est reconnue dangereuse pour l’ordre
public, la juridiction saisie peut ordonner son internement dans une maison
spéciale de santé.

(2) L’internement ne peut excéder deux (02) ans pour le traitement d’un
alcoolique ou d’un toxicomane et cinq (05) ans pour le traitement d’un infirme
mental.

(3) Cette juridiction peut abréger le délai qu’elle avait fixé, après avis de
l’autorité médicale compétente attestant que la liberté de l’interné ne présente
plus aucun danger pour l’ordre public.

ARTICLE 45.- Confiscation

Les choses dont la fabrication, la détention, la vente ou l’usage sont illicites
sont confisquées même si elles n’appartiennent pas au condamné ou que la
poursuite n’a pas été suivie de condamnation.

Code Penal Camerounais

CHAPITRE V – DE L’ENGAGEMENT PREVENTIF

ARTICLE 46.- Conditions

(1) Il peut être imposé par le Président du Tribunal à toute personne qui,
par sa conduite, manifeste son intention non équivoque de commettre
une infraction susceptible de troubler la paix publique,
de s’engager personnellement et, le cas échéant, avec des garants solvables,
à payer la somme fixée si elle commet une infraction de cette nature pendant la
période
déterminée.

(2) La somme est fixée en fonction des possibilités de l’engagé.

ARTICLE 47.- Durée

Cet engagement peut être imposé pour une période d’un (01) an pouvant
être portée trois (03) ans lorsqu’il s’agit d’un délinquant d’habitude.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 48.- Engagement des parents ou du tuteur

Au cas où le mineur de dix-huit (18) ans a commis des faits qualifiés
d’infraction, le Président du Tribunal peut imposer à ses père, mère, tuteur ou
responsable coutumier, l’engagement prévu à l’article 46 ci-dessus pour le cas
où le mineur commettrait des faits de même nature dans le délai d’un (01) an
sans que l’engagé rapporte la preuve qu’il a pris toutes mesures utiles pour que
le mineur ne commette pas l’infraction.

ARTICLE 49.- Refus de l’engagement

(1) Toute personne qui ne s’est pas soumise à l’engagement qui lui est
imposé ou qui n’a pas fourni les garants requis, peut être immédiatement
incarcérée jusqu’à son acceptation ou jusqu’à la désignation du ou des garants,
sans que la durée de cette mesure puisse excéder la durée de la période
prévue dans l’engagement.

(2) Sauf dans le cas prévu à l’article 48 ci-dessus, les
obligations spéciales visées à l’article 42 (1) et (2) ci-dessus peuvent remplacer l’incarcération.

ARTICLE 50.- Inobservation

(1) Si l’engagement n’a pas été respecté, la juridiction saisie de l’infraction
ordonne, en cas de condamnation, le paiement de la
somme fixée, sans préjudice des pénalités afférentes à l’infraction.

(2) A l’égard de l’engagé, cette somme est recouvrée par les mêmes
Moyens que l’amende et à l’égard du ou des garants par toute voie civile.

Code Penal Camerounais

CHAPITRE VI – DU NON-CUMUL DES PEINES

ARTICLE 51.- Non-cumul

(1) Au cas où un individu fait l’objet d’une même poursuite pour
plusieurs crimes ou délits ou contraventions connexes, la peine la plus
rigoureuse est seule prononcée.

(2) Au cas où un individu fait l’objet de plusieurs condamnations pour
crimes ou délits résultant de poursuites diverses, la confusion des peines
principales peut être ordonnée par la juridiction saisie des dernières poursuites.
En cas de cumul, l’ensemble des peines prononcées ne peut dépasser le
maximum de la peine encourue pour l’infractionla plus grave.

8)Lorsqu’une peine principale fait l’objet d’une remise gracieuse, il y a lieu
de tenir compte, pour le cumul des peines, de la peine commuée et non de la
peine initialement prononcée.
(4) La règle du non-cumul des peines ne s’applique pas à deux (02)
condamnations dont la première était devenue définitive avant la commission
des faits qui ont motivé la seconde.

(5) En matière de contravention, les peines sont toujours cumulées, sauf si
le tribunal en décide autrement.

(6) En cas de conviction de plusieurs infractions, les peines autres que les
peines principales, ainsi que les mesures de sûreté se cumulent, sauf décision
contraire de la juridiction saisie.

ARTICLE 52.- Ordre d’exécution

(1) Les peines privatives de liberté s’exécutent dans l’ordre chronologique
de la notification des titres de détention au condamné.

(2) Les peines accessoires ainsi que l’internement prévu l’article 43 ci-
dessus sont immédiatement applicables, tandis que les autres mesures de
sûreté le sont dès l’expiration de la peine principale ou de sa suspension.

(3) Lorsque plusieurs mesures de sûreté doivent s’exécuter
cumulativement, leur ordre d’exécution est le suivant :

a) l’internement dans une maison de santé ;
b) la relégation ;
c) les mesures post-pénales.

(4) Si, au cours de l’exécution d’une de ces mesures, le condamné encourt
pour un autre crime ou délit une peine privative de liberté, l’exécution de la
mesure de sûreté est suspendue et la nouvelle peine est d’abord subie.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 53.- Détention provisoire

(1) En cas de détention provisoire, la durée de celle-ci est intégralement
déduite de la peine privative de liberté prononcée.

(2) Lorsqu’il y a eu détention provisoire et que la peine prononcée est une
amende, la juridiction saisie peut exonérer le condamné du paiement de tout ou
partie de l’amende.

CHAPITRE VII – DES CAUSES QUI METTENT OBSTACLEA L’EXECUTION DES PEINES

SECTION I – DU SURSIS SIMPLE

ARTICLE 54.- Conditions d’application et effets

(1) En cas de condamnation pour crime ou délit à une peine
d’emprisonnement inférieure ou égale à cinq (05) ans ou à une amende, sauf
dans le cas prévu à l’article 92 (2) ci-dessous et si le condamné n’a pas fait
l’objet de condamnation antérieure et non effacée à l’emprisonnement, la
juridiction saisie peut ordonner, sauf disposition contraire de la loi, qu’il est
sursis à l’exécution de la peine principale pendant un délai de trois (03) à cinq
(05) ans.

(2) Le sursis est sans effet sur les peines accessoires et sur les mesures
résultant de la condamnation.

(3) Si pendant le délai ainsi fixé, comptant du jour où le jugement ou l’arrêt
est devenu définitif, le condamné commet un autre crime ou délit suivi d’une
condamnation à l’emprisonnement non assortie de la probation, la peine
suspendue est exécutée en priorité et sans confusion avec la seconde peine.

(4) Dans le cas contraire, l’expiration du délai produit les effets de la
réhabilitation prévus à l’article 676 du Code de Procédure Pénale.

Code Penal Camerounais

SECTION II – DU SURSIS AVEC PROBATION

ARTICLE 55.- Conditions d’application

(1) Le sursis avec probation peut être prononcé dans les mêmes conditions
que le sursis simple, lorsque la peine est égale ou supérieure à six (06) mois
d’emprisonnement.

(2) Il peut également être accordé aux individus condamnés
antérieurement à une peine d’emprisonnement assortie du sursis simple ou à
une peine d’emprisonnement sans sursis simple ou à une peine
d’emprisonnement sans sursis inférieure à six (06) mois.

(3) La période d’épreuve ne peut être inférieure à trois (03) ans ni
supérieure à cinq (05) ans.

(4) Sous réserve des dispositions des alinéas 1 et 2 du présent article,
l’article 54 ci-dessus est applicable au sursis avec probation

ARTICLE 56.- Le régime de probation

(1) Le régime de probation comprend des obligations générales et, le cas
échéant, spéciales, de surveillance et d’assistance.
(2) L’observation de ces obligations par le condamné est contrôlée par un
magistrat désigné à cet effet, assisté de délégués à la probation, bénévoles ou
rétribués.

(3) La désignation du délégué à la probation est faite par le magistrat
chargé du contrôle, qui peut la modifier.
(4) Le magistrat de la résidence du condamné chargé du contrôle peut, à
tout moment et par décision motivée, suspendre tout ou partie des obligations
spéciales ou les modifier sans aggravation.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 57.- Obligations générales

Les obligations générales imposées par l’article 41 du présent Code au
condamné, à l’égard du surveillant, s’imposent de plein droit au condamné
placé sous le régime de la probation à l’égard du délégué à la probation.

ARTICLE 58.- Obligations spéciales

Outre les obligations générales imposées par l’article 57 ci-dessus, le
Jugement ou l’arrêt peut imposer au condamné, avec probation, l’observation de
tout ou partie des obligations visées à l’article 42 du présent Code.

ARTICLE 59. Obligations du délégué

(1) Le délégué à la probation doit s’assurer que le condamné respecte les
obligations générales et spéciales auxquelles il est soumis. Il est également
tenu de susciter et de seconder les efforts du condamné en vue de son
reclassement social, notamment en ce qui concerne sa réadaptation familiale et
professionnelle.

(2) Il est tenu de lui apporter toute son aide morale et, au cas où le
condamné aurait besoin d’une aide matérielle, il lui appartient d’en référer au
magistrat désigné pour qu’un secours puisse lui être apporté par tout organisme
d’assistance ou d’aide sociale.

(3) I doit tenir régulièrement informé ce magistrat de l’exercice de sa
Mission et lui en référer en cas de difficultés.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 60.- Violation des obligations

(1) Au cas où, pendant la période d’épreuve, le condamné ne respecte pas
l’une des obligations générales ou spéciales de sa probation, la juridiction qui a
prononcé la condamnation peut ordonner l’exécution de la peine suspendue.

(2) L’exécution de cette peine n’entraîne pas la révocation d’un sursis
simple précédemment accordé.

(8) Si le sursis n’a pas été révoqué en application du présent article ou de
l’article 54 ci-dessus, l’expiration du délai produit les effets de l’article 676 du
Code de procédure pénale.

SECTION III – DE LA LIBERATION CONDITIONNELLE

ARTICLE 61.- Definition

(1) La libération conditionnelle est la mise en liberté anticipée du
condamné à une peine privative de liberté, ou soumis, par la décision de
condamnation, à une mesure de sûreté de même nature. Elle est accordée et
révoquée par décret.

(2) Un décret fixe les conditions générales et les modalités de l’octroi et de
la révocation de la libération conditionnelle.

(3) La mise en liberté anticipée du condamné, si elle n’a pas été révoquée,
devient définitive à l’expiration de la durée de la peine.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 62.- Suspension des mesures

(1) Le décret de libération conditionnelle peut surseoir à l’exécution des
mesures d’internement dans une maison spéciale de santé, de relégation, de
surveillance et d’assistance post-pénales ou d’interdiction de l’exercice d’une
profession, qui font suite à la peine principale:
(2) Cette suspension devient définitive cinq (05) ans après l’expiration de
la peine principale.

ARTICLE 63.- Délai pour l’octroi

(1) La libération conditionnelle ne peut être accordée au condamné
qu’après l’accomplissement de la moitié de sa peine ou de la moitié de
l’ensemble des peines en cas de cumul, compte tenu, le cas échéant, des
mesures de grâce. Elle ne peut être accordée au récidiviste qu’après
l’accomplissement des deux tiers de sa peine.

(2) La libération conditionnelle ne peut être accordée au relégué qu’après
cinq (05) ans.

ARTICLE 64.- Révocation

(1) La libération conditionnelle peut être révoquée en cas de
condamnation pour crime ou délit commis ultérieurement ou d’inobservation
des conditions générales ou spéciales de la libération.

(2) En cas de révocation, le temps passé en libération conditionnelle n’est
pas imputé sur le reste de la peine à subir.

Code Penal Camerounais

SECTION IV – DE LA SUSPENSION DES MESURES POST-PENALES

ARTICLE 65. Suspension des mesures post-pénales

(1) Sur proposition de l’autorité visée à l’article 40 (2) du présent Code, la
juridiction qui a ordonné les mesures post-pénales peut, à tout moment et par

décision motivée, suspendre en tout ou en partie les mesures spéciales ou les
modifier sans aggravation.
(2) La suspension est révocable à tout moment dans les formes prévues
pour son octroi.

(3) La durée de la suspension de ces mesures, même révoquées, est
comptée dans la durée des mesures post-pénales.

– DE LA GRACE – DE LA PRESCRIPTION – DE LA MORT

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 66.- Grâce

La grâce est la commutation ou la remise, partielle ou totale,
conditionnelle ou non, des peines, des mesures de sûreté et des obligations de
probation.

ARTICLE 67.- Prescription

(1) La peine principale non subie, ainsi que les peines accessoires et les
mesures de sûreté qui l’accompagnent, ne peuvent plus être exécutées après
l’expiration des délais ci-après déterminés à compter de la date du jugement ou
de l’arrêt devenu définitif :

a) pour crime : vingt (20) ans ;
b) pour délit et contravention connexe: cinq (05) ans;
c) pour toute autre contravention : deux (02) ans.

(2) La prescription est suspendue toutes les fois qu’un obstacle de droit ou
de fait, hors celui résultant de la volonté du condamné, empêche l’exécution de
la peine.
Elle est interrompue par tout acte d’exécution de la peine avant l’expiration
du délai.

Une fois la prescription de la peine acquise, le condamné par défaut ne
peut plus se présenter pour la purger.

ARTICLE 68.- Mort

La mort du condamné n’empêche pas l’exécution sur ses biens, des
condamnations pécuniaires ni la fermeture de l’établissement, ni la confiscation.

Code Penal Camerounais

CHAPITRE VIII – DES CAUSES QUI EFFACENT LA CONDAMNATION

SECTION I – DE LA REHABILITATION

ARTICLE 69.- Définition et effets

(1) La réhabilitation est une mesure qui, sauf disposition contraire de la loi,
efface la condamnation pour crime ou délit et met fin à toute peine accessoire
et à toute mesure de sûreté, à l’exception de l’internement dans une maison de
santé et de la fermeture de l’établissement.

(2) Lorsqu’une personne a fait l’objet de plusieurs condamnations, la
réhabilitation doit porter sur l’ensemble des condamnations.

(3) La réhabilitation est acquise soit de plein droit, soit par décision de
justice.

(4) a) Pour être réhabilité, le condamné doit justifier du paiement des
frais de justice. Il doit en outre justifier du paiement des dommages- intérêts
ou de la remise de ceux-ci. À défaut, il doit établir qu’il a subi la contrainte par
corps au titre de la condamnation civile.

b) Le condamné pour banqueroute frauduleuse doit justifier du
paiement du passif de la faillite en capital, intérêts et frais ou de la remise
qui lui a été faite.

c) Si la partie civile ne peut être retrouvée, les sommes qui lui
sont dues sont payées à son représentant ou, à défaut, versées au
compte des dépôts et consignations.
d) Si le condamné prétend que la partie civile a refusé de
recevoir les sommes qui lui sont dues, il doit rapporter la preuve du refus
et verser lesdites sommes au compte des dépôts et consignations.

e) La prescription quadriennale n’est pas applicable en cette
matière.

(5)a) La réhabilitation ne restitue pas de plein droit les décorations et ne
réintègre pas d’office dans les ordres dont le réhabilité aurait été déchu.

b) Les mesures de police et de sûreté frappant le condamné ne sont
pas effacées.

c) Les sommes payées par le réhabilité au titre des condamnations
pécuniaires et des confiscations restent acquises au Trésor Public.
d) La réhabilitation ne réintègre pas de plein droit dans les fonctions ou
emplois publics, grades, offices publics ou ministériels, ni ne donne lieu
à reconstitution de carrière.

Toutefois, la personne réhabilitée retrouve, si elle en a été déchue, les
droits suivants : autorité parentale, droit de tutelle, droits électoraux et droit de
témoigner en justice.
e) La réhabilitation ne fait pas obstacle aux demandes de révision tendant
à établir l’innocence du réhabilité.

ARTICLE 70.- Réhabilitation de plein droit

(1) La réhabilitation de plein droit est acquise au condamné qui n’a fait
l’objet d’aucune condamnation nouvelle à l’emprisonnement pour crime ou délit
dans les délais ci-après:

– cinq (05) ans pour une peine d’amende;
– dix (10) ans pour une peine unique d’emprisonnement inférieure ou
égale à six (06) mois ;
– quinze (15) ans pour une peine unique d’emprisonnement inférieure ou
égale à deux (02) ans ;
– vingt (20) ans pour une peine unique d’emprisonnement inférieure où
égale à cinq (05) ans.

(2) Le délai est de quinze (15) ans, si l’ensemble des condamnations est
supérieur à un (01) an mais inférieur à deux (02) ans.

(3) Les condamnations prononcées avec confusion des peines sont
considérées comme étant une condamnation unique.

(4) En matière d’amende, les délais courent du jour de son paiement ou de
la prescription acquise. Ils courent pour les condamnations privatives de liberté,
du jour de l’expiration de la peine subie compte tenu, le cas échéant, des
remises gracieuses ou du jour de la prescription acquise.

(5) La remise totale ou partielle d’une peine équivaut à son exécution
partielle ou totale.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 71.- Réhabilitation judiciaire

(1) La réhabilitation peut être demandée en justice par le condamné.
(2) La réhabilitation ne peut être demandée qu’après un délai de cinq (05)
ans en cas de condamnation pour crime et de trois (03) ans en cas de
condamnation pour délit. Ces délais courent du lendemain du jour de la
libération en cas de condamnation à une peine privative de liberté, ou du
lendemain du jour du paiement de l’amende.
(3) En cas de récidive, les délais prévus à l’alinéa 2 ci-dessus sont
doublés.

ARTICLE 72.- Réhabilitation post-mortem

(1) En cas de décès du condamné, la demande peut être suivie et même
introduite par son conjoint, ses ascendants ou descendants.

(2) Le Ministère Public peut, en cas de décès du demandeur, suivre une
demande de réhabilitation déjà formulée.

SECTION II – DE L’AMNISTIE

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 73.- Effets

(1) Sous réserve des intérêts civils, l’amnistie efface la condamnation et
met fin à toute peine principale et accessoire et à toute mesure de sûreté, à
l’exception de l’internement dans une maison de santé et de la fermeture de
l’établissement.

(2) Sauf disposition contraire, elle empêche ou arrête les poursuites non
intentées ou déjà en cours.

(3) Sauf disposition contraire, l’amnistie n’est pas applicable aux frais dus
au Trésor, si la condamnation est devenue définitive
(4) Sauf disposition contraire, les frais et amendes déjà versés par le
Condamné restent acquis au Trésor.

(5) Sauf disposition contraire, elle ne restitue pas d’office les décorations et
ne réintègre pas de plein droit dans les ordres dont l’amnistié serait déchu.

(6) Sauf disposition contraire, elle ne réintègre pas de plein droit dans les
fonctions où emplois publics, grades, offices publics ou ministériels, et ne
donne pas lieu à reconstitution de carrière.

(7)Elle ne met pas obstacle aux demandes de révision tendant à établir
l’innocence du condamné amnistié.

TITRE III – DE LA RESPONSABILITE PENALE DES PERSONNES PHYSIQUES ET MORALES

CHAPITRE I

– DISPOSITIONS GENERALES

ARTICLE 74.- Peine et responsabilité

(1) Aucune peine ne peut être prononcée qu’à l’encontre d’une personne
pénalement responsable.
(2) Est pénalement responsable, celui qui, volontairement, commet les faits
caractérisant les éléments constitutifs d’une infraction avec l’intention que ces
faits aient pour conséquence la réalisation de l’infraction.

(3) Sauf lorsque la loi en dispose autrement, la conséquence même voulue
d’une omission n’entraîne pas de responsabilité pénale.

(4) Sauf lorsque la loi en dispose autrement, il ne peut exister de
responsabilité pénale que si les conditions de l’alinéa 2 ci-dessus sont remplies.

Toutefois, en matière contraventionnelle, la responsabilité pénale existe
alors même que l’acte ou l’omission ne sont pas intentionnels où que la
conséquence n’en a pas été voulue.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 74-1.- Personnes morales pénalement responsables

a) Les personnes morales sont responsables pénalement des infractions
commises, pour leur compte, par leurs organes ou représentants.
b) Les dispositions du paragraphe a ci-dessus ne sont pas applicables à
l’Etat et à ses démembrements.
c) La responsabilité pénale des personnes physiques, auteurs des actes
incriminés, peut se cumuler avec celle des personnes morales.

ARTICLE 75.- ignorance et mobile

L’ignorance de la loi et le mobile n’influent pas sur la responsabilité pénale.

ARTICLE 76.- Exécution de la loi

Ne constitue aucune infraction, le fait ordonné ou autorisé par la loi et
accompli conformément à la loi.

Code Penal Camerounais

CHAPITRE II – DES CAUSES QUI SUPPRIMENT OU ATTENUENTLA RESPONSABILITE PENALEDES PERSONNES PHYSIQUES

ARTICLE 77.- Cas fortuit et contrainte matérielle

La responsabilité pénale ne peut résulter ni du cas fortuit, ni de la
contrainte matérielle irrésistible.

ARTICLE 78.- Démence

(1) La responsabilité pénale ne peut résulter du fait d’un individu atteint
d’une maladie mentale telle que sa volonté a été abolie ou qu’il n’a pu avoir
conscience du caractère répréhensible de son acte.

(2) Au cas où la démence n’est pas totale, elle constitue une excuse
atténuante.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 79.- Intoxication

L’intoxication qui n’est pas volontaire est assimilée à la maladie mentale.

ARTICLE 80. Minor

(1) Le mineur de dix (10) ans n’est pas pénalement responsable.
(2) Le mineur de dix (10) à quatorze (14) ans, pénalement responsable, ne
peut faire l’objet que de l’une des mesures spéciales prévues par la loi.

(3) Le mineur âgé de plus de quatorze (14) ans et de moins de dix-huit (18)
ans, pénalement responsable, bénéficie de l’excuse atténuante.

(4) Le majeur de dix-huit (18) ans est pleinement responsable.
(5) L’âge de l’auteur se calcule à la date de la commission de l’infraction.

ARTICLE 81.- Menaces

(1) La responsabilité pénale ne peut résulter du fait d’un individu soumis à
une menace imminente et non autrement évitable de mort ou de blessures
graves telles que prévues au présent Code.

Toutefois, si le fait est une infraction punissable de la peine de mort ou s’il
a eu pour effet de provoquer la mort ou les blessures susvisées, l’auteur ne
bénéficie que de l’excuse atténuante.

(2) Le présent article n’est pas applicable à celui qui s’expose
volontairement au risque de telles menaces.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 82.- Crainte révérencielle

L’excuse atténuante est applicable :
a) au mineur de dix-huit (18) ans ayant agi sous la contrainte de ses parents,
des personnes en ayant la garde ou la responsabilité coutumière;
b) aux salariés, employés, fonctionnaires ayant agi sous la contrainte de
leurs chefs ou patrons.

ARTICLE 83.- Obéissance à l’autorité légale

(1) La responsabilité pénale ne peut résulter d’un acte accompli sur les
ordres d’une autorité compétente à laquelle l’obéissance est légitimement due.

(2) Les dispositions de l’alinéa 1” ci-dessus ne sont toutefois pas
applicables si l’ordre est manifestement illégitime.

ARTICLE 84.- Légitime défense

(1) La responsabilité pénale ne peut résulter d’un acte commandé par la
nécessité immédiate de la défense de soi-même ou d’autrui, où d’un droit
appartenant à soi-même ou à autrui contre une atteinte illégitime, à condition
que la défense soit proportionnée à la gravité de l’atteinte.

(2) Il y a toujours juste proportion entre l’homicide et l’atteinte qui donne
lieu de craindre soit la mort, soit les blessures graves telles que prévues au
présent Code, soit le viol ou la sodomie.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 85.- Provocation

(1) Bénéficie de l’excuse atténuante, s’il n’y a pas disproportion entre la
provocation et la réaction, tout auteur d’une infraction immédiatement
provoquée par l’acte illégitime d’autrui contre lui-même ou en sa présence,
contre son conjoint, son descendant ou ascendant, son frère ou sa sœur, son
employeur ou son employé, le mineur ou l’incapable dont il a la garde.
(2) L’homicide ainsi que les blessures sont excusables s’ils sont provoqués
par des coups ou violences graves envers les personnes.

(3) Ils sont également excusables s’ils ont été commis par l’un des époux
Sur son conjoint où sur son complice surpris en flagrant délit d’adultère.

(4) L’infraction n’est excusable que lorsque la provocation est de nature à
priver une personne normale de la maîtrise de soi.

ARTICLE 86.- Etat de nécessité

indépendamment de la défense légitime prévue à l’article 84 ci-dessus, la
responsabilité pénale ne peut résulter de l’atteinte faite à un bien dans le but de
détourner de soi-même ou d’autrui ou d’un bien appartenant à soi-même ou à
autrui, un péril grave, imminent et non autrement évitable, à condition qu’il n’y
ait pas disproportion entre le mal à écarter et la mesure prise pour le prévenir.

ARTICLE 87.- Effets de l’excuse atténuante

(1) Lorsque la loi prévoit une excuse atténuante, les peines sont réduites
comme suit :

a) si la peine de mort ou une peine perpétuelle sont encourues, la peine est
réduite à une peine privative de liberté de deux (02)à dix (10) ans;
b) si une peine est encourue en cas de crime, elle est réduite à une peine
privative de liberté de un (01) à cinq (05) ans:
c) en cas de délit, le maximum des peines privatives de liberté et d’amende
est réduit de moitié, et le minimum est celui de l’article 92 (1) du présent
Code.

(2) En cas de cumul d’excuses atténuantes ou d’excuses atténuantes et de
circonstances atténuantes, le minimum de la peine est celui de l’article 92 (1)
du présent Code.

Code Penal Camerounais

CHAPITRE III – DES CAUSES QUI AGGRAVENT LA RESPONSABILITE PENALE DES PERSONNES PHYSIQUES ET MORALES

ARTICLE 88.- Récidive des personnes physiques et morales

(1) Est récidiviste :

a) toute personne physique ou morale qui, après avoir été condamnée pour
crime ou délit, commet une nouvelle infraction qualifiée crime ou délit
dans un délai qui commence à courir à compter de la date de la
condamnation devenue définitive, et qui expire cinq (05) ans après
l’exécution de la peine prononcée ou sa prescription ;
b) toute personne physique ou morale qui, après avoir été condamnée pour
contravention, commet une nouvelle contravention dans un délai qui
commence à courir à compter de la date de la condamnation devenue
définitive, et qui expire douze (12) mois après l’exécution de la peine
prononcée ou sa prescription.

(2) En cas de récidive, le maximum de la peine prévue est doublé.

ARTICLE 89.- Fonctionnaires

(1) La qualité de fonctionnaire national, étranger ou international, d’officier
public national, étranger ou international ou d’agent national, étranger ou
international, chargé d’un service public, est une circonstance aggravante de la
responsabilité pénale contre ceux d’entre eux qui, hors les cas où la loi règle
spécialement les peines encourues pour les crimes et les délits par eux
commis, se sont rendus coupables d’autres crimes ou délits qu’ils sont chargés
de prévenir ou de réprimer.

(2) En cas de circonstances aggravantes, le maximum de la peine est
doublé.

Code Penal Camerounais

CHAPITRE IV – DES CIRCONSTANCES ATTENUANTES ET DU CHOIX DE LA PEINE

ARTICLE 90.- Circonstances atténuantes

Les circonstances atténuantes peuvent être admises par décision motivée
en faveur d’un condamné, sauf dans les matières où la loi les exclut
formellement.

ARTICLE 91.- Effets en cas de crime

(1) Les peines prévues par la loi contre celui ou ceux des accusés
reconnus coupables d’un crime et en faveur de qui les circonstances
atténuantes ont été accordées, peuvent être réduites à dix (10) ans de
privation de liberté si le crime est passible de la peine de mort, à cinq (05) ans
de privation de liberté si le crime est passible d’une peine perpétuelle, à un (01)
an de privation de liberté dans les autres cas.
(2) Si, en application des dispositions de l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus, une peine
égale ou inférieure à dix (10) ans de privation de liberté est prononcée, la
juridiction peut infliger au condamné une amende qui ne peut excéder deux
millions (2 000 000) de francs.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 92.- Effets en cas de délit ou de contravention

(1) Lorsque les circonstances atténuantes sont accordées en cas de délit
ou de contravention, la juridiction peut réduire la peine privative de liberté à cinq
(05) jours et l’amende à un (01) franc ou prononcer une de ces deux peines
seulement.

(2) Lorsque la loi n’édicte qu’une peine privative de liberté, la juridiction
peut y substituer une amende dont le maximum est de un million (1 000 000) de
francs en cas de délit et de vingt-cinq mille (25000) francs en cas de
contravention.

ARTICLE 93.- Choix de la peine

La peine ou la mesure prononcée dans les limites fixées ou autorisées par
la loi doit toujours être fonction des circonstances de l’infraction, du danger
qu’elle présente pour l’ordre public, de la personnalité du condamné et de ses
possibilités de reclassement, et des possibilités pratiques d’exécution.

CHAPITRE V – DE LA TENTATIVE ET DE LA CONSPIRATION

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 94.- Tentative

(1) Toute tentative manifestée par un acte tendant à l’exécution d’un
crime ou d’un délit, et impliquant sans équivoque l’intention irrévocable de son
auteur de commettre l’infraction, si elle n’a pas été suspendue ou si elle n’a
manqué son effet que par des circonstances indépendantes de la volonté de
Son auteur, est considérée comme le crime ou le délit lui-même.

2) La tentative est punissable alors même que le but recherché ne pouvait
être atteint à raison d’une circonstance de fait ignorée de l’auteur.

(8) L’acte préparatoire ne constitue pas une infraction.

ARTICLE 95.- Conspiration

(1) Il y a conspiration dès que la résolution de commettre une infraction est
concertée et arrêtée entre deux (02) ou plusieurs personnes.

(2) II ne peut y avoir conspiration entre mari et femme.

(3) La conspiration en vue de commettre un crime ou un délit, si elle n’a
pas été suspendue ou si elle n’a manqué son effet que par des circonstances
indépendantes de la volonté de ses auteurs, est considérée comme le crime ou
le délit lui-même.

(4) Bénéficie de l’excuse atténuante celui qui, volontairement, se retire de
la conspiration avant tout commencement d’exécution.

(5) Est exempt de peine, le conspirateur qui empêche l’exécution ou qui,
avant toute tentative d’exécution, donne connaissance de la conspiration aux
autorités administratives ou judiciaires.

CHAPITRE VI – DE LA COACTTION ET DE LA COMPLICITE

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 96.- Coaction

Est coauteur, celui qui participe avec autrui et en accord avec lui à la
commission d’une infraction.

ARTICLE 97. Complicité

LECERIIFIEE CONFORME
A PE
(1) Est complice d’une infraction qualifiée crime ou délit :

a) celui qui provoque, de quelque manière que ce soit, la commission de
l’infraction ou donne des instructions pour la commettre;
b) celui qui aide ou facilite la préparation ou la consommation de
l’infraction.

(2) La tentative de complicité est considérée comme la complicité elle-
même.

ARTICLE 98.- Peines

(1) Les coauteurs et complices sont passibles de la même peine que
l’auteur principal, sauf dans les cas où la loi en dispose autrement.

(2) Les circonstances personnelles d’où résultent exonération de
responsabilité, exemption, atténuation ou aggravation de peine, n’ont d’effet
qu’à l’égard de l’auteur ou du complice en la personne de qui elles se
rencontrent.

(3) Les circonstances réelles n’ont d’effet à l’égard du coauteur où du
complice que s’il pouvait les prévoir.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 99.- Responsabilité pour les conséquences prévisibles

(1) Les coauteurs et les complices d’un crime ou d’un délit ou d’une
tentative de crime ou de délit sont également responsables de toute autre
infraction dont la commission ou la tentative est une conséquence prévisible de
l’accord ou de la complicité.

(2) Sont également punis comme complices ceux qui, connaissant la
conduite criminelle des malfaiteurs, leur fournissent habituellement lieux de
retraite ou de réunion.

ARTICLE 100.- Recel

(1) Est receleur celui qui, après la commission d’un crime ou d’un délit,
soustrait le malfaiteur ou ses complices à l’arrestation ou aux recherches, ou
qui détient ou dispose des choses enlevées, détournées ou obtenues à l’aide
de l’infraction.

(2) Ces dispositions ne sont pas applicables entre les époux.

(3)Les peines du recel sont prévues par des dispositions spéciales de la
loi.

TITRE IV – DES LOIS FEDEREES

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 101.- Infractions aux textes des ex-Etats fédérés

(1) Les infractions aux lois des Etats fédérés, non prévues ni sanctionnées
par le présent Code ou par d’autres lois fédérales sont punies, si la loi fédérée
le décide expressément, de peines égales ou inférieures à un (01) an
d’emprisonnement et d’une amende de vingt cinq mille (25 000) francs sans
pouvoir excéder cinq cent mille (500 000) francs, ou de l’une ou l’autre peine
seulement.

(2) Les infractions aux décrets ou arrêtés légalement pris en exécution des
lois des Etats fédérés constituent des contraventions.

LIVRE II – DES CRIMES, DESDELITS ET DES CONTRAVENTIONS

TITRE I – DES CRIMESET DES DELITS CONTRE LA CHOSE PUBLIQUE

CHAPITRE I

– DES ATTEINTES A LA SÛRETE DE L’ETAT

SECTION I – DE LA SÛRETE EXTÉRIEURE DE L’ETAT

ARTICLE 102.- Hostilités contre la patrie

Est coupable de trahison et puni de mort, tout citoyen qui :
a) participe à des hostilités contre la République :
b)favorise ou offre de favoriser lesdites hostilités.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 103.- Autres crimes punis de mort

Est coupable de trahison et puni de mort, tout citoyen, et est coupable
d’espionnage et également puni de mort, tout étranger qui :

a) incite une puissance étrangère à des hostilités contre la République ;
b) livre ou offre de livrer à une puissance étrangère ou à ses agents, des
troupes, des territoires, des installations ou du matériel affectés à la

défense nationale ou des secrets de la défense nationale ou s’assure
par quelque moyen que ce soit la possession d’un secret de la défense
nationale en vue de le livrer à une puissance étrangère;
c) en vue de nuire à la défense nationale, détériore des constructions, des
installations ou matériels, ou pratique soit avant, soit après leur
achèvement des malfaçons de nature à les empêcher de fonctionner
normalement ou à provoquer un accident.

ARTICLE 104.- Peines de droit commun

En cas de réduction de la peine prévue parles articles 102 et 103 ci-
dessus, la peine privative de liberté est celle de l’emprisonnement à vie.

ARTICLE 105.- Atteintes punies d’un maximum de dix ans

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à dix (10) ans et d’une amende
de cent mille (100 000) à dix millions (10 000 000) de francs ou de l’une de
ces deux peines seulement, celui qui, en temps de paix :

1. dans un but autre que de le livrer à une puissance étrangère, s’assure la
possession d’un secret de la défense nationale ou le révèle à une
personne non qualifiée ;
2. dans l’intention de les livrer à une puissance étrangère, rassemble des
renseignements, objets, documents ou procédés dont la réunion et
l’exploitation sont de nature à nuire à la défense nationale ;
3. s’introduit, à l’aide de moyens frauduleux, dans une installation, un
navire, un aéronef ou un véhicule affectés à la défense nationale ;
4. exécute des dessins, levées ou opérations photographiques ou
topographiques à l’intérieur des installations militaires ou autour d’elles
dans une zone d’interdiction fixée par les autorités militaires et sans leur
autorisation;
5. séjourne, au mépris d’une interdiction édictée par l’autorité compétente,
dans un rayon déterminé autour d’une installation militaire ;
6. survole sans autorisation le territoire de la République dans un aéronef
étranger ;
7. organise, d’une manière occulte, un moyen de correspondance ou de
transmission à distance susceptible de nuire à la défense nationale ;
8. par des actes non approuvés par le Gouvernement, expose la
République à des représailles;
9. s’engage ou s’entraîne, sans autorisation préalable des autorités
camerounaises habilitées, dans les forces armées ou de police

étrangères, et se livre à des activités nuisibles à la défense nationale ou
des activités susceptibles d’exposer éventuellement la République à
une rébellion ou à une insurrection.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 106.- Atteintes punies d’un maximum de cinq ans

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (05) ans et d’une amende
de cinquante mille (50 000) à cinq millions (5 000 000) de francs ou de l’une de
ces deux peines seulement, celui qui, en temps de paix :

1. entretient avec les agents d’une puissance étrangère, des intelligences
susceptibles de nuire à la situation militaire ou diplomatique de la
République ;
2. recrute ou enrôle, sur le territoire de la République et sans l’autorisation
du Gouvernement des individus pour le compte d’une force armée
étrangère ;
3. expose, par des actes non approuvés par le Gouvernement, des
citoyens à des représailles ;
4. sans autorisation du Gouvernement, livre ou communique à une
puissance étrangère ou à ses agents soit une invention intéressant la
défense nationale, soit des renseignements, études ou procédés de
fabrication se rapportant à une invention de ce genre où à une
application industrielle intéressant la défense nationale ;
5. par imprudence, négligence ou inobservation des règlements, laisse
soustraire ou prendre connaissance, en tout ou en partie et même
momentanément, des objets, matériels, documents ou renseignements
qui lui sont confiés ou dont il a la garde, et dont la connaissance pourrait
conduire à la découverte d’un secret de la défense nationale ;
6. par imprudence, négligence ou inobservation des règlements, laisse
détériorer ou détruire des objets, matériels ou documents qui lui sont
confiés où dont il a la garde, et dont la détérioration ou la perte porte
atteinte à la défense nationale ;
7. étant chargé de fournitures, entreprises ou régies pour le compte des
forces armées, ou étant agent d’un fournisseur ou sous-traitant, fait
manquer le service ou provoque son retard, même par suite d’une
simple négligence;
8. étant chargé de fournitures, entreprises ou régies pour le compte des
forces armées, commet une fraude sur la nature, la qualité ou la
quantité des travaux ou de la main-d’œuvre ou des choses fournies;
9. s’engage ou s’entraîne, sans autorisation préalable des autorités
camerounaises habilitées, dans les forces armées ou de police
étrangères.

ARTICLE 107.- Non-dénonciation

Est puni des peines prévues à l’article 106 ci-dessus, le citoyen qui, en
temps de paix, n’avertit pas les autorités militaires, administratives ou judiciaires
dès le moment où il en a connaissance, de toute activité de nature à nuire à la
défense nationale.

ARTICLE 108. Temps de guerre

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de dix (10) à vingt (20) ans, tout citoyen
ou tout résident qui, en temps de guerre et sans l’autorisation de l’autorité
compétente :

a) entretient une correspondance ou des relations avec les sujets ou les
agents d’une puissance ennemie ;
b) fait, même indirectement, un acte de commerce avec un sujet où un
agent d’une puissance ennemie ou avec une personne résident sur
son territoire.

(2) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de dix (10) à vingt (20) ans celui qui, en
temps de guerre :

a) participe à une entreprise de démoralisation de l’armée ou de la nation
ayant pour objet de nuire à la défense nationale :
b) commet une des infractions visées aux articles 105, 106 et 107 ci-
dessus.

(3) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (05) ans et d’une
amende de cinquante (50 000) mille à cinq millions (5 000 000)de francs, ou de
l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui, en temps de guerre, commet un
acte quelconque de nature à nuire à la défense nationale et non autrement
puni
(4) Pour l’application des alinéas 2 et 3 ci-dessus, sont assimilés au temps
de guerre l’état d’urgence et l’état d’exception.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 109. Définition du secret de la défense nationale

Est réputé secret de la défense nationale, pour l’application du présent
Code, tout renseignement de toute nature susceptible d’aider des entreprises
hostiles à la République et qui n’a pas déjà été rendu public.

ARTICLE 110.- Extension aux puissances étrangères

Les dispositions de la présente section s’appliquent également aux actes
commis au préjudice des puissances étrangères auxquelles elles ont été
étendues par décret.

SECTION II – DE LA SURETE INTERIEURE DE L’ETAT

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 111.- Sécession

(1) Est puni de l’emprisonnement à vie celui qui, en temps de paix,
entreprend par quelque moyen que ce soit de porter atteinte à l’intégrité du
territoire.

(2) En temps de guerre, d’état d’urgence ou d’exception, la peine est celle
de mort.

ARTICLE 112.- Guerre civile

Est puni de mort celui qui excite à la guerre civile en armant ou poussant
les habitants à s’armer les uns contre les autres.

ARTICLE 113.- Propagation de fausses nouvelles

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à trois (03) ans et d’une
amende de cent mille (100 000) à deux millions (2 000 000) de francs, celui qui
émet ou propage des nouvelles mensongères, lorsque ces nouvelles sont
susceptibles de nuire aux autorités publiques ou à la cohésion nationale.

En cas de réduction de la peine prévue aux articles 111 (2) et 112 ci-
dessus, la peine privative est celle de l’emprisonnement.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 114.- Révolution

Est puni de l’emprisonnement à vie, celui qui tente par la violence, soit de
modifier les lois constitutionnelles, soit de renverser les autorités politiques
instituées par lesdites lois ou de les mettre dans l’impossibilité d’exercer leurs
pouvoirs.

ARTICLE 115.- Bande armée

(1) Est puni de l’emprisonnement à vie tout individu qui, dans le but de
commettre l’un des crimes prévus aux articles 111, 112 et 114 ci-dessus, ou

pour empêcher l’action de la force publique contre les auteurs de ces crimes,
organise une bande armée ou y exerce une fonction ou un commandement
quelconque ou participe avec cette bande à l’exécution ou à la tentative
d’exécution de ces crimes.
(2) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de dix (10) à vingt (20) ans, tout individu
ayant seulement participé à la réunion de cette bande.

(3) Constitue une bande armée pour l’application du présent article, tout
rassemblement d’au moins cinq (05) personnes dont l’une au moins est
porteuse d’une arme, apparente ou cachée.
(4) Les dispositions de l’article 95 (5) du présent Code sont applicables au
présent article.

ARTICLE 116.- Insurrection

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de dix (10) à vingt (20) ans celui qui, dans
un mouvement insurrectionnel:

a) provoque ou facilite le rassemblement des insurgés par quelque moyen
que ce soit ;
b) empêche par quelque moyen que ce soit, la convocation, la réunion ou
l’exercice de la force publique ou s’en empare:
c) envahit ou détruit des édifices publics ou privés ;
d) détient ou s’empare d’armes, de munitions ou d’explosifs ;
e) porte un uniforme, un costume ou autres insignes officiels, civils ou
militaires.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 117.- Définition des armes

En dehors des armes proprement dites, sont considérées comme armes
pour l’application du présent article, tous les objets portés avec l’intention d’en
faire usage pour causer des dommages corporels ou matériels.

SECTION III – DES PEINES ACCESSOIRES

ARTICLE 118.- Confiscation spéciale

En cas de condamnation pour l’un des crimes ou délits prévus au présent
chapitre, la confiscation prescrite par l’article 35 du présent Code est prononcée
et peut être étendue même aux biens n’appartenant pas au condamné.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 119.- Confiscation des biens illégitimes

(1) En cas de condamnation pour l’un des crimes ou délits prévus au
présent chapitre, la juridiction peut prononcer la confiscation des biens du
condamné de quelque nature qu’ils soient, divis ou indivis, dont il ne peut établir
l’origine légitime.
2) En temps de guerre, cette confiscation est toujours prononcée.

ARTICLE 120.- Confiscation générale

En cas de condamnation pour l’un des crimes prévus au présent chapitre,
la juridiction peut également prononcer la confiscation totale ou partielle des
biens légitimement acquis.

ARTICLE 121.- Déchéances

(1) En cas de condamnation pour crime prévu au présent chapitre, la durée
des déchéances énumérées à l’article 30 du présent Code ne peut être réduite
à moins de cinq (05) ans.

(2) En cas de condamnation à une peine privative de liberté pour délit,
prononcée en application du présent chapitre, la juridiction peut y ajouter ces
déchéances pour une durée de cinq (05) ans au moins et de dix (10) ans au
plus
(3) Les mesures post-pénales prévues à l’article 40 du présent Code
peuvent être portées jusqu’à dix (10) ans.
(4) En cas de crime ou délit commis par un fonctionnaire, par un agent ou
employé d’un service public ou par un militaire, l’interdiction d’exercer une
fonction publique peut être perpétuelle.

Code Penal Camerounais

CHAPITRE II – ATTEINTES A LA CONSTITUTION

SECTION I – DES DELITS ELECTORAUX

ARTICLE 122.- Fraudes électorales

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à deux (02) ans et
d’ l‘une amende de cinquante mille (50 000) à cinq cent mille (500 000) francs ou
de l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui :

2) se fait inscrire sur les listes électorales sous une fausse identité ou qui,
en se faisant inscrire, dissimule qu’il :
– est condamné pour crime, même par défaut;
– est condamné à une peine privative de liberté sans sursis supérieure à
trois (03) mois ;
– est condamné à une peine privative de liberté assortie de sursis simple
ou avec probation supérieure à six (06) mois;
= fait l’objet d’un mandat d’arrêt;
– est failli non réhabilité et dont la faillite a été déclarée, soit par les
tribunaux camerounais, soit par un jugement rendu à l’étranger et
exécutoire au Cameroun ;
b) à l’aide de déclarations mensongères ou de faux certificats, se fait
inscrire indûment sur une liste électorale ou qui, à l’aide des mêmes
moyens, inscrit ou raye indûment un citoyen ;
c) déchu du droit de vote, participe au scrutin ;
d) vote soit en vertu d’une inscription frauduleuse, soit en prenant les noms
et qualités d’autres électeurs inscrits ;
e) à la suite des inscriptions multiples, vote plus d’une fois ;
f) étant chargé dans un scrutin de recevoir, compter ou dépouiller les
bulletins contenant les suffrages des citoyens, soustrait, ajoute ou altère
des bulletins, ou indique un autre nom que celui inscrit ;
g) à l’aide de fausses nouvelles, de propos calomnieux ou autres
manœuvres frauduleuses, supprime ou détourne des suffrages,
détermine un ou plusieurs électeurs à s’abstenir de voter ;
h) avant, pendant ou après un scrutin, par inobservation des dispositions
législatives ou réglementaires, ou par tout autre acte frauduleux, viole le
secret, porte atteinte à la sincérité, empêche les opérations du scrutin
ou en modifie le résultat ;

i) se rend coupable de manœuvres frauduleuses dans la délivrance ou la
production des certificats d’inscription ou de radiation des listes
électorales;
j) utilise à des fins autres qu’électorales, les données personnelles
contenues dans le fichier électoral;
K) le jour du scrutin, avec violence ou non, se rend auteur ou complice d’un
enlèvement frauduleux de l’urne ou de tout autre matériel électoral.
(2) Si l’auteur ou son complice est fonctionnaire au sens de l’article 131 du
présent Code, il est passible d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (05) ans.

ARTICLE 123.- Corruption et violences en matière électorale

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à deux (02) ans et d’une
amende de dix mille (10 000) à cent mille (100 000) francs ou de l’une de ces
deux peines seulement, celui qui:

a) par attroupement, par clameurs ou démonstrations menaçantes, trouble
les opérations électorales ou porte atteinte à l’exercice du droit ou à la
liberté du vote ;
b) le jour du scrutin, se rend coupable d’outrage ou de violences envers la
commission locale de vote ou envers un de ses membres, ou qui, par
voies de fait ou de menaces, retarde ou empêche les opérations
électorales:
c) par dons, libéralités, faveurs, promesses d’octroi d’emplois publics ou
privés ou d’autres avantages particuliers faits en vue d’influencer le vote
d’un ou de plusieurs électeurs, obtient leur suffrage soit directement,
soit par l’entremise d’un tiers ;
d) directement ou par l’entremise d’un tiers, accepte ou sollicite des
candidats des dons, libéralités, faveurs ou avantages cités au
paragraphe (c) ci-dessus ;
e) par voies de fait, violences ou menaces contre un électeur, soit en lui
faisant craindre de perdre son emploi, soit d’exposer à un dommage sa
personne, sa famille ou sa fortune, influence son vote.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 123-1.- Port d’arme en période électorale

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de dix (10) jours à deux (02) mois et
d’une amende de vingt cinq mille (25 000) à deux cent cinquante mille (250
000) francs ou de l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui entre dans un
bureau de vote avec une arme apparente.

(2) La peine d’emprisonnement peut être portée à quatre (04) mois et
l’amende à cinq cent mille (500 000) francs si l’arme était cachée.

ARTICLE 123-2.- Activité ou manifestation à caractère politique en période

électorale

(1) Toute activité ou manifestation à caractère politique est interdite au sein
des établissements publics ainsi que dans les établissements scolaires ou
universitaires.

(2) Toute infraction aux dispositions de l’alinéa 1°ci-dessus est punie d’un
emprisonnement de dix (10) jours à quatre (04) mois et d’une amende de vingt
cinq mille (25 000) à deux cent cinquante mille (250 000) francs ou de l’une de
ces deux peines seulement.

ARTICLE 123-3.- Détourne ment de fonds publics en matière électorale

Est punie des peines prévues par l’article 184 du présent Code, toute
personne qui, agissant en son nom ou pour le compte d’un parti politique, utilise
les fonds reçus dans le cadre du financement public à des fins autres que celles
prévues par la loi portant Code Electoral.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 123-4.- Poursuites pénales en matière électorale

Hors le cas de flagrant délit, aucune poursuite pénale contre un candidat
pour infraction aux dispositions de la présente Section ne peut être intentée
avant la proclamation des résultats.

SECTION II – DE LA COALITION

ARTICLE 124.- Coalition contre les lois, le fonctionnement d’un service et la sûreté de l’Etat

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) mois à trois (03) ans, tout
individu dépositaire de quelque partie de l’autorité publique et tout fonctionnaire
qui, avec d’autres dépositaires ou fonctionnaires, concerte ou délibère :

– des mesures contraires aux lois ou aux textes d’application légalement
pris :
– des mesures, y compris des démissions collectives, ayant pour objet
principal d’empêcher ou de suspendre l’exécution d’un service public.

(2) Si ce concert a lieu entre les autorités civiles et militaires,
l’emprisonnement est de un (01) à dix (10) ans.

(8) Si le concert visé à l’alinéa 2 ci-dessus a pour objet un crime contre la
sûreté de l’Etat, la peine est celle de mort.

Code Penal Camerounais

SECTION II – DES EMPIETEMENTS

ARTICLE 125.- Empiétements sur le pouvoir législatif

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) mois à cinq (05) ans, tout
fonctionnaire qui :

a) s’immisce dans l’exercice du pouvoir législatif ;
b) refuse d’exécuter des dispositions législatives.

ARTICLE 126.- Empiétements sur le pouvoir exécutif et sur le pouvoir judiciaire

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) mois à cinq (05) ans:

– le représentant de l’autorité exécutive qui intime des ordres ou des
défenses à des Cours ou Tribunaux ;
– le magistrat qui intime des ordres ou des défenses à des autorités
exécutives ou administratives.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 127.- Empiétements du judiciaire sur certaines immunités

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (05) ans, le Magistrat ou
l’Officier de Police Judiciaire qui poursuit, arrête ou juge quiconque, en violation
des lois sur les immunités.

SECTIO
DE L’UTILISATION IRREGULIERE ne LA FORCE PUBLIQUE

ARTICLE 128.- Emploi illégal de la force

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) à dix (10) ans et d’une amende
de vingt mille (20 000) à deux cent mille (200 000) francs, celui qui requiert ou
ordonne l’action ou l’emploi de la force publique contre l’exécution d’une
disposition législative ou réglementaire ou d’un ordre légitime soit de la justice,
soit de l’administration.

ARTICLE 129.- Inexécution de réquisition

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) mois à deux (02) ans, le
commandant de la force publique qui n’obtempère pas à une réquisition légale
de l’autorité civile.

Code Penal Camerounais

SECTION V – DES PEINES ACCESSOIRES

ARTICLE 130.- Déchéances

Encas de condamnation pour l’un des délits prévus au présent chapitre, la
juridiction peut prononcer, pour une durée de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans, les
déchéances de l’article 30 du présent Code.

CHAPITRE III – DESINFRACTIONS COMMISES PAR LES FONCTIONNAIRES DANS L’EXERCICE DE LEUR FONCTION

SECTION I – DISPOSITIONS PRELIMINAIRES

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 131.- Définition du fonctionnaire

Est considéré comme fonctionnaire, pour l’application de toute loi pénale,
tout Magistrat, tout Officier Public ou Ministériel, tout préposé ou commis de
l’Etat ou toute autre personne morale de droit public, d’une société d’Etat ou
d’économie mixte, d’un officier public ou ministériel, tout militaire des forces
armées ou de gendarmerie, tout agent de la sûreté nationale ou de
l’administration pénitentiaire et toute personne chargée, même
occasionnellement, d’un service, d’une mission ou d’un mandat public, agissant
dans l’exercice ou à l’occasion de l’exercice de ses fonctions.

ARTICLE 131-1.- Agent public étranger ou international

Est considérée comme agent public étranger ou international, pour
l’application du présent Code, toute personne détenant un mandat législatif,
exécutif, administratif ou judiciaire d’un pays étranger, ou d’une organisation
internationale publique, qu’elle ait été nommée ou élue, et toute personne qui
exerce une fonction publique pour un pays étranger, y compris pour un
organisme public ou une entreprise publique.

ARTICLE 132. Aggravation pour les fonctionnaires

(1) Sous réserve des peines plus sévères s’il échet, est puni d’un
emprisonnement de six (06) mois à cinq (05) ans, le fonctionnaire coupable de
violences contre autrui. .
(2) Les peines prévues aux articles 189 (copie de documents
administratifs), 206 (documents et permis), 207 (certificats officiels), 291 (1)
(arrestation illégale), 292 (travail forcé), 299 (violation de domicile), 300
(violation de correspondance), 310 (secret professionnel), 315 (contrefaçon de
certificat) du présent Code, sont doublées lorsque le coupable est un
fonctionnaire.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 133. Déchéances, confiscation et publicité

(1) Les déchéances de l’article 30 du présent Code peuvent être
prononcées contre les fonctionnaires coupables des infractions prévues au
présent chapitre ou condamnés en application de l’article 89 du présent Code.
Toutefois, dans le cas des articles 134, 134-1, 135, 136 et 161 du présent
Code, les déchéances de l’article 30 sont obligatoirement prononcées.
(2) En cas de condamnation pour les infractions prévues aux articles 134,
134-1, 135, 136 et 161 du présent Code, la juridiction est tenue de prononcer la
confiscation prévue à l’article 35 du présent Code, et d’ordonner la publication
de sa décision par voie de presse écrite, cybernétique, de radio ou de
télévision.

SECTION II – DES AVANTAGES ILLEGITIMES

ARTICLE 134.- Corruption active

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans et d’une
amende de deux cent mille (200 000) à deux millions (2 000 000) de francs,
tout fonctionnaire ou agent public national, étranger ou international qui, pour
lui-même ou pour un tiers, sollicite, agrée ou reçoit des offres, promesses, dons
ou présents pour faire, s’abstenir de faire ou ajourner un acte de sa fonction.

(2) La peine prévue l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus est un emprisonnement de un
(01) à cinq (05) ans et une amende de cent mille (100 000) à un million
(1 000 000) de francs si l’acte n’entre pas dans les attributions de la personne
corrompue, mais a été facilité par sa fonction.

(3) Est puni des peines prévues à l’alinéa 2 ci-dessus, tout agent public
national ou international qui sollicite ou accepte une rétribution en espèces ou

en nature pour lui-même ou pour un tiers, en rémunération d’un acte déjà
accompli ou une abstention passée:

(4) Les peines prévues auxalinéas1, 2 et 3 ci-dessus sont doublées si le
fonctionnaire ou l’agent public incriminé est un Magistrat, un Officier de Police
Judiciaire, un agent d’une institution de lutte contre la corruption, un Chef
d’Unité administrative ou tout autre fonctionnaire ou agent public assermentés.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 134-1.- Corruption passive

(1) Quiconque, pour obtenir soit l’accomplissement, l’ajournement ou le
refus d’accomplissement d’un acte, soit des faveurs ou des avantages tels que
prévus l’article 134 ci-dessus, fait des promesses, offres, dons, présents ou
cède à des sollicitations tendant à la corruption, est puni des peines prévues à
l’article 134 alinéa 1 ci-dessus, que la corruption ait ou non produit son effet.

(2) Est puni des peines prévues à l’alinéa 2 de l’article 134 ci-dessus, celui
qui fait des dons, présents ou cède aux sollicitations tendant à rémunérer un
acte déjà accompli ou une abstention passée.

ARTICLE 134-2.- Exemption des poursuites

Pour l’application des articles 134 et 134-1 ci-dessus, la personne sollicitée
est exempte de poursuites si elle donne connaissance des faits de corruption
aux autorités judiciaires.

ARTICLE 135.- Intérêt dans un acte

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (05) ans et d’une
amende de deux cent mille (200 000) à deux millions (2 000 000) de francs, tout
fonctionnaire ou agent public qui, directement ou indirectement, prend ou reçoit
un intérêt:

a) dans les actes ou adjudications soumis à son avis, ou dont il avait la
surveillance, le contrôle, l’administration ou la passation :
b) dans les entreprises privées, les coopératives, les sociétés d’économie
mixte ou participation financière de l’Etat, les régies, les concessions
soumises à sa surveillance ou à son contrôle ;
c) dans les marchés ou contrats passés au nom de l’Etat ou d’une
collectivité publique, avec une personne physique ou morale ;
d) dans une affaire pour laquelle il est chargé d’ordonnancer le paiement
ou d’opérer la liquidation.

(2) Les dispositions du présent article sont applicables aux anciens
fonctionnaires et agents publics tels que définis à l’article 131 du présent Code
qui, dans les cinq (05) ans à compter de la cessation de leurs fonctions par
suite de démission, destitution, congé, mise en disponibilité ou à la retraite, ou
pour toute autre cause, prennent un intérêt quelconque dans les actes,
opérations ou entreprises susvisés et précédemment soumis à leur
surveillance, contrôle, administration ou dont ils assuraient le paiement ou la
liquidation.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 135-1.- Délit d’initié

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) mois à deux (02) ans et d’une
amende de un million (1 000 000) à dix millions (10 000 000) de francs, le fait :

a) pour des dirigeants d’une société commerciale ou industrielle et pour les
personnes disposant, à l’occasion de l’exercice de leur profession ou de
leurs fonctions, d’informations privilégiées sur la situation ou les
perspectives d’un émetteur dont les valeurs mobilières sont négociées sur
le marché, de réaliser ou de permettre sciemment de réaliser, directement
ou par personne interposée, une ou plusieurs opérations avant que le
public ait connaissance de ces informations et avec pour but de réaliser
un profit indu ;
b) pour toute personne disposant à l’occasion de l’exercice de sa profession
ou de ses fonctions, d’informations privilégiées sur la situation ou les
perspectives d’un émetteur dont les valeurs mobilières sont négociées sur
un marché, de les communiquer à un tiers en dehors du cadre normal de
sa profession ou de ses fonctions et avec pour but de réaliser un profit
indu ;
c)le fait pour toute personne disposant à l’occasion de l’exercice de ses
fonctions, d’informations privilégiées et soumises au secret professionnel,
relatives à la réalisation d’un projet par l’Etat, une collectivité
décentralisée ou toute autre personne morale de droit public, d’utiliser
lesdites informations pour se permettre ou permettre à autrui, de poser
des actes à son profit de manière à faire retarder le projet envisagé ou de
le grever des charges supplémentaires;
d) les peines sont doublées si l’auteur des faits est un fonctionnaire ou un
agent public au sens du présent Code.

ARTICLE 135-2.- Entraves au fonctionnement du marché financier

(1) Est punie d’une amende de cinq cent mille (500 000) à cinq millions
(5 000 000) de francs, toute personne physique ou morale qui:
– fausse le fonctionnement du marché ;

– procure un avantage injustifié aux personnes qui ne l’auraient pas obtenu
dans le cadre normal du marché;
– porte atteinte à l’égalité d’information et de traitement des investisseurs ou à
leurs intérêts ; .
– fait bénéficier aux émetteurs et investisseurs de pratiques contraires à leurs
obligations;
-fournit des services d’investissement à des tiers, à titre de profession
habituelle, sans y être autorisée;
-effectue des négociations ou échanges, autres que ceux prévus par la
réglementation en vigueur, sur des valeurs mobilières admises aux
négociations sur un marché, sans recourir à un prestataire de service
d’investissement.

(2) Est punie d’un emprisonnement de six (06) mois à deux (02) ans et
d’une amende de un million (1 000 000) à dix millions (10 000 000) de francs ou
de l’une de ces deux peines seulement, toute personne physique ou morale
qui diffuse sciemment, dans le public, des informations fausses ou trompeuses
sur la situation ou les perspectives d’un émetteur dont les valeurs mobilières
sont négociées sur le marché, de nature à agir sur les cours, ou qui entrave ou
tente d’entraver, par manœuvre de toute nature, le bon fonctionnement du
marché.

(3) Les peines accessoires prévues aux articles 33, 34 et 35 du présent
Code peuvent également être prononcées par la juridiction compétente.

(4) La juridiction compétente peut, en outre, le cas échéant, prononcer une
amende d’un montant supérieur à ceux prévus par l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus jusqu’au
décuple du profit réalisé ; le montant retenu ne peut être inférieur audit profit.

ARTICLE 136.- Participation dans une affaire

(1) Est punie d’un emprisonnement de six (06) mois à deux (02) ans et
d’une amende de vingt mille (20 000) à deux millions (2 000 000) de francs ou
de l’une de ces deux peines seulement, toute personne qui, chargée en raison
de ses fonctions de surveillance de toute entreprise, régie ou concession, ou de
l’expression d’avis sur les activités de celles-ci, collabore ou participe de
quelque manière que ce soit, à leur financement ou à leur activité.

(2) Sont punis des peines prévues à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus, les mêmes
agissements commis dans un délai de cinq ans à compter de la cessation
desdites fonctions, sauf s’il s’agit de capitaux reçus à titre de dévolution
héréditaire.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 136-1.- Prise d’emploi prohibée

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) mois à deux (02) ans et d’une
amende de vingt mille (20 000) à deux millions (2 000 000) de francs ou de
l’une de ces deux peines seulement, tout agent public qui, chargé d’une mission
d’administration, même provisoire, ou de contrôle, de surveillance ou de conseil
d’une entreprise privée, exerce avant un délai de trois (03) ans à compter de la
cessation de ses fonctions, un mandat social ou se livre, même en vertu d’un
contrat, à une activité rémunérée par cette entreprise.

SECTION III – DESINFRACTIONS CONTRE L’INTERET PUBLIC

ARTICLE 137.- Concussion au détriment de l’Etat

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de deux (02) à dix (10) ans et d’une
amende de vingt (20 000) mille à deux millions (2 000 000) de francs, tout
fonctionnaire ou agent public qui accorde des exonérations de droits, taxes,
redevances, impôts ou contributions, délivre à un prix inférieur à celui qui est
prescrit, les produits de l’Etat, d’une coopérative, d’une collectivité ou
établissement publics ou soumis à la tutelle administrative de l’Etat ou dont
l’Etat détient, directement ou indirectement, la majorité du capital.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 138.- Déficit non signalé

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (05) ans et d’une amende
de cent mille (100 000) à un million (1 000 000) de francs, tout fonctionnaire ou
agent public étranger qui, ayant connaissance d’un déficit de caisse ou d’un
déficit comptable dans la gestion d’un agent public placé sous ses ordres ou
sous sa surveillance, ne le dénonce pas à l’autorité judiciaire la plus proche ou
à son supérieur hiérarchique.

ARTICLE 139. Négligence du gardien

Le gardien négligent est puni:

– en cas de destructions, dégradations ou soustractions des biens
visés à l’article 187 du présent Code, d’un emprisonnement de un
(01) mois à un (01) an et d’une amende de dix (10 000) mille à
cinquante mille (50 000) francs;
– en cas de soustraction, enlèvement ou destructions prévus l’article
188 du présent Code, d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à un

(01) an et d’une amende de dix mille (10 000) à cinquante mille
(50 000) francs ;
– en cas de bris de scellés, tel que prévu à l’article 191 du présent
Code, d’un emprisonnement.de six (06) jours à six (06) mois ;
– en cas d’évasion ou de libération, telles que prévues à l’article 193
du présent Code, d’un emprisonnement de deux (02) mois à deux
(02) ans.

SECTION IV – DES INFRACTIONS CONTREL’INTERET DES PARTICULIERS

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 140.- Abus de fonctions

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à trois (03) ans et d’une
amende de cinq mille (5 000) à cinquante mille (50 000) francs, ou de l’une de
ces deux peines seulement, tout fonctionnaire ou agent public étranger qui,
abusant de ses fonctions, porte atteinte aux droits ou intérêts privés.

(2) Si l’infraction est commise dans le but de se procurer ou de procurer à
autrui un avantage quelconque, la peine d’emprisonnement est de deux (02) à
dix (10) ans et l’amende de cinquante mille (50 000) à un million (1 000 000) de
francs.

ARTICLE 141.- Atteinte aux droits civiques

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (05) ans, tout
fonctionnaire qui empêche un citoyen d’exercer ses droits électoraux ou le prive
de l’exercice ou de la jouissance des droits mentionnés à l’article 30 (1), (2), (4)
ou(5) ci-dessus.

ARTICLE 142.- Concussion au détriment des particuliers

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de deux (02) à dix (10) ans et d’une
amende de deux cent mille (200 000) à deux millions (2 000 000) de francs, le
fonctionnaire ou agent public, le Notaire, le Commissaire-Priseur, l’Huissier ou
l’agent d’exécution et leurs préposés qui exigent des droits, taxes, redevances,
impôts ou contributions indus ou des avantages matériels, sans en payer le
juste prix.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 143.- Favoritisme

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (05) ans, tout
fonctionnaire qui décide par faveur ou par inimitié contre l’une des parties.
(2) Si ce fonctionnaire est un Magistrat ou une autorité administrative, la
peine est doublée.

ARTICLE 144.- Faux dans un acte

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de dix (10) à vingt (20) ans et d’une
amende de trois cent mille (300 000) à trois millions (3 000 000) de francs, le
fonctionnaire ou l’agent public qui contrefait ou altère, soit dans sa substance,
soit dans les signatures, dates et attestations, un acte ou écrit qu’il a le devoir
d’établir, de recevoir, de constater ou de notifier.

(2) Est puni des peines prévues à l’alinéa 1° ci-dessus, celui qui fait usage
d’un acte ainsi contrefait ou altéré.

– DES ABSTENTIONS COUPABLES

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 145.- Tolérance d’un attroupement

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à deux (02) ans, le
fonctionnaire qui, ayant le pouvoir, le devoir et la possibilité de disperser un
attroupement, tel que défini à l’article 232 du présent Code, s’en abstient.

ARTICLE 146.- Tolérance d’une atteinte aux droits individuels

Le fonctionnaire qui, ayant le pouvoir, le devoir et la possibilité de les
empêcher, tolère soit des violences contre les personnes, soit des actes
attentatoires à la liberté individuelle ou aux droits civiques, tels que définis à
l’article 141 du présent Code, est puni comme complice.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 147 .- Déni de justice

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à deux (02) ans tout juge
qui dénie, après en avoir été dûment requis, de rendre une décision.

ARTICLE 148. Refus d’un service dû

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à deux (02) ans, le
fonctionnaire, le notaire, le commissaire-priseur, l’huissier ou l’agent d’exécution
qui, étant légalement requis d’accomplir un devoir de sa fonction, s’en abstient.

ARTICLE 149.- Inobservation des formalités du mariage

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à un (01) an et d’une
amende de cinq mille (5 000) à soixante dix mille (70 000) francs, l’officier d’état
civil qui dresse un acte de mariage:

a) sans s’assurer que les consentements nécessaires à sa validité ont été
accordés ;
b) sans observer le délai de viduité éventuellement prescrit.

(2) L’infraction est punissable indépendamment des conséquences civiles
de l’irrégularité.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 150.- Tenue irrégulière des registres d’état civil

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à trois (03) mois et d’une
amende de deux mille (2 000) à quarante mille (40 000) francs, l’Officier d’Etat
Civil qui :

a)inscrit ses actes ailleurs que sur les registres relatifs ou qui omet de les
inscrire ;
b) ayant reçu une déclaration de naissance ou de décès, omet de la
transcrire ;
c) célèbre un mariage pour lequel il n’est pas territorialement compétent :
d) porte une mention autre que celles prévues;
e) transcrit délibérément dans ses registres, un mariage n’ayant pas fait
l’objet d’une publication ou frappé d’une opposition sans mainlevée :
f) transcrit une union coutumière non attestée par les responsables
coutumiers des deux époux.

(2) Est punie des peines prévues à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus, toute personne
tenue de déclarer un état civil conformément à la loi qui, sans motif légitime,
omet de le faire ou déclare un acte mensonger ou inexact.

ARTICLE 151.- Négligence systématique

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à deux (02) ans
et d’une amende de cinquante mille (50 000) à cinq cent mille (500 000)
francs, tout fonctionnaire ou employé du secteur privé qui, par négligence
ou obstruction systématique, provoque des ajournements, des
ralentissements ou des désordres ou s’abstient systématiquement
d’exécuter tout acte de sa fonction.
(2) La poursuite ne peut être engagée que sur la plainte préalable du
supérieur hiérarchique.

CHAPITRE IV – DES ATTEINTES A L’AUTORITE PUBLIQUE

SECTION I – DES OUTRAGES ET VIOLENCES

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 152.- Définition de l’outrage

(1) La diffamation, l’injure ou la menace faites soit par des gestes,
paroles, ou cris proférés dans des lieux ouverts au public, soit par tout
procédé destiné à atteindre le public sont qualifiées d’outrages.

(2) Les exceptions prévues l’article 306 du présent Code s’appliquent
à l’outrage.

(3) L’action publique se prescrit après quatre (04) mois révolus, à
compter du délit ou du jour du dernier acte de poursuite ou d’instruction

ARTICLE 153.- Outrage au Président de la République

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (05) ans et d’une
amende de vingt mille (20 000) à vingt millions (20 000 000) de francs ou
de l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui outrage le Président de
la République, la personne qui exerce tout ou partie de ses prérogatives
ou un Chef d’Etat étranger.

(2) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) mois à deux (02) ans et
d’une amende de vingt mille (20 000) à vingt millions (20 000 000) de
francs ou de l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui outrage les
Chefs de Gouvernements étrangers, les ministres chargés des affaires
étrangères des gouvernements étrangers et les agents diplomatiques
accrédités auprès du Gouvernement de la République.

(8) La vérité du fait diffamatoire ne peut en aucun cas être rapportée.

ARTICLE 154.Outrage aux corps constitués et aux fonctionnaires

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à trois (03) ans et
d’une amende d’un million (1 000 000) à deux millions (2 000 000) de
francs ou de l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui outrage sans
pouvoir rapporter, en cas de diffamation, la vérité du fait diffamatoire :

a)les cours et tribunaux, les forces armées, les corps constitués et les
administrations publiques;
b) en raison de leurs fonctions ou de leur qualité, un membre du
Gouvernement, ou du Parlement ou un fonctionnaire.

(2) Est puni des peines de l’alinéa (1) ci-dessus, celui qui, par des
paroles ou des écrits au public, incite à la révolte contre le Gouvernement
et les Institutions de la République.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 155.- Non publicité

Au cas où la diffamation, l’injure et la menace visées aux articles 153
et 154 n’ont pas été publiques, la peine d’emprisonnement est réduite de
moitié, ainsi que l’amende.

ARTICLE 156.- Violences à fonctionnaire

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) mois à trois (03) ans et
d’une amende de cinq mille (5 000) à cent mille (100 000) francs, celui qui
commet des violences ou voies de fait contre un fonctionnaire.

(2)La peine est un emprisonnement de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans et une
amende de vingt mille (20 000) à cinq cent mille (500 000) francs, si les
violences ou voies de fait sont préméditées ou si elles entraînent, même
non intentionnellement, des blessures telles que prévues aux articles 277
et 280 du présent Code.

(3) La juridiction peut, dans tous les cas, prononcer les déchéances
de l’article 30 du présent Code.

(4) Si les violences et voies de fait entraînent non intentionnellement
la mort, la peine d’emprisonnement est à vie.

(5) Si les violences et voies de fait sont commises avec l’intention de
donner la mort, le coupable est puni de mort.

ARTICLE 157.- Rébellion

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à quatre (04)
ans, celui qui :

a) par quelque moyen que ce soit, incite à résister à l’application des
lois, règlements ou ordres légitimes de l’autorité publique;
b) par des violences ou voies de fait, empêche quiconque d’agir pour
l’exécution des lois, des règlements ou ordres légitimes de l’autorité
publique.

(2) Dans le cas visé à l’alinéa (1) (b) ci-dessus, la peine est de un (01)
à cinq (05) ans d’emprisonnement si l’auteur ou l’un des auteurs est armé.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 158.- Rébellion en groupe

(1)Au cas où l’infraction prévue à l’article 157 ci-dessus est commise
par au moins cinq (05) personnes, la peine est de un (01) à trois (03) ans
d’emprisonnement et de cinq (05) à quinze (15) ans d’emprisonnement si
deux au moins d’entre elles portent des armes ostensibles.

(2)Contre tout coauteur qui porte des armes même cachées, la peine
est de cinq (05) à quinze (15) ans d’emprisonnement.

ARTICLE 159.- Caractère politique (Abrogé)

SECTION III – DE L’INFLUENCE ET DE LA FRAUDE

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 160.- Contrainte de fonctionnaire

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de deux (02) à dix (10) ans et d’une
amende de vingt mille (20 000) à un million (1 000 000) de francs, celui qui,
par voies de fait ou menaces, détermine un fonctionnaire à un acte où une
abstention irrégulière.

ARTICLE 161.- Trafic d’influence

(1) Est puni des peines de l’article 160 du présent Code, celui qui, par
voies de fait, menaces, dons ou promesses, corrompt une personne ayant
une influence réelle ou supposée pour obtenir de l’autorité publique ou
privée, un avantage quelconque.

(2) Est puni des mêmes peines, le fonctionnaire ou l’agent public qui,
pour lui-même ou pour autrui, sollicite, agréé ou reçoit des offres,
promesses ou dons pour faire obtenir un avantage quelconque accordé par
l’autorité publique ou par un organisme placé sous contrôle de l’autorité
publique, des marchés, entreprises ou autres bénéfices résultant de
conventions conclues avec l’autorité publique ou un organisme placé sous
le contrôle de l’autorité publique, abusant ainsi de l’influence réelle ou
supposée que lui donne sa qualité ou son mandat.

ARTICLE 162.- Déclarations mensongères

1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de quinze (15) jours à trois (03) mois et
d’une amende de cinq mille (5 000) à cinquante mille (50 000) francs,
celui qui, par ses déclarations mensongères, influe sur la conduite du
fonctionnaire.

2) S’il s’agit d’une déclaration faite à l’occasion d’un acte de naissance,
de mariage ou de décès, la peine d’emprisonnement est de trois (03)
mois à trois (03) ans.

3) Au cas où les déclarations mensongères sont faites sous serment, la
peine d’emprisonnement est de un (01) à cinq (05) ans.

4) La peine est de un(01) à cinq (05) ans d’emprisonnement contre celui
qui, par quelque moyen que ce soit, détermine l’inscription d’une
condamnation au casier judiciaire d’un tiers autre que le condamné.

5) La peine est de un (01) mois à un (01) an d’emprisonnement contre
celui qui, par quelque moyen que ce soit se fait délivrer indûment un
extrait du casier judiciaire d’un tiers.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 163.- Fraude aux examens

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) mois à trois (03) ans et d’une
amende de vingt cinq mille (25 000) à deux millions (2 000 000) de francs
ou de l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui commet une fraude
dans les examens ou concours dans le but d’obtenir soit l’entrée dans un
service public, soit un diplôme, certificat ou titre délivré par l’Etat ou un
service public national ou étranger.

ARTICLE 163-1.- Corruption en matière de concours administratifs ou d’examens

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de deux (02) à cinq (05) ans et d’une
amende de deux cent mille (200 000) à deux millions (2 000 000) de francs
ou de l’une de ces deux peines seulement, quiconque, en usant des
pratiques de corruption, facilite l’admission ou provoque l’échec d’un
candidat à un concours administratif ou à un examen.

(2) Est puni des peines prévues à l’alinéa 1* ci-dessus quiconque, en
raison des pratiques de corruption, déclare admis un ou plusieurs candidats
n’ayant pas composé.

SECTION IV – DES FRAUDES EN JUSTICE

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 164.- Faux témoignage

(1) Celui qui, dans une procédure fait un faux témoignage susceptible
d’influencer la décision et dont la déposition est devenue irrévocable est
puni:

a) lorsque la procédure est une information terminée par une décision
de non-lieu, d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à un (01) an et d’une
amende de cinq mille (5.000) à cinquante mille (50 000) francs ;
b)lorsque le faux témoignage est fait devant une juridiction statuant en
matière pénale :

– en cas de contravention, d’un emprisonnement de six (06) mois
à trois (03) ans et d’une amende de cinq mille (5 000) à cent
mille (100 000) francs;
– en cas de délit, d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (05) ans et
d’une amende de dix mille (10 000) à cinq cent mille (500 000)
francs;
– en cas de crime, d’un emprisonnement de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans
et d’une amende de cinquante mille (50 000) à deux millions
(2 000 000) de francs;
– en cas de crime passible de la peine de mort, de
l’emprisonnement à vie.
c) lorsque le faux témoignage est fait devant toute autre juridiction,
d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (05) ans et d’une amende dix
mille (10 000) à cinquante mille (50 000) francs.

(2) Si le témoin a reçu des dons ou agréé des promesses, les
peines de durée limitée, ainsi que l’amende, sont doublées et la
confiscation des dons est obligatoire.

(3) L’interprète judiciaire qui dénature la substance des paroles ou
des écrits qu’il est chargé de traduire est puni comme faux témoin.

ARTICLE 165.- Fausse expertise

Est puni des peines de l’article 164 (2) ci-dessus, l’expert judiciaire
qui dépose un faux rapport devenu irrévocable.

ARTICLE 166.- Faux serment

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (05) ans et d’une
amende de dix mille (10 000) à cinq cent mille (500 000) francs la partie
à laquelle le serment ayant été déféré ou référé dans une matière non
pénale fait un faux serment.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 167.- Dissimulation d’une procédure

Est punie d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à deux (02) ans
et d’une amende de vingt mille (20 000) à un million (1 000 000) de
francs ou de l’une de ces deux peines seulement, toute partie qui, par
l’un des moyens prévus à l’article 318 (1) (c) du présent Code, tient son
adversaire dans l’ignorance d’une procédure judiciaire dirigée contre lui.

ARTICLE 168.- Suppression et fabrication de preuves

(1) Est puni des peines de l’article 164 ci-dessus et selon les mêmes
distinctions, celui qui, dans le but d’influencer une procédure judiciaire :
a) supprime des preuves matérielles ou empêche un témoin de se
présenter ;
b)fabrique ou fait usage de preuves matérielles fausses ou induit un
témoin en erreur.

(2) Est puni des mêmes peines, celui qui obtient de quiconque la
promesse de ne pas dénoncer un crime ou un délit ou de ne pas
témoigner.

Toutefois, n’est pas punissable, en cas de délit, le fait d’obtenir cette
promesse de la victime ou de son représentant légal sans avoir recours
aux moyens prévus à l’article 161 du présent Code.

ARTICLE 169.- Commentaires tendancieux

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de quinze (15) jours à trois (03)
mois et d’une amende de dix mille (10 000) à cent mille (100 000)

francs, celui qui relate publiquement une procédure judiciaire non
définitivement jugée dans les conditions telles qu’il influence même non
intentionnellement l’opinion d’autrui pour ou contre l’une des parties.

(2) Le présent article n’est pas applicable aux comptes rendus
d’une audience publique faits de bonne foi.
(3) Lorsque l’infraction est commise par la voie de presse écrite, de
radio ou de télévision, la peine est de trois (03) mois à deux (02) ans
d’emprisonnement et l’amende de cent mille (100 000) à cinq millions
(5 000 000) de francs.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 170.- Déchéances

Les individus condamnés en application de la présente Section
sont passibles des déchéances de l’article 30 du présent Code.

– REFUS D’AIDER LA JUSTICE

ARTICLE 171.- Non intervention

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) mois à trois (03) ans et
d’une amende de vingt mille (20 000) à un million (1 000 000) de francs ou
de l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui, pouvant empêcher par
Son action immédiate, sans risque pour lui ou pour les tiers, la commission
de tout crime ou d’un délit contre l’intégrité corporelle d’une personne, s’en
abstient.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 172.- Refus d’innocenter

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) mois à trois (03) ans et
d’une amende de vingt mille (20 000) à un million (1 000 000) de francs ou
de l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui, pouvant sans s’accuser
lui-même, ni accuser son conjoint, ses ascendants ou descendants,
apporter aux autorités judiciaires ou de police la preuve de l’innocence
d’une personne détenue provisoirement, ou condamnée même non
définitivement pour crime ou délit, s’en abstient.

ARTICLE 173.- Témoin défaillant

(1) Est punie d’un emprisonnement de six (06) jours à trois (03) mois
et d’une amende de mille (1 000) à cinquante mille (50 000) francs, toute
personne régulièrement citée en justice pour être entendue comme témoin
qui, hors le cas d’excuse légitime, ne comparaît pas ou refuse de prêter
serment ou de déposer.

(2) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) jours à un (01) an et
d’une amende de vingt mille (20 000) à quatre cent mille (400 000) francs
ou de l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui, ayant dénoncé
publiquement un crime ou un délit et déclaré publiquement qu’il connaît les
auteurs ou les complices, refuse de répondre aux questions posées à cet
égard par le magistrat compétent ou s’y dérobe.

ARTICLE 174.- Requis défaillant

Est puni d’une amende de vingt mille (20 000) à cinq cent mille (500
000) francs, celui qui, étant régulièrement requis comme expert, médecin
ou interprète, refuse sans motif légitime de prêter son concours l’autorité
judiciaire.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 175.- Assesseur ou juré défaillant

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) jours à trois (03) mois et
d’une amende de cinq (5 000)à cinquante mille (50 000) francs, l’assesseur
ou le juré qui, hors le cas d’excuse légitime, ne répond pas à l’appel de son
nom ou refuse de prêter le serment exigé par la loi ou se retire avant
l’expiration de ses fonctions.

ARTICLE 176.- Fausses excuses

Sont punies d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à trois (03) mois les
Personnes visées aux articles 173, 174 et 175 ci-dessus qui allèguent une excuse fausse.
excuse fausse.

SECTION VI – DE L’INOBSERVATION DE CERTAINES DECISIONS JUDICIAIRES

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 177.- Interdiction de résidence

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) mois à un (01) an, celui qui
paraît dans un lieu qui lui est interdit ou qui s’éloigne d’un lieu qui lui est
assigné en application de l’article 42 du présent Code.

ARTICLE 178.- Autres peines et mesures

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de quinze (15) jours à six (06) mois et
d’une amende de dix mille (10 000) à cent mille (100 000) francs, celui qui :

a) exerce une profession qui lui est interdite en application de l’article

36 du présent Code ;
b) rouvre un établissement fermé en application de l’article 34 du
présent Code;
c) sous réserve des dispositions de l’article 177 ci-dessus enfreint
une des déchéances ou une des obligations qui lui sont imposées en
application des articles 31, 41 ou 42 du présent Code.

ARTICLE 179.- Garde d’un mineur

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) mois à un (01) an et d’une
amende de cinq mille (5 000) à un million (1 000 000) de francs, quiconque
ne représente pas un mineur à celui auquel sa garde a été confiée par
décision de justice même provisoire.

(2) Si le coupable a été déchu de l’autorité parentale, la peine
d’emprisonnement est portée à trois (03) ans.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 180.- Pension alimentaire

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) mois à un (01) an et d’une
amende de vingt mille (20 000) à quatre cent mille (400 000) francs ou de
l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui est demeuré plus de deux
(02) mois sans fournir la totalité de la pension qu’il a été condamné à verser
à son conjoint, à ses ascendants ou à ses descendants.

(2) Le défaut de paiement est présumé volontaire, sauf preuve
contraire, mais l’insolvabilité qui résulte de l’inconduite habituelle
notamment de l’ivrognerie, n’est en aucun cas un motif d’excuse valable
pour le débiteur.

ARTICLE 180-1.- Pension de réversion

Est puni des peines prévues à l’article 180 alinéa 1 ci-dessus, celui qui
empêche le conjoint survivant ou les orphelins de bénéficier de la pension
de réversion qui leur est due.

ARTICLE 181.- Insolvabilité organisée

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (05) ans, celui qui,
après décision de justice, même non définitive, portant condamnation
pécuniaire, organise son insolvabilité.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 181-1.- Refus d’exécuter une décision de justice devenue définitive

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (05) ans, celui qui
refuse d’exécuter une décision de justice devenue définitive.

(2) Est puni des peines prévues à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus, celui qui fait
entrave à l’exécution d’une décision de justice devenue définitive, sans se
référer au Juge de l’exécution.
Les poursuites pénales ne font pas obstacle aux poursuites
disciplinaires lorsque le contrevenant est un fonctionnaire au sens de l’article
131 du Présent Code.

(3)La peine est une amende de deux cent mille (200 000) à dix millions (10
000 000) de francs lorsque l’auteur de l’infraction est une personne morale
visée à l’article 74-1 du présent Code.

ARTICLE 182.- Reprise d’un immeuble

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de quinze (15) jours à six (06) mois,
celui qui, dans les trois (03) mois de son expulsion ou de son départ
volontaire, réoccupe un immeuble au préjudice de celui à qui il a été attribué
par décision de justice.

SECTION VII – DE L’ENTRAVE A L’EXERCICE DES SERVICES PUBLICS

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 183.- Refus de l’impôt

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à deux (02) ans et
d’une amende de deux cent mille (200 000) à deux millions (2 000 000) de
francs, celui qui organise, par quelque moyen que ce soit, le refus collectif
de l’impôt.
(2) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) mois à un (01) an et
d’une amende de cinquante mille (50 000) à un million (1000 000) de
francs, celui qui incite le public à refuser ou à retarder le paiement de
l’impôt.

ARTICLE 184.- Détournement de biens publics

(1) Quiconque, par quelque moyen que ce soit, obtient ou retient
frauduleusement quelque bien que ce soit, mobilier ou immobilier,
appartenant, destiné ou confié à l’Etat unifié, à une coopérative, collectivité
ou établissement, ou publics ou soumis à la tutelle administrative de l’Etat

ou dont l’Etat détient directement ou indirectement la majorité du capital, est
puni :
a) au cas où la valeur de ces biens excède cinq cent mille (500 000)
francs, d’un emprisonnement à vie;
b) au cas où cette valeur est supérieure à cent mille (100 000) francs
et inférieure ou égale à cinq cent mille (500 000) francs d’un
emprisonnement de quinze (15) à vingt (20) ans;
c) au cas où cette valeur est égale ou inférieure à cent mille (100 000) francs, d’un emprisonnement de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans et d’une amende de cinquante mille (50 000) francs à cinq cent mille (500 000) francs.

(2) Les peines édictées ci-dessus ne peuvent être réduites, par
admission de circonstances atténuantes, respectivement au-dessous de
dix (10), cinq (05) ou de deux (02) ans et le sursis ne peut en aucun cas
être accordé.

(3) Dans les cas prévus à l’article 87 (2) du présent Code, le
minimum de la peine est respectivement de cinq (05) ans, de deux (02)
ans et d’un (01) an et le sursis ne peut être accordé, sauf excuse
atténuante de minorité.

(4) La confiscation prévue à l’article 35 du présent Code est
obligatoirement prononcée, ainsi que les déchéances de l’article 30 ci-
dessus, pendant cinq (05) ans au moins et dix (10) ans au plus.

(5) La publication de la décision doit être ordonnée.

(6) Le présent article n’est pas applicable aux détournements ou
recels d’effets militaires visés au Code de justice militaire.

ARTICLE 185.- Troubles dans le service

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) jours à trois (03) mois ou d’une
amende de mille (1 000) à cinquante (50 000) francs, celui qui trouble le
fonctionnement d’un service public auquel il est étranger.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 186.- Opposition à travaux

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à deux (02) ans et d’une
amende de dix mille (10.000) à cinquante mille (50 000) francs, celui qui, par
menaces ou voies de fait, s’oppose à l’exécution des travaux régulièrement

ordonnés ou autorisés par l’autorité publique ou détruit, supprime ou déplace
une borne délimitant ces travaux.

ARTICLE 187.- Dégradation de biens publics ou classés

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) mois à deux (02) ans et d’une
amende de vingt mille (20 000) à cent vingt mille (120 000) francs, celui qui
détruit ou dégrade soit un monument, statut ou autre bien destiné l’utilité ou à
la décoration publique et élevé par l’autorité publique ou avec son autorisation,
soit un immeuble , objet mobilier, monument naturel ou site, inscrits ou classés.

ARTICLE 187-1. – Atteintes au patrimoine culturel et naturel national

1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) mois à deux (02) ans et d’une
amende de cent mille (100 000) à trois millions (3000 000) de francs,
celui qui:
a) exploite, exporte illicitement les biens culturels et naturels de l’Etat et
procède à toutes autres formes de dévalorisation;
b) refuse d’inscrire à l’inventaire ou d’enregistrer des biens meubles et
immeubles appartenant à l’Etat, aux collectivités territoriales
décentralisées ou à des personnes physiques ou morales et présentant,
du point de vue de l’histoire, de l’art, de la pensée, de la science ou de la
technique et du tourisme, un intérêt suffisant pour rendre nécessaire leur
préservation;
c) refuse de classer ou déclasse un bien culturel et naturel de l’Etat;
d) sans faire mention du statut du bien classé, aliène, à titre gratuit ou
onéreux, ledit bien;
e) appose des affiches ou installe des dispositifs de publicité sur les
monuments classés;
f) exporte tout bien classé ou proposé au classement, sauf autorisation
spéciale d’exportation temporaire accordée par l’autorité compétente.

2) Est puni des peines prévues à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus, celui qui, sans
l’autorisation de l’autorité compétente :

a) procède à la destruction, à la dégradation, à la transformation, à la fouille,
à l’aliénation et à la pollution des biens culturels ;
b) déplace ou transfère la propriété des biens proposés au classement et
effectue tous travaux autres que ceux d’entretien normal ou d’exploitation
courante;

c) procède à la destruction ou aux travaux de restauration ou de modification
d’un bien classé;
d) édifie des constructions ou établit une servitude conventionnelle à la
charge d’un immeuble classé ;
e) procède à des fouilles et prospections archéologiques de sites classés ou
proposés au classement;
f) exporte des biens culturels non classés, notamment les antiquités.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 188.- Soustraction et destruction de pièces publiques

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (05) ans et d’une
amende de dix mille (10 000) à deux cent mille (200 000) francs, celui qui
soustrait, enlève ou détruit toutes pièces placées sous la garde de l’autorité
publique.

(2) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans et d’une
amende de vingt cinq mille (25 000) à deux cent mille (200 000) francs, celui qui
détruit ou dégrade les registres, minutes et autres actes originaux de l’autorité
publique.

ARTICLE 188-1- Soustraction et détournement de documents d’archives publiques ou privées

Est punie des peines prévues à l’article 188 alinéa 2 ci-dessus, toute
personne qui soustrait ou détourne des documents d’archives publiques ou
privées auxquels elle a accès.

ARTICLE 188-2.- Destruction, aliénation et exportation illicite des documents d’archives publiques ou privées

Est punie des peines prévues à l’article 188 alinéa 2 ci-dessus, toute
personne qui détruit, aliène ou exporte illicitement des documents
d’archives publiques ou privées.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 189.- Copie de documents administratifs

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) mois a un (01) an, quiconque, sans
qualité ou sans autorisation, prend copie d’un document
appartenant à une administration.

ARTICLE 190. Détournement de biens saisis

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (05) ans et d’une

amende de cinquante mille (50 000) à un million (1 000 000) de francs,
celui qui détourne, détruit ou détériore des biens saisis ou placés sous
séquestre.

ARTICLE 191.- Bris de scellés

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) mois à deux (02) ans et
d’une amende de cinquante mille (50 000) à cinq cent mille (500 000)
francs, celui qui brise des scellés légalement apposés.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 192.- Communications avec les détenus

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) mois à deux (02) ans, celui
qui facilite irrégulièrement les rapports d’une personne légalement détenue
avec l’extérieur.

ARTICLE 193.- Evasion

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement d’un (01) an à trois (03) ans, celui qui,
étant légalement privé de sa liberté, s’évade ou qui, étant admis ou à
travailler hors de la prison, s’éloigne sans autorisation du lieu où il est
employé.

(2) La même peine est applicable à celui qui libère un individu
légalement privé de sa liberté.

(3) La peine d’emprisonnement est de un (01) à cinq (05) ans, en cas
d’évasion ou de libération avec bris ou violence elle est de cinq (05) à dix
(10) ans, si l’évasion ou la libération s’effectue avec armes.

(4) La peine est de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans d’emprisonnement, au cas
où le détenu est inculpé de crime ou condamné à une peine supérieure à
dix (10) ans.

ARTICLE 194.- Recel d’individu

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de deux (02) mois à deux (02) ans, le
recel d’un individu passible ou puni d’une peine criminelle ou correctionnelle.

(2) La peine est l’emprisonnement de deux (02) à dix (10) ans, en cas de
recel d’un individu passible ou puni de la peine de mort.

(3) Les causes d’irresponsabilité en la personne de l’individu recelé et non
encore jugé sont sans effet sur la responsabilité du receleur.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 195.- Souscription pour amendes

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de quinze (15) jours à six (06) mois et d’une
amende de vingt mille (20 000) à dix millions (10 000 000) de francs ou de l’une
de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui ouvre publiquement une souscription
pour indemniser le condamné des condamnations pécuniaires prononcées par
une juridiction répressive.

ARTICLE 196.- Lacération d’affiches

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de quinze (15)jours à six (06) mois et d’une
amende de cinq mille (5 000) à cinquante mille (50 000) francs ou de l’une de
ces peines seulement, celui qui enlève, recouvre ou lacère une affiche apposée
conformément l’article 33 du présent Code.

ARTICLE 197.- Outrage ou dommage à témoin

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de dix (10) jours à un (01) an et d’une
amende de dix mille (10 000) à deux cent mille (200 000) francs ou de l’une de
ces deux peines seulement:

a) celui qui outrage un témoin à raison de sa déposition, sans pouvoir, en
cas de diffamation, rapporter la vérité du fait diffamatoire ;
b) celui qui cause un dommage quelconque au témoin à raison de sa
déposition.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 198.- Publications interdites

(1)Est puni d’une amende de dix mille (10 000) à cinq cent mille (500 000)
francs celui qui publie :

– un acte de procédure criminelle ou correctionnelle avant qu’il ne soit lu
en audience publique ;
– Un compte rendu des débats dans lesquels le huis clos a été ordonné
ou des débats des juridictions pour enfants ;
– une décision condamnant un mineur assortie de tout moyen permettant
son identification ;

– une information relative aux travaux des Commissions d’enquête
parlementaires, sauf les communiqués émanant du bureau desdites
Commissions avant le dépôt du Rapport général;
– une information relative aux travaux et délibérations du Conseil
Supérieur de la Magistrature, sauf celles qui sont communiquées parle
Président ou le Vice-président dudit Conseil.

(2) Est puni d’une amende de dix mille (10 000) à trois millions (3 000 000)
de francs, celui qui rend compte des délibérations internes des Cours et
Tribunaux.

(3) En cas de publication par voie de médias, les peines sont doublées.

(4) Est puni de la peine prévue à l’alinéa 2 ci-dessus celui qui, sans
autorisation du Président de la juridiction, procède à :

a) tout enregistrement sonore ;
b) toute prise de vue.

ARTICLE 199.- Registre des logeurs

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) jours à trois (03) mois et d’une
amende de dix mille (10 000) à cent mille (100 000) francs, le logeur ou
l’hôtelier qui, au mépris des règlements, n’inscrit pas ou inscrit sous un faux
nom la personne qu’il loge.

ARTICLE 200.Inhumation irrégulière

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) jours à trois (03) mois et d’une
amende de deux mille (2 000) à quinze mille (15 000) francs, celui qui dispose
un cadavre en violation des lois et règlements.

Code Penal Camerounais

CHAPITRE V – DES ATTEINTES AUX GARANTIES DE L’ETAT

SECTION I – DES CONTREFAÇONS

ARTICLE 201.- Sceau de l’Etat

(1) Est puni de l’emprisonnement à vie, celui qui contrefait le sceau de
l’Etat ou fait usage du sceau contrefait

(2) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de dix (10) à vingt (20) ans, celui qui fait
usage du sceau de l’Etat indûment obtenu.

(3) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (05) ans et d’une
amende de quarante mille (40 000) à quatre millions (4 000 000) de francs celui
qui contrevient aux règles relatives à la commande, à la fabrication et à
l’apposition du sceau de l’Etat.

(4) En cas de condamnation, la juridiction prononce en outre, pour une
durée de cinq (5) à dix (10) ans, les déchéances prevues a l’article 30 du
présent Code.

ARTICLE 201-1.- Autres sceaux publics

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (05) ans et d’une
amende de quarante mille (40 000) à quatre millions (4 000 000) de francs
celui qui contrevient aux règles relatives à la commande, à la fabrication, à la
détention et à l’apposition des sceaux publics.

(2) En cas de condamnation, la juridiction peut prononcer, pour une durée
de un (01) à cinq (05) ans, les déchéances prévues l’article 30 du présent
Code.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 202.- Effets du Trésor

Est puni d’un emprisonnement à vie, celui qui contre fait ou falsifie les effets
émis par le Trésor Public avec son timbre ou sa marque, ou qui fait usage des
effets ainsi contrefaits ou falsifiés.

ARTICLE 203.- Signatures, timbres et poinçons

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de dix (10) à vingt (20) ans, celui qui
contrefait ou falsifie soit la signature du Président de la République, des
Premiers ministres, ou d’un ministre, ministre délégué ou secrétaire d’Etat, ou
toute autorité, soit un timbre national, soit un poinçon servant à marquer les
matières d’or et d’argent.
(2) Est puni des mêmes peines, celui qui fait usage desdits timbres ou
poinçons ou des documents ou des matériaux revêtus desdits signatures,
timbres ou marques, contrefaits ou falsifiés.
(3) Est puni des mêmes peines, celui qui fait usage desdits timbres ou
poinçons ou des documents ou matériaux revêtus desdits signatures, timbres
ou marques, sincères mais indûment procurés.

ARTICLE 204.- Marques et imprimés

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (05) ans et d’une
amende de quarante mille (40 000) à quatre millions (4000 000) de francs,
celui qui contrefait ou falsifie :

a)le sceau, timbre ou marque d’une assemblée législative, d’une
juridiction ou d’une administration ;
b)les papiers à en-tête ou imprimés officiels soit des assemblées
législatives, soit des juridictions, soit des administrations ;
c)les poinçons et timbres destinés à marquer, au nom du Gouvernement,
les instruments de poids et mesures ou les marchandises;
d) les marteaux de l’Etat servant aux marques forestières;
e) les timbres-poste, empreints d’affranchissement ou coupons-réponse
émis par l’administration des postes, et les timbres et empreintes
fiscaux.
(2) Est puni des peines prévues l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus, celui qui distribue,
vend ou fait usage desdits sceaux, timbres, marques, empreintes, papier ou
coupons contrefaits ou falsifiés.

(3) Est puni des peines prévues à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus, celui qui distribue,
vend ou fait usage desdits objets, sincères mais indûment procurés.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 205.- Ecritures publiques et authentiques

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de dix (10) à vingt (20) ans, celui qui
contrefait ou altère, soit dans sa substance, soit dans les signatures, dates et
attestations, un acte émanant soit du pouvoir législatif, soit du pouvoir exécutif,
Y compris un passeport, soit du pouvoir judiciaire, ou un acte dressé par une
personne seule habilitée à le faire.

(2) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans et d’une
amende de quarante mille (40 000) à deux millions (2 000 000) de francs, celui
qui fait usage d’un des actes susvisés ainsi contrefait ou allere.

ARTICLE 206.- Documents et permis

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois a trois (03) ans :
– celui qui contrefait ou falsifie une carte d’identité, un permis de
conduire, un permis de chasse, une carte d’électeur, un livret de famille
ou un livret militaire;

– celui qui se fait délivrer, pour lui-même ou pour autrui, sous un nom
supposé, l’une ou l’autre de ces pièces;
– celui qui fait usage de l’une ou l’autre de ces pièces contrefaites,
falsifiées ou délivrées sous un nom supposé;
– celui qui fait un usage frauduleux d’un des documents susvisés,
authentique mais appartenant à autrui,

ARTICLE 207.- Certificats officiels

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) mois à trois (03) ans, celui
qui contrefait ou falsifie un certificat officiel.

(2) ) Est puni des peines prévues à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus, celui qui fait usage
d’un tel certificat.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 208.- Timbres – poste et fiscaux

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de dix (10) jours à un (01) an et d’une
amende de cinq mille (5 000) à cinquante mille (50 000) francs, celui qui fait
usage de timbres -postes ou fiscaux ayant déjà été utilisés ou surcharge des
timbres- poste ou fiscaux ou abuse d’une franchise postale.

ARTICLE 209.- Documents postaux

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de dix (10) jours à six (06) mois et d’une
amende de cinq mille (5 000) à cinquante mille (50 000) francs, celui qui
contrefait ou falsifie :

a) des cartes d’identité postales, nationales ou étrangères ou des cartes
d’abonnement de poste restante;
b) des vignettes, timbres, empreintes d’affranchissement ou coupons-
réponse émis par le service des postes d’un pays étranger.

(2) Est puni des peines prévues à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus, celui qui vend, offre
ou fait usage desdits objets.

ARTICLE 210.- imitations

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de dix (10) jours à six (06) mois et d’une
amende de vingt mille (20 000) à deux cent mille (200 000) francs, celui qui
fabrique, vend, distribue ou fait usage d’un objet ou imprimé qui présente avec
l’un des objets ou imprimés énumérés aux articles 201 à 209 ci-dessus, une

ressemblance de nature à faciliter leur acceptation aux lieu et place des objets
ou imprimés imités, ou de nature à causer une méprise dans l’esprit du public.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 211.- Fausse monnaie

(1) Est puni de l’emprisonnement à vie, celui qui

a) contrefait ou altère les monnaies de papier, d’or ou d’argent ayant cours
dans la République ;
b) introduit sur le territoire de la République ces monnaies contrefaites ou
altérées ;
c) émet ces monnaies contrefaites ou altérées.

(2) S’il s’agit d’autres monnaies, nationales ou étrangères, ayant ou non
cours, la peine est un emprisonnement de dix (10) à vingt (20) ans.

(3) Si l’altération ne consiste qu’en la coloration des monnaies ayant ou
non cours légal dans la République ou dans un pays étranger, la peine est de
six (06) mois à cinq (05) ans d’emprisonnement.

(4) En cas de monnaies reçues pour bonnes, mais remises en circulation
après connaissance de leurs vices, la peine est un emprisonnement de trois
(03) mois à trois (03) ans et une amende de trois fois la valeur putative desdites
monnaies.

ARTICLE 212.- Instruments de contrefaçon

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans et d’une amende
de cinquante mille (50 000) à un million (1 000 000) de francs, celui qui, sans
autorisation, fabrique ou détient des instruments, appareils, machines ou
matériels destinés à la contrefaçon du sceau de l’Etat, des effets publics, des
poinçons, timbres et marques ou des monnaies nationales ou étrangères.

ARTICLE 213.- Détention irrégulière

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (05) ans, celui qui, sans
autorisation, détient un objet ou document visés dans les articles 201 à 211 du
présent Code.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 214.- Peines accessoires

(1) Les déchéances de l’article 30 du présent Code peuvent être
prononcées contre les coupables d’un des délits visés aux articles ci-dessus de
la présente section.

(2)Pour toutes les infractions prévues à la présente section, la confiscation
de l’article 35 du présent Code est obligatoire.

SECTION II – DES USURPATIONS

ARTICLE 215.- Fabrication d’une monnaie

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans et d’une amende
de cinquante mille (50 000) à cent cinquante mille (150 000) francs, celui qui,
sans autorisation :

a) fabrique soit des monnaies sous quelque forme ou dénomination que ce
soit, soit des billets payables au porteur ou qui introduit, expose ou met en
circulation les monnaies ou billets ainsi fabriqués;
b) fabrique ou détient des machines, appareils, instruments ou matériels
pouvant être utilisés pour la fabrication de monnaies ou billets
susceptibles d’être confondus avec la monnaie légale.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 216.- Usurpation de fonctions

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) mois à cinq (05) ans, celui
qui, sans titre, s’immisce dans des fonctions publiques, soit civiles, soit
militaires ou accomplit les actes de l’une de ces fonctions.

(2) La peine est de trois (03) mois à deux (02) ans d’emprisonnement à
l’encontre du fonctionnaire qui continue d’exercer ses fonctions après
notification officielle de la cessation temporaire ou définitive desdites fonctions.

(3) Les déchéances de l’article 30 du présent Code peuvent également
être prononcées.

(4) Au cas où le coupable profite de cette usurpation pour commettre une
des infractions visées au chapitre III du présent Titre, les peines qu’il encourt
sont celles prévues l’égard du fonctionnaire lui-même.

ARTICLE 217.- Célébration du mariage

Est puni d’une amende de cinq mille (5 000) à trente mille (30 000) francs
et en cas de récidive, d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (05) ans:

a) le ministre du culte qui, n’étant pas habilité à célébrer un mariage civil,
procède à la cérémonie religieuse sans qu’il lui ait été justifié d’un acte de
mariage préalablement reçu par l’officier d’état civil ;
b) le ministre du culte qui, étant habilité à célébrer un mariage civil :
– ne procède qu’à la cérémonie religieuse du mariage ou ;
– célèbre le mariage civil sans qu’il lui ait été présenté un certificat de
l’officier d’état civil attestant l’absence d’empêchement au mariage
projeté.

ARTICLE 218.- Usurpation d’uniforme et de décoration

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à deux (02) ans et d’une
amende de cinq mille (5 000) à cinq cent mille (500 000) francs ou de l’une de
ces deux peines seulement, celui qui porte publiquement un uniforme ou une
décoration auxquels il n’a pas droit ou qui présentent avec ceux-ci une
ressemblance de nature à induire autrui en erreur.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 219.- Usurpation d’un titre

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à deux (02) ans et d’une
amende de cent mille (100 000) à deux millions (2 000 000) de francs ou de
l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui fait usage sans droit, d’un titre
attaché à une profession légalement réglementée, d’un diplôme officiel ou d’une
qualité dont les conditions ont été fixées par l’autorité publique.

ARTICLE 219-1.- Usurpation de dénomination

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) mois à un (01) an et d’une
amende de cent mille (100 000) à un million (1 000 000) de francs ou de l’une
de ces deux peines seulement, toute personne qui, sans y être habilitée
conformément aux dispositions légales et réglementaires applicables à ce type
de groupements, utilise indûment les expressions de sociétés coopératives,
union de sociétés coopératives, fédération de sociétés coopératives ou de
confédérations de sociétés coopératives, accompagnées d’un qualificatif
quelconque, ainsi que toutes les dénominations de nature à laisser entendre
qu’il s’agit d’un des groupements cités dans le présent article.

ARTICLE 220.- Titre honorifique

Est puni d’une amende de cinq mille (5 000) à deux millions (2 000 000) de
francs, celui qui fait publiquement usage d’un titre honorifique auquel il n’a pas
droit. L

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 221.- Dispositions communes

(1) Les articles 218, 219, 219-1 et 220 ci-dessus sont applicables aux
porteurs de costumes, d’uniformes, de décorations et de titres étrangers ;

(2) Ils ne s’appliquent toutefois pas aux acteurs d’un spectacle public ni
aux jeux d’enfants.

(3) En cas de condamnation pour l’une des infractions visées aux articles
218, 219, 219-1 et 220 ci-dessus, la juridiction doit ordonner mention de cette
décision en marge des actes authentiques ou de l’état civil dans lesquels le titre
a été indûment pris. Elle peut également en ordonner la publication.

SECTION III – DES GARANTIES DE L’ECONOMIE NATIONALE

ARTICLE 222.- Atteinte au crédit de l’Etat

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à deux (02) ans et
d’une amende de deux cent mille (200 000) à deux millions (2 000 000) de
francs, celui qui, par quelque moyen que ce soit et dans le but de nuire au
crédit de l’Etat:

a) répend dans le public des allégations fausses où mensongères de
nature à ébranler sa confiance dans la solidité de la monnaie, la valeur
des fonds publics de toute nature, de ceux des coopératives, collectivités
ou établissements, ou publics ou soumis à la tutelle administrative de
l’Etat ou dont l’Etat détient directement ou indirectement la majorité du
capital ;
b) incite le public, soit à des retraits de fonds des caisses publiques ou des
établissements obligés parla loi à effectuer leurs versements dans les
caisses publiques, soit à la vente de titres de rente ou autres effets
publics ou le détourne de l’achat ou de la souscription de ceux-ci.

(2) En cas de condamnation, la juridiction ordonne obligatoirement la
publication de sa décision.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 223.- Refus de la monnaie

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de dix (10) jours à trois (03) mois et d’une
amende de mille (1 000) à cent mille (100 000) francs ou de l’une de ces deux
peines seulement, celui qui refuse la monnaie ayant cours légal dans la
République à concurrence de son pouvoir libératoire.

ARTICLE 224.- Atteinte au développement national

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) mois à deux (02) ans et d’une
amende de cent mille (100 000) à cinq millions (5 000 000) de francs, celui qui,
dans le but de nuire au développement national, transfère à l’étranger du
personnel spécialisé ou livre à l’étranger des secrets industriels ou
commerciaux.

ARTICLE 225.- Détournement de prêt

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à dix (10) ans et d’une amende
de dix mille (10 000) à un million (1 000 000) de francs, celui qui, ayant obtenu
un prêt d’argent ou une subvention de l’Etat, d’une coopérative, d’une
collectivité ou d’un établissement visés à l’article 184 du présent Code, en fait
un usage autre que prévu.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 226.- Atteinte aux règlements de conditionnement

Est puni d’une amende de cinquante mille (50 000) à quatre millions
(4 000 000) de francs et de la confiscation des marchandises, celui qui enfreint
les règlements de conditionnement relatifs aux produits destinés à l’exportation

TITRE II – DES CRIMESET DES DELITS CONTRE L’INTERET GENERAL

CHAPITRE I

– DES ATTEINTES A LA SECURITE PUBLIQUE

ARTICLE 227.- Incendie et destruction

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) à dix (10) ans et d’une
amende de cinq mille (5 000) à un million (1000 000) de francs, celui qui,
même s’il en est propriétaire, met le feu directement ou indirectement:

a) à des lieux servant à l’habitation d’autrui ;

b) à tout véhicule de terre, de mer ou de l’air contenant une ou plusieurs
personnes ;
c) aux mines ou à leurs dépendances lorsqu’elles sont exploitées.

(2) La destruction accomplie dans les mêmes conditions est punie de la
même peine.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 228.- Activités dangereuses

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) jours à six (06) mois, celui qui
ne prend pas les précautions nécessaires pour éviter à autrui des dommages
corporels pouvant résulter de son activité dangereuse.

(2) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à trois (03) ans et
d’une amende de cinq mille (5 000) à cinq cent mille (500 000) francs ou de
l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui, par une imprudence grave,
risque de mettre autrui en danger:
a) en se servant du feu, d’explosifs, de combustibles ou de moyens
mécaniques ou électriques;
b) en détruisant, même partiellement, des ouvrages ou édifices non
habités même s’il en est le propriétaire;
c) en donnant des soins médicaux ou chirurgicaux ou en fournissant ou
administrant des médicaments ou autres produits;
d) en conduisant, arrêtant ou abandonnant un véhicule ou un animal sur la
voie publique.

(3) Est puni des peines prévues à l’alinéa 2 ci-dessus, celui qui conduit un
véhicule en état d’ivresse ou d’intoxication.
(4) Dans les cas prévus à l’alinéa 2 (d) et à l’alinéa 3 ci-dessus, la
juridiction peut ordonner le retrait du permis de conduire ou l’interdiction de
l’obtenir pour une durée maximum de deux (02) ans.

ARTICLE 229.- Substances explosives

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) mois à un (01) an et d’une
amende de deux mille (2 000) à cent mille (100 000) francs ou de l’une de ces
deux peines seulement, celui qui enfreint la réglementation concernant la
fabrication, la conservation, le transport, l’importation, l’exportation et le
commerce des substances explosives.

ARTICLE 229-1.- Déchets toxiques

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans et d’une
amende de cinq millions (5 000 000) à cinq cent millions (500 000 000) de
francs, toute personne non autorisée qui ne procède pas à l’élimination
immédiate des déchets toxiques ou dangereux générés par son entreprise.

(2) Les dispositions des articles 54 et 90 du présent Code, relatives au
sursis et aux circonstances atténuantes, ne sont pas applicables.

(3) La juridiction saisie ordonne à toute personne reconnue coupable
d’avoir introduit, produit, stocké, détenu, transporté, fait transiter ou déversé des
déchets toxiques ou dangereux, de les éliminer immédiatement et de restituer
les lieux en leur état antérieur.
La juridiction peut, en outre, ordonner la fermeture de l’Etablissement.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 230.- Voies publiques

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) mois à deux (02) ans, celui
qui, sans autorisation régulière, met obstacle à l’usage d’une voie publique
terrestre ou d’une voie d’eau navigable ou qui en rend l’usage difficile en
déformant la chaussée ou en détournant le cours de la voie d’eau soit par des
constructions, soit par une utilisation abusive, soit par l’exploitation des terrains
adjacents.

(2) Est puni de la peine prévue à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus, celui qui, étant
chargé de l’entretien d’une voie publique ou d’un ouvrage s’y rapportant, s’en
abstient.

DES ATTEINTESA LA PAIX PUBLIQUE

ARTICLE 231.- Réunions et manifestations publiques

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de quinze (15) jours à six (06) mois et
d’une amende de cinq mille (5 000) à cent mille (100 000) francs, celui qui:
a) participe à l’organisation d’une réunion publique qui n’a pas été
préalablement déclarée ;
b)fait une déclaration de nature à tromper les autorités sur les conditions
ou l’objet de la réunion;

c) avant le dépôt de la déclaration ou après l’interdiction légale d’une
manifestation, adresse, par quelque moyen que ce soit, une
convocation pour y prendre part ;
d) fait une déclaration incomplète ou inexacte de nature à tromper sur les
conditions de la manifestation projetée.

(2) Est puni des peines prévues à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus, l’organisateur de
toute manifestation publique sans déclaration requise ou après notification de
l’interdiction légale.

ARTICLE 231-1- Manifestation à caractère politique au sein d’un

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de dix (10) jours à quatre (04) mois et d’une
amende de vingt cinq mille (25 000) à deux cent cinquante mille (250 000)
francs ou de l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui organise une
manifestation à caractère politique au sein d’un établissement public, ainsi que
dans un établissement scolaire ou universitaire.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 232.- Attroupement

(1) L’attroupement s’entend de toute réunion sur la voie publique d’au
moins cinq (05) personnes, de nature à troubler la paix publique.

(2) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de quinze (15) jours à six (06) mois celui
qui, faisant partie d’un attroupement, ne s’en retire pas à la première
sommation de l’autorité compétente.

(3) Si l’attroupement n’a pu être dispersé que par la force, la peine est
doublée contre ceux qui s’y sont maintenus.

ARTICLE 233.- Attroupement armé.

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à deux (02) ans celui
qui, faisant partie d’un attroupement armé au sens des articles115 (3) et 117
du présent Code, porte lui-même une arme ou ne se retire pas de
l’attroupement à la première sommation de l’autorité compétente.

(2) La peine est de deux (02) à cinq (05) ans d’emprisonnement contre celui
qui demeure dans l’attroupement jusqu’à sa dissolution par la force.

(8)La peine est de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans d’emprisonnement contre celui
qui fait partie de l’attroupement au moment où e
font usage de leurs armes.

(4) Les peines du présent article sont doublées, au cas où l’attroupement a
lieu pendant la nuit

ARTICLE 234.- Déchéances

Dans les cas prévus à l’article 233 ci-dessus, la juridiction peut, en outre,
prononcer les déchéances de l’article 30 du présent Code.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 235.- Cris séditieux

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de dix (10) jours à un (01) mois et d’une
amende de deux mille (2 000) à cinquante mille (50 000) francs ou de l’une de
ces deux peines seulement, celui qui profère, dans un lieu ouvert au public, des
cris ou chants séditieux.

ARTICLE 236.- Pillage en bande

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de dix (10) à vingt (20) ans, celui qui, en
réunion où bande et à force ouverte, pille ou détériore des biens mobiliers ou
immobiliers.

(2) La peine est l’emprisonnement à vie si le crime est commis pendant
l’état d’urgence ou d’exception.

(3) La peine est la mort si le crime est commis en temps de guerre.

ARTICLE 237. Détention et port d’arme

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à un (01) an et d’une
amende de cinquante mille (50 000) à trois cent mille (800 000) francs ou de
l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui, sans autorisation légalement
requise, fabrique, exporte, importe, détient, cède ou vend une arme ou des
munitions.

(2) Les peines sont doublées en cas de port d’arme hors du domicile.

(3) Est considéré comme complice, celui qui remet ces armes ou ces
munitions à un tiers, sans s’assurer que cetiers est autorisé à les détenir.

(4) Dans tous les cas, la confiscation de l’article 35 du présent Code est
obligatoire. En cas de récidive, la juridiction peut prononcer des déchéances de
l’article 30 du présent Code et ordonner la fermeture de l’établissement même
s’il est affecté à tout autre usage.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 238.- Port dangereux d’une arme

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à deux (02) ans et d’une
amende de cinquante mille (50 000) à trois cent mille (300 000) francs ou de
l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui, même en ayant une autorisation
de port d’arme, porte une arme au sens de l’article 117 du présent Code, dans
un lieu ouvert au public et dans des conditions susceptibles de troubler la paix
publique ou d’intimider autrui.

ARTICLE 239.- Troubles de jouissance

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de quinze (15) jours à un (01) an celui qui,
dans des conditions susceptibles de troubler la paix publique, pénètre sur les
terres occupées paisiblement par autrui, même si elles lui appartiennent.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 240. Fausses nouvelles

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (05) ans et d’une
amende de vingt mille (20 000) à dix millions (10.000.000) de francs celui qui
publie ou propage, par quelque moyen que ce soit, une nouvelle sans pouvoir
en rapporter la vérité ou justifier qu’il avait de bonnes raisons de croire à la
vérité de ladite nouvelle.

(2) Les peines sont doublées lorsque la publication ou la propagation est
anonyme.

ARTICLE 241.- Outrage aux races et aux religions

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) jours à six (06) mois et d’une
amende de cinq mille (5 000) à cinq cent mille (500 000) francs, celui qui
commet un outrage, tel que défini à l’article 152 du présent Code, à l’encontre
d’une race ou d’une religion à laquelle appartiennent plusieurs citoyens ou
résidents.

(2) Si l’infraction est commise par la voie de la presse ou de la radio, le
maximum de l’amende est porté à vingt millions (20 000 000) de francs.

(3) Les peines prévues aux alinéas 1 et 2 ci-dessus sont doublées lorsque
l’infraction est commise dans le but de susciter la haine ou le mépris entre les
citoyens.

ARTICLE 242.- Discrimination

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) mois à deux (02) ans et d’une
amende de cinq mille (5 000) à cinq cent mille (500 000) francs celui qui refuse
à autrui l’accès soit dans des lieux ouverts au public, soit dans des emplois en
raison de sa race, de sa religion, de son sexe ou de son statut médical, lorsque
ledit statut ne met personne en danger.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 243.- ivresse publique

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de quinze (15) jours à un (01) mois et
d’une amende de deux mille (2 000) à trente cinq mille (35 000) francs :

a) celui qui, ayant été condamné à une contravention pour ivresse
publique, récidive dans les douze (12) mois,

b) tout débitant qui sert des boissons à une personne manifestement ivre.
(2) La juridiction peut prononcer contre le débitant condamné, la fermeture
de l’établissement pour une durée de deux (02) ans au plus et ordonner la
publication de sa décision.

ARTICLE 244.- Réitération

(1) L’article 88 (1) (b) du présent Code est applicable à une condamnation
ultérieure pour un des délits prévus à l’article 243ci-dessus.

(2) La juridiction peut, en outre, prononcer les déchéances de l’article 30
(1) et (2) du présent Code.
(3) La juridiction peut également prononcer contre le débitant condamné, la
fermeture de l’établissement pour une durée de quatre (04) ans au plus et
ordonner la publication de sa décision.

ARTICLE 245.- Mendicité

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à trois (03) ans et d’une
amende de cinquante mille (50 000) à cinq cent mille (500 000) francs celui
qui, ayant des moyens de subsistance ou pouvant seles procurer par le travail,
sollicite la charité en quelque lieu que ce soit.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 246.- Mendicité aggravée

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) mois à six (06) ans et d’une
amende de cent mille (100 000) à un million (1 000 000) de francs le mendiant,
même invalide ou démuni de ressources, qui sollicite la charité dans l’une des
circonstances suivantes:

a) en usant d’injures, de menaces ou de violences ;
b) en entrant, sans permission de l’occupant, dans une habitation ou un
enclos en dépendant;
c) en simulant des plaies ou un handicap pour tromper la vigilance
d’autrui;
d) en groupe, à moins que ce ne soient le mari et la femme, le père ou la
mère et leurs enfants, l’aveugle et son conducteur.

ARTICLE 247.- Vagabondage

1) Est vagabond et puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) mois à deux
(02) ans, celui qui, ayant été trouvé dans un lieu public, ne justifie ni
d’un domicile certain, ni de moyens de subsistance.

2) Les peines prévues à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus sont doublées :
a) si le vagabond est trouvé porteur d’armes ou muni d’un instrument
propre à commettre une infraction ;
b) si le vagabond a exercé ou tenté d’exercer quelques actes de violences
que ce soit envers les personnes.
(8) En outre, les mesures prévues par l’article 42 (1°, 2° et 3°) du présent
Code sont obligatoirement prononcées.

ARTICLE 248.- Préparatifs dangereux

(1). Est puni d’un emprisonnement de dix (10) jours à un (01) an, celui qui,
dans le but de commettre un crime ou un délit, porte un instrument apte à forcer
l’entrée d’un immeuble.

(2) Ce but est toujours présumé lorsque ces faits sont commis de nuit.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 249.- Jeux et loteries

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) mois à deux (02) ans et
d’une amende de cinq millions (5 000 000)à vingt-cinq millions (25 000 000) de
francs ou de l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui:
a) sans contrat de concession, exerce la profession d’exploitant de casino,
d’exploitant de loterie publique ou de paris ;
b) sans autorisation, organise une loterie commerciale, ou exploite des jeux
enligne ;
c) utilise le contrat de concession d’exploitant de casino, d’exploitant de
loterie publique ou de paris appartenant à autrui ;
d) utilise l’autorisation d’organisation de loterie commerciale ou d’exploitation
de jeux enligne appartenant à autrui.

(2) Est puni des peines prévues à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus, l’exploitant d’une
loterie commerciale qui ne respecte pas le règlement de jeux qu’il a soumis en
vue d’obtenir l’autorisation.

ARTICLE 249-1.- Non respect des standards et normes de sécurité, de confort et de salubrité propres au casino

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de deux (02) à quatre (04) ans et d’une
amende de cinq millions (5 000 000) à dix millions (10 000 000) de francs ou de
l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui ne respecte pas les standards et
normes de sécurité, de confort et de salubrité propres au casino.

ARTICLE 249-2.- Violation des prescriptions du cahier des charges attaché au contrat de concession

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de deux (02) à cinq (05) ans et d’une
amende de dix millions (10 000 000) à cinquante millions (50 000 000) de
francs ou de l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui viole l’une
quelconque des prescriptions du cahier des charges attaché au contrat de
concession.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 249-3.- Utilisation des équipements non agréés pour casino et jeux enligne

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à trois (03) ans et d’une
amende de deux millions cinq cent mille (2 500 000) à dix millions (10 000 000)
de francs ou de l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui utilise des
équipements non agréés pour exploiter un casino ou des jeux en ligne.

ARTICLE 249-4.- Blanchiment d’argent au moyen des jeux et loteries

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans et d’une
amende de cinquante millions (50 000 000) à cent millions (100 000 000) de
francs ou de l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui se livre au
blanchiment d’argent au moyen d’une exploitation de casino, de loterie publique
ou commerciale, d’exploitation de paris ou de jeux en ligne.

ARTICLE 249-5.- Rébellion en matière de jeux et loteries

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à quatre (04) ans et
d’une amende de deux millions cinq cent mille (2500 000) à cinq millions
(5 000 000) de francs ou de l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui par
des violences ou voies de fait, empêche les agents assermentés d’avoir accès
aux lieux à contrôler.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 249-6.- Publicité en matière de jeux et loteries

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à trois (03) ans et d’une
amende de dix millions (10 000 000) à vingt millions (20 000 000) de francs ou
de l’une de ces deux peines seulement, l’opérateur de jeux d’argent et de
hasard titulaire de titre qui, par quelque moyen que ce soit, émet ou diffuse une
publicité commerciale en direction des mineurs.

ARTICLE 249-7.- Accès interdits aux jeux et loteries

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à trois (03) ans et d’une
amende de cinq millions (5 000 000) à dix millions (10 000 000)de francs ou de
l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui :

a) ne prend pas des mesures pour empêcher l’accès d’un mineur à une
salle de casino;

b) permet l’accès aux salles de casino :
– aux militaires et personnel des forces de maintien de l’ordre en
uniforme;
– aux individus en état d’ivresse ou susceptibles de provoquer des
scandales ou incidents;
– aux personnes ayant fait l’objet d’une interdiction par le Ministre chargé
des jeux.
(2) Est puni des peines prévues à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus, le promoteur de
jeux et de paris en ligne qui n’empêche pas l’accès d’un mineur à ces jeux et
paris, en s’abstenant d’adopter les mesures ci-après :

a) diffuser sur la page d’accueil du site de jeux et les pages d’inscription
de manière visible, un texte interdisant explicitement l’accès des mineurs au
service de jeu ;
b) imposer au joueur de s’engager sur l’honneur sur son âge et d’entrer
ses données d’identification ;
c) imposer au joueur de recourir aux moyens de paiement en ligne;
d) faire référencier son site de jeu dans les logiciels de contrôle parental
afin d’interdire l’accès aux mineurs.

ARTICLE 249-8 : Transactions

(1) Les infractions prévues aux articles 249 à 249-3 peuvent faire l’objet
de transaction entre la structure chargée de la régulation des jeux et les mis en
cause. La transaction n’est possible qu’en cas d’aveu après constatation de
l’infraction.

(2) Le montant de la transaction prévue à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus ne peut être
inférieur au minimum de la peine d’amende encourue.

(3) Le règlement du montant total de la transaction prévue l’alinéa 2 ci-
dessus éteint l’action publique.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 249-9.- Peines accessoires

Dans les cas prévus aux articles 249, 249-1, 249-2, 249-3, 249-4 249-5, 249-
6 et 249-7 ci-dessus, la juridiction :
-_ peut, en outre, prononcer les déchéances de l’article 30 du présent Code,
ainsi que la fermeture de l’établissement, même s’il est affecté à tout
autre usage ;
– prononce la confiscation prévue l’article 35 du présent Code, ainsi que
celle des meubles et effets mobiliers, aménagés ou décorés aux fins
d’attirer les clients, ainsi que les fonds et effets, meubles ou immeubles,
destinés à récompenser les gagnants.

ARTICLE 250.- Maison de prêts sur gages.

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de quinze (15) jours à trois (03) mois et
d’une amende de vingt-cinq mille (25 Q00) à cinq cent mille (500 000) francs,
celui qui :

a) sans l’autorisation éventuellement requise, tient une maison de prêts sur
gages ou nantissements ;
b) ayant ladite autorisation, ne tient pas les registres éventuellement
prescrits.

ARTICLE 251.- Pratiques de sorcellerie.

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de deux (02) à dix (10) ans et d’une
amende de cinq mille (5 000) à cent mille (100 000) francs, celui qui se livre à
des pratiques de sorcellerie, magie ou divination susceptibles de troubler l’ordre
ou la tranquillité publics, ou de porter atteinte aux personnes, aux biens ou à la
fortune d’autrui, même sous forme de rétribution

Code Penal Camerounais

CHAPITRE III – DES ATTEINTES A L’ECONOMIE PUBLIQUE

ARTICLE 252.- Faux poids et mesures

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de quinze (15) jours à six (06) mois et d’une
amende de dix mille (10.000) à sept cent mille (700 000) francs ou de l’une de
ces deux peines seulement, le commerçant ou l’artisan qui détient au lieu de
son commerce ou de son travail, des poids ou mesures faux ou autres
appareils inexacts servant au pesage ou au mesurage de ses marchandises.

ARTICLE 253.- Chèque sans provision

Est puni des peines prévues à l’article 318 du présent Code, celui qui :

a) émet un chèque sur une banque où un compte postal, même étranger,
sans provision préalable et disponible ou sans provision suffisante ;
b) après émission, même l’étranger, retire tout ou partie de la provision
ou fait défense au tiré de payer.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 254.- Liberté des enchères

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à six (06) mois et d’une amende
de cinquante mille (50 000) à un million (1 000 000) de francs, celui qui, par
violences ou menaces, par dons ou promesses ou par quelque manœuvre,
trouble la liberté ou entrave la sincérité des enchères ou soumissions.

ARTICLE 255.- Entraves la liberté du travail

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de quinze (15) jours à trois (03) ans et
d’une amende de cinq mille (5 000) à sept cent mille (700 000) francs ou de
l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui, à l’aide de violences, menaces
ou manœuvres frauduleuses, amène ou maintient une cessation concertée du
travail pour forcer la hausse ou la baisse des salaires ou pour porter atteinte au
libre exercice du travail ou de l’industrie.

ARTICLE 256.- Pression sur les prix

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de deux (02) mois à deux (02) ans et
d’une amende de quatre cent mille (400 000) à vingt millions (20 000 000) de
francs, celui qui, par des moyens frauduleux quelconques, opère la hausse ou
la baisse artificielles du prix des marchandises ou des effets publics ou privés.

(2) La peine est doublée au cas où les marchandises sont des denrées
alimentaires ou sont visées par les textes relatifs au conditionnement.

(3) La juridiction peut, en outre, prononcer les déchéances de l’article 30
(1) et (2) du présent Code et ordonner la publication de sa décision

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 257.- Destruction de denrées

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (5) ans et d’une amende
de cinquante mille (50 000) à un million (1 000 000) de francs, celui qui, dans le
but d’agir sur les cours des denrées alimentaires destinées à l’homme ou aux
animaux, les fait ou laisse périr, corrompre ou disparaître.

CHAPITRE IV – DES ATTEINTES A LA SANTE PUBLIQUE

ARTICLE 258.- Altération de denrées alimentaires

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à trois (03) ans et
d’une amende de cinq mille (5 000) à cinq cent mille (500 000) francs, celui qui,
soit altère des denrées servant à l’alimentation de l’homme ou des animaux,
des boissons ou des substances médicamenteuses, destinées à être vendues,
soit détient des produits destinés ou uniquement propres à effectuer cette
falsification.
(2) Les dispositions du présent article ne sont pas applicables aux fruits et
légumes frais, fermentés ou corrompus.
(3) Les denrées, boissons et médicaments, s’ils appartiennent encore au
coupable, sont confisqués. S’ils ne sont pas utilisés par l’Administration, leur
destruction se fait aux frais du condamné.

(4) La juridiction peut ordonner la publication de sa décision dans les
conditions prévues à l’article 33 du présent Code.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 258-1.- Vente illicite de médicaments

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à trois (03) ans et d’une
amende d’un million (1000 000) à trois millions (3 000 000) de francs, celui
qui:
– vend un médicament sans y être légalement autorisé;
– vend un médicament contrefait, périmé ou non autorisé ;
– détient, pour le vendre, un médicament falsifié, altéré ou nuisible à la
santé humaine.

La confiscation prévue par les articles35 et 45 du présent Code est
appliquée.

ARTICLE 259.- Faux certificat médical

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de deux (02) mois à trois (03) ans et
d’une amende de cinq mille (5 000) à cent mille (100 000) francs, le médecin,
chirurgien, infirmier, dentiste ou sage-femme qui, pour favoriser ou nuire à
quelqu’un, certifie faussement ou dissimule l’existence d’une maladie ou d’une
infirmité ou certifie faussement l’existence ou le résultat d’une vaccination ou
fournit des indications mensongères sur l’origine d’une maladie, la durée d’une
incapacité ou la cause d’un décès.

(2) La peine est de deux (02) à dix (10) ans d’emprisonnement en cas de
corruption

(3) La juridiction peut prononcer les déchéances énumérées à l’article 30
du présent Code.

ARTICLE 260.- Maladies contagieuses

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à trois (03) ans, celui
qui, par sa conduite, facilite la communication d’une maladie contagieuse et
dangereuse. L
(2) Si la contagion facilitée est dangereuse pour la vie des animaux
normalement destinés à la consommation humaine, l’emprisonnement est de
un (01) mois à un (01) an.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 261.- Pollution

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de quinze (15) jours à six (06) mois et d’une
amende de cinq mille (5 000) à un million (1 000 000) de francs ou de l’une de
ces deux peines seulement celui qui, par son activité :

a) pollue une eau potable susceptible d’être utilisée par autrui ;
b) pollue l’atmosphère au point de la rendre nuisible à la santé publique.

ARTICLE 262.- Rupture d’un contrat de travail ou de fourniture

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à six (06) mois celui qui rompt
un contrat de travail ou de fourniture alors que la conséquence prévisible de
cette rupture est soit un grave danger pour la santé publique ou pour celle des
malades hospitalisés, soit des dommages corporels graves, soit une
détérioration grave des biens de toute nature, soit une privation d’électricité,
d’eau, de gaz ou de toute autre source d’énergie au préjudice de plusieurs
personnes.
(2) Le présent article n’est pas applicable à celui qui donne un préavis
minimum de sept (07) jours.

CHAPITRE V – DES ATTEINTES A LA MORALITE PUBLIQUE

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 263.- Outrage public à la pudeur

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de quinze (15) jours à deux (02) ans et
d’une amende de dix mille (10 000) à cent mille (100 000) francs ou de l’une de
ces deux peines seulement, celui qui outrage publiquement la pudeur.

ARTICLE 264.- Outrage public aux mœurs

Est puni des peines prévues à l’article 263 ci-dessus, celui qui:

a) fait entendre publiquement des chants, cris ou discours contraires aux
bonnes mœurs ;
b) attire l’attention du public sur une occasion de débauche.

ARTICLE 265. Publications obscènes

(4) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) mois à deux(02) ans et d’une
amende de dix mille (10000) à cinq cent mille (500 000) francs, celui
qui fabrique, détient, importe, transporte ou exporte en vue d’en faire le
commerce ou expose ou distribue, même à titre gratuit et même non
publiquement, tout écrit, dessin ou objet tendant à corrompre les mœurs.

(2) La juridiction peut également ordonner la fermeture, pour une durée de
un (01) an au plus, de l’établissement où le condamné fabrique ou détient
lesdits écrits, dessins ou objets.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 266.- Publications équivoques

(1) Est puni d’une amende de vingt mille (20 000) à six millions (6 000 000)
de francs, celui qui rend compte, sauf en publiant le jugement, des procès en
déclaration de paternité, en divorce, en séparation de corps et d’avortement.

(2) Est puni d’une amende de vingt mille (20000) à deux millions
(2 000 000) de francs, celui qui, sans l’autorisation écrite du Procureur de la
République, donne une publicité par quelque moyen que ce soit au suicide des
mineurs de dix-huit (18) ans. En cas de récidive, un emprisonnement de deux
(02) mois à deux (02) ans peut également être prononcé.

(8) Est puni d’une amende de dix mille (10 000) à un million (1 000 000) de
francs, celui qui contrevient aux dispositions de l’article 23 (3) du présent Code
sur les exécutions capitales.

(4) Est puni d’une amende de vingt mille (20000) à deux cent mille
(200 000) francs, celui qui, sauf sur demande écrite du magistrat chargé de
l’instruction, reproduit par l’image ou sous quelque forme que ce soit, tout ou
partie des circonstances des infractions violentes et de toutes celles commises
contre les enfants ou contre les mœurs.

ARTICLE 267.- Apologie de certains crimes et délits

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) an à cinq (05) ans et d’une
amende de dix mille (10 000) à vingt millions (20 000 000) de francs ou de l’une
de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui fait publiquement apologie des crimes
de meurtre, pillage, incendie, destruction, vol ainsi que des crimes ou délits
d’atteinte à la sûreté de l’Etat.

ARTICLE 268.- Mauvais traitements sur un animal

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de quinze (15) jours à trois (03) mois et
d’une amende de cinq mille (5 000) à vingt mille (20 000) francs ou de l’une de
ces deux peines seulement, celui qui exerce sans nécessité de mauvais
traitements sur un animal domestique ou apprivoisé ou vivant en captivité.

(2) La juridiction peut en outre priver le condamné de la propriété de
l’animal.

(3) La juridiction peut également ordonner la destruction de l’animal
lorsque son état justifie cette mesure.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 268-1.- Pratiques sexuelles sur un animal

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) à cinq (05) ans, quiconque
se livre à des pratiques sexuelles sur un animal.

(2) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans, quiconque, à
l’aide de violences physiques ou morales, contraint une personne à se livrer à
des pratiques sexuelles sur un animal.

(3) Dans les cas prévus à l’alinéa 2 ci-dessus, la juridiction peut, en outre,
ordonner l’administration des soins médicaux à la personne victime de la
contrainte, aux frais du condamné.

CHAPITRE VI – DES ATTEINTES AUX CULTES

ARTICLE 269.- Liberté de consciences

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un mois (01) à un (01) an et d’une
amende de cinq mille (5 000) à cinquante mille (50 000) francs, celui qui, par
voies de fait ou menaces, contraint ou empêche de pratiquer un culte
n’impliquant pas la commission d’une infraction.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 270.- Offense à un ministre du culte

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) mois à trois (03) ans, celui qui
frappe ou injurie publiquement le ministre d’un culte à l’occasion de l’exercice
de son ministère.

ARTICLE 271.- Obstacle à l’exercice d’un ministère

Est puni de la peine prévue à l’article 270 ci-dessus, celui qui empêche,
avec violences ou menaces, l’exercice de son ministère par le ministre d’un
culte.

ARTICLE 272.- Obstacle aux cultes

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de quinze (15) jours à un (01) an et d’une
amende de cinq mille (5 000) à cent mille (100 000) francs ou de l’une de ces
deux peines seulement, celui qui, par des troubles ou désordres, empêche,
retarde ou interrompt l’exercice d’un culte dans les lieux où il se célèbre
habituellement.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 273.- Obstacle aux funérailles

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à six (06) mois et d’une amende
de cinq mille (5 000) à vingt cinq mille (25 000) francs ou l’une de ces deux
peines seulement, celui qui:

a) trouble une cérémonie ou un convoi funéraire ;
b) dégrade les monuments funéraires;
c) ne remplit pas le devoir qui lui incombe d’inhumer ou d’incinérer le
cadavre.

ARTICLE 274.- Violation de tombeaux et de cadavres

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à cinq (05) ans et
d’une amende de dix mille (10 000) à cent mille (100 000) francs celui qui:
a) viole des tombeaux ou sépultures;
b) profane tout ou partie d’un cadavre humain, enseveli où non.

(2) N’est pas passible des peines prévues l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus, celui qui,
dans l’intérêt de la science, dispose d’un cadavre conformément aux
règlements en vigueur.

(3)Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à cinq (05) ans,
quiconque se livre à des pratiques sexuelles sur un cadavre.
(4) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans quiconque, à
l’aide de violences physiques où morales, contraint une personne à se livrer à
des pratiques sexuelles sur un cadavre.

TITRE III – DES CRIMESET DES DELITS CONTRELES PARTICULIERS

CHAPITRE I

– DES ATTEINTESA L’INTEGRITE CORPORELLE

SECTION I – DE l’HOMICIDE ET BLESSURES VOLONTAIRES

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 275.- Meurtre

Est puni de l’emprisonnement à vie celui qui cause la mort d’autrui.

ARTICLE 276.- Assassinat

(1) Est puni de mort le meurtre commis soit :

a) avec préméditation :
b) par empoisonnement;
c) pour procéder au trafic des organes de la victime :
d) pour préparer, faciliter ou exécuter un crime ou un délit, ou pour
favoriser la fuite ou assurer l’impunité des auteurs ou complices de ce crime ou
de ce délit.

(2) Il y a préméditation même si l’identité de la victime n’est pas
déterminée, et même si l’auteur subordonne son projet à la réalisation d’une
condition quelconque.

ARTICLE 277.- Blessures graves

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de dix (10) à vingt (20) ans celui qui cause
à autrui la privation permanente de l’usage de tout ou partie d’un membre, d’un
organe ou d’un sens.

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ARTICLE 277-1.- Mutilations génitales

(1) Est puni des peines prévues à l’article 277 ci-dessus celui qui procède
à la mutilation de l’organe génital d’une personne, quel qu’en soit le
procédé.

(2) La peine est l’emprisonnement à vie :

a) si l’auteur se livre habituellement à cette pratique ou si il le fait à des fins
commerciales;

b) si la mort de la victime en résulte.

(3) La juridiction peut, en outre, prononcer les déchéances prévues aux
articles 19 et 30 du présent Code.

(4) Les dispositions des alinéas 1 et 2 ci-dessus ne sont pas applicables si
les faits sont accomplis par une personne habilitée et justifiés par la nécessité
de sauver la victime.

ARTICLE 277-2.- Atteinte à la croissance d’un organe

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) mois à cinq (05) ans et d’une
amende de cent mille (100 000) à un million (1 000 000) de francs ou de l’une
de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui, de quelque manière que ce soit, porte
atteinte à un organe dans le but d’entraver sa croissance normale.

ARTICLE 277-3.- Torture

(1) Est puni de l’emprisonnement à vie celui qui, par la torture, cause
Involontairement la mort d’autrui.

(2) La peine est un emprisonnement de dix (10) à vingt (20) ans lorsque la
torture cause à la victime la privation permanente de l’usage de tout ou partie
d’un membre, d’un organe ou d’un sens.
(3) La peine est un emprisonnement de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans et une
amende de cent mille (100 000) à un million (1 000 000) de francs lorsque la
torture cause la victime une maladie ou une incapacité de travail supérieure à
trente (30) jours.

(4) La peine est un emprisonnement de deux (02) à cinq (05) ans et une
amende de cinquante (50 000) à deux cent mille (200 000) francs lorsque la

torture cause à la victime soit une maladie ou une incapacité de travail égale ou
inférieure à trente (30) jours, soit des douleurs ou des souffrances mentales ou
morales.

(5) Pour l’application du présent article, le terme «torture » désigne tout
acte par lequel une douleur ou des souffrances aiguës, physiques, mentales ou
morales, sont intentionnellement infligées à une personne par un fonctionnaire,
une autorité traditionnelle ou toute autre personne agissant à titre officiel ou à
son instigation ou avec son consentement express ou tacite, aux fins
notamment d’obtenir d’elle ou d’une tierce personne des renseignements ou
des aveux, de la punir d’un acte qu’elle ou une tierce personne a commis ou est
soupçonnée d’avoir commis, de l’intimider ou de faire pression sur elle ou
d’intimider ou de faire pression sur une tierce personne, ou pour tout autre motif
fondé sur une forme de discrimination, quelle qu’elle soit.

Le terme torture ainsi défini ne s’applique pas à la douleur ou aux
souffrances résultant de sanctions légitimes, inhérentes à ces sanctions ou
occasionnées parelles.

(6) Aucune circonstance exceptionnelle, quelle qu’elle soit, qu’il s’agisse de
l’état de guerre ou de menace de guerre, d’instabilité politique intérieure ou de
tout autre état d’exception, ne peut être invoquée pour justifier la torture.

(7) L’ordre d’un supérieur ou d’une autorité publique ne peut être invoqué
pour justifier la torture.

(8) Les conditions prévues à l’alinéa 1 de l’article 10 du présent Code ne
Sont pas applicables à la torture.

Code Penal Camerounais

SECTION II – DES VIOLENCESET VOIES DE FAIT VOLUNTAIRES

ARTICLE 278.- Coups mortels =

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) à vingt (20) ans, celui qui,
par des violences ou des voies de fait, cause involontairement la mort d’autrui.

(2) La peine est l’emprisonnement à vie au cas où les violences ou les
voies de fait sont exercées au cours d’un procédé de sorcellerie, de magie ou
de divination.

ARTICLE 279.Coupsavec blessures graves

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans et, s’il y a
lieu, d’une amende de cinq mille (5 000) à cinq cent mille (500 000) francs,

celui qui, par des violences ou des voies de fait, cause involontairement à autrui
des blessures telles que prévues à l’article 277 ci-dessus.

(2) L’emprisonnement est de six (06) à quinze (15) ans, lorsqu’il est fait
usage d’une arme ou d’une substance explosive, corrosive ou toxique, ou d’un
poison ou d’un procédé de sorcellerie, magie ou divination.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 280.- Blessures simples

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) mois à cinq (05) ans et d’une
amende de cinq mille (5 000) à deux cent mille (200 000) francs ou de l’une de
ces deux peines seulement, celui qui, par des violences ou des voies defait,
cause, même involontairement à autrui, une maladie ou une incapacité de
travail supérieure à trente (30) jours.

ARTICLE 281.- Blessures légères

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) jours à deux (02) ans et
d’une amende de cinq mille (5 000) à cinquante mille (50 000) francs ou de
l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui, par des violences ou des voies
de fait, cause, même involontairement à autrui, une maladie ou une incapacité
de travail de plus de huit (08) jours et jusqu’à trente (30) jours.

ARTICLE 282.- Délaissement d’incapable

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à trois (03) ans et d’une
amende de cinq mille (5 000) à vingt-cinq mille (25 000) francs, celui qui
déplace, pour l’abandonner, une personne incapable de se protéger en raison
de son état physique ou mental
(2) La peine d’emprisonnement est de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans, si la victime
est abandonnée dans un lieu solitaire.

(3) La peine est un emprisonnement de dix (10) à vingt (20) ans lorsque le
coupable est un ascendant ou toute autre personne ayant autorité sur
l’incapable ou en ayant la garde légale ou de fait.

(4) Dans tous les cas, la juridiction peut prononcer les déchéances de
l’article 30 du présent Code, ainsi que la déchéance de l’autorité parentale,
pour la même durée.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 283.- Omission de porter secours

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) mois à trois (03) ans et d’une
amende de vingt mille (20 000) à un million (1 000 000) de francs ou de l’une de

ces deux peines seulement, celui qui s’abstient de porter à une personne en
péril de mort ou de blessures graves, l’assistance que, sans risque pour lui ni
pour les tiers, il pouvait lui prêter soit par son action personnelle, soit en
provoquant un secours.

SECTION III – DISPOSITIONS COMMUNES

ARTICLE 284.- Erreur sur la victime

Pour l’application des articles275 à 281 inclus, l’homicide, les violences et
les voies de fait sont volontaires, même si l’intention du coupable est d’atteindre
une autre personne.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 285.- Assimilation aux violences

Pour l’application du présent Code, sont assimilés aux violences et aux
voies de fait :

a) l’administration de toutes substances nuisibles à la santé ;
b)le délaissement, tel que prévu à l’article 282ci-dessus ;
c)la privation, de la part de celui qui en a la garde légale ou de fait,
d’aliments ou de soins, au point de compromettre la santé d’une
personne qui ne peut soit se soustraire à cette garde, soit se protéger
elle-même.

ARTICLE 286.- interventions médicales

Les articles 277 à 281 inclus, ne sont pas applicables aux actes médicaux
effectués par toute personne dûment habilitée, lorsqu’ils sont accomplis avec le
consentement du patient ou de celui qui en a la garde.
Toutefois, au cas où le patient est hors d’état de consentir, celui qui en a la
garde ou son conjoint, doit donner son consentement, sauf lorsqu’il est
impossible de communiquer, sans risque pour le patient, avec ceux-ci.

ARTICLE 287.- Intérêt de la victime

ll n’y a aucune infraction lorsque les blessures ou les violences sont
justifiées par la nécessité immédiate d’éviter à la victime un mal plus grave.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 288.- Activités sportives

Les articles 278 à 281 inclus, ne sont pas applicables aux actes accomplis
au cours d’une activité sportive, à condition que l’auteur ait respecté les règles
de ce sport.

SECTION IV – DE L’HOMICIDE ET DES BLESSURES INVOLONTAIRES

ARTICLE 289.- Homicide et blessures involontaires

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à cinq (05) ans et
d’une amende de dix mille (10 000) à cinq cent mille (500 000) francs ou de
l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui, par maladresse, négligence,
imprudence ou inobservation des règlements, cause la mort ou des blessures,
maladies ou incapacités de travail, telles que prévues aux articles 277 et 280 ci-
dessus.

(2) La peine est un emprisonnement de six (06) à vingt (20) ans, au cas où
l’une des infractions prévues aux articles 227, 228 (2) (a) et (b) du présent
Code provoque des blessures, maladies ou incapacités de travail, telles que
prévues aux articles 277 et 280ci-dessus.

(3) La peine est celle de l’emprisonnement à vie, au cas où l’une des
infractions prévues aux articles 227, 228 (2) (a) et (b) du présent Code,
provoque la mort d’autrui.

(4) Si l’homicide ou les blessures ont été causés par le conducteur d’un
véhicule dont la conduite nécessite un permis, la juridiction peut ordonner le
retrait du permis de conduire ou l’interdiction de l’obtenir pour une durée
maximum de trois (03) ans et, en cas de récidive, pour une durée maximum de
dix (10) ans.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 290.- Conducteurs de véhicules

(1) Les peines prévues à l’article 289 (1) ci-dessus sont doublées si
l’infraction est commise par le conducteur d’un véhicule quelconque:
a) qui conduit en état d’ivresse ou d’intoxication ;
b) qui conduit sans le permis exigé ;
e) qui, dans le but d’échapper à la responsabilité qu’il encourt, prend la

(2) La peine est un emprisonnement de six (06) mois à quatre (04) ans et
une amende de dix mille (10 000) à cent mille (100 000) francs, si le conducteur
d’un véhicule quelconque cause, dans les circonstances visées à alinéa 1 ci-
dessus, des blessures telles que prévues l’article 281 ci-dessus.

(3) Dans tous les cas prévus aux alinéas 1 et 2 ci-dessus, la juridiction peut
prononcer contre le condamné le retrait du permis de conduire ou l’interdiction
de l’obtenir pour une durée maximum de cinq (05) ans. En cas de récidive, le
retrait ou l’interdiction peuvent être à vie.

(4) Hors le cas prévu à l’alinéa 1 (c) ci-dessus, est puni d’un
emprisonnement de un (01) mois à un (01) an et d’une amende de vingt mille
(20 000) à deux cent mille (200 000) francs ou de l’une de ces deux peines
seulement, tout conducteur d’un véhicule quelconque qui, venant d’occasionner
un accident, prend la fuite pour échapper à sa responsabilité. La juridiction peut
prononcer le retrait du permis de conduire ou l’interdiction de l’obtenir pendant
une durée maximum de deux (02) ans.

CHAPITRE II – DES ATTEINTES A LA LIBERTEET À LA PAIX DES PERSONNES

SECTION I – DES ATTEINTES A LA LIBERTE

ARTICLE 291.- Arrestation et séquestration

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans et d’une
amende de vingt mille (20 000) à un million (1 000 000) de francs, celui qui, de
quelque manière que ce soit, prive autrui de sa liberté.

(2) La peine est un emprisonnement de dix (10) à vingt (20) ans dans l’un
des cas suivants :

a) si la privation de liberté dure plus d’un (01) mois ;
b) si elle est accompagnée de sévices corporels ou moraux;
c) si l’arrestation est effectuée soit au vu d’un faux ordre de l’autorité
publique, soit avec port illégal d’uniforme, soit sous une fausse qualité.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 292.- Travail forcé

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) an à cinq (05) ans et d’une amende
de dix mille (10 000)à cinq cent mille (500 000) francs ou de l’une de ces deux
peines seulement, celui qui, pour satisfaire son intérêt personnel, impose à

autrui un travail ou un service pour lesquels il ne s’est pas offert de son plein gré.

ARTICLE 293.- Esclavage

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de dix (10) à vingt (20) ans, celui qui réduit
ou maintient une personne en esclavage.

La juridiction peut en outre prononcer les déchéances de l’article 30 du
présent Code.

ARTICLE 294.- Proxénétisme

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) mois à cinq (05) ans et d’une
amende de vingt mille (20 000) à un million (1 000 000) de francs, celui qui
provoque, aide ou facilite la prostitution d’autrui ou qui partage, même
occasionnellement, le produit de la prostitution d’autrui ou reçoit des subsides
d’une personne se livrant à la prostitution.

(2) Est présumé recevoir des subsides, celui qui, vivant avec une personne
se livrant à la prostitution, ne peut justifier de ressources suffisantes pour lui
permettre de pourvoir seul à sa subsistance.

(3) Les peines prévues à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus sont doublées si:
a) le délit est accompagné de contraintes ou de fraude ou si l’auteur est
armé; ou s’il est le propriétaire, le gérant ou le préposé d’un
établissement où se pratique la prostitution ;
b) si le délit a été commis au préjudice d’une personne mineure de vingt
et un (21) ans;
c) si l’auteur est le père ou la mère, le tuteur ou le responsable
coutumier.

(4) Dans les cas visés à l’alinéa 3 ci-dessus, les dispositions de l’article 48
du présent Code sont obligatoirement appliquées.

(5) La juridiction peut prononcer les déchéances de l’article 30 du présent
Code et priver le condamné pendant la même durée de toute tutelle ou
curatelle ; elle peut également lui interdire pendant la même durée la garde,
même coutumière, de tout mineur de vingt et un ans.

(6) La juridiction ordonne également, dans le cas prévu l’alinéa 3 (a), la
fermeture de l’établissement, même s’il est affecté à tout autre usage.

(7) Pour l’application du présent article, la prostituée n’est pas considérée
comme complice.

SECTION
DES OFFENSES SEXUELLES

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 295.- Outrage privé à la pudeur

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de quinze (15) jours à deux (02) ans et
d’une amende de dix mille (10 000) à cent mille (100 000) francs ou l’une de
ces peines seulement, celui qui, même dans un lieu privé, commet un outrage à
la pudeur en présence d’une personne de l’un ou l’autre sexe non consentante.

(2) Les peines prévues l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus sont doublées si l’outrage est
accompagné de violences.

ARTICLE 296.- Viol

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans, celui qui, à l’aide
de violences physiques ou morales, contraint une personne, même pubère, à
avoir avec lui des relations sexuelles.

ARTICLE 297.- Mariage subséquent

Le mariage librement consenti de la victime, pubère lors des faits, avec
l’auteur des faits visés aux articles 295 et 296 ci-dessus, est sans effet sur les
poursuites et la condamnation.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 298.- Pénalités aggravées

Les peines des articles 294, 295 et 296 ci-dessus sont doublées lorsque le
coupable est, soit :
a) une personne ayant autorité sur la victime ou en ayant la garde
légale ou coutumière;
b) un fonctionnaire ou un ministre du cuite ;
c) une personne aidée par une ou plusieurs autres.

SECTION III – DES ATTEINTES A LA TRANQUILITE DES PERSONNES

ARTICLE 299.- Violation de domicile

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de dix (10) jours à un (01) an et d’une
amende de cinq mille (5 000) à cinquante mille (50 000) francs ou de l’une de
ces deux peines seulement, celui qui s’introduit ou se maintient dans le domicile
d’autrui contre son gré.

(2) Les peines prévues à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus sont doublées si l’infraction
est commise pendant la nuit ou à l’aide des menaces, violences ou voies de
fait.

(3) La poursuite ne peut être exercée que sur plainte de la victime.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 300.- Violation de correspondance

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de quinze (15) jours à un (01) an et
d’une amende de cinq mille (5 000) à cent mille (100 000) francs ou de l’une de
ces deux peines seulement, celui qui, sans l’autorisation du destinataire,
supprime ou ouvre la correspondance d’autrui.

(2) Le présent article n’est pas applicable aux conjoints ou aux père, mère,
tuteur ou responsable coutumier à l’égard des enfants mineurs de vingt et un
(21) ans non émancipés.

ARTICLE 301.- Menaces simples

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de dix (10) jours à trois (03) ans et d’une
amende de cinq mille (5 000) à cent cinquante mille (150 000) francs, celui qui,
oralement ou par tous écrits ou images, menace autrui soit de violences ou de
voies de fait, soit de la destruction de tout bien, soit de pénétrer par effraction à
l’intérieur de son domicile.

ARTICLE 302.- Menaces sous conditions

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de dix (10) jours à six (06) mois et d’une
amende de cinq mille (5 000) à cinquante mille (50 000) francs, celui qui, avec
ordre ou conditions, menace autrui, même implicitement, de violences ou de
voies de fait.

(2) Si les violences ou voies de fait devaient constituer des infractions
punissables de mort ou de l’emprisonnement vie, la peine est :

a) de six (06) mois à trois (03) ans d’emprisonnement et d’une amende de
cinq mille (5 000) à soixante-dix mille (70 000) francs, en cas de menaces
verbales;
b) de deux (02) à cinq (05) ans d’emprisonnement et d’une amende de dix
mille (10 000) à deux cent cinquante mille (250 000) francs, en cas de
menaces par écrit ou par images; dans ce cas, la juridiction peut
également prononcer les déchéances de l’article 30 du présent Code.

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ARTICLE 302-1- Harcèlement sexuel

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) mois à un (01) an et d’une
amende de cent mille (100 000) à un million (1 000 000) de francs, quiconque,
usant de l’autorité que lui confère sa position, harcèle autrui en donnant des
ordres, proférant des menaces, imposant des contraintes ou exerçant des
pressions dans le but d’obtenir des faveurs de nature sexuelle.

(2) La peine est un emprisonnement de un (01) à trois (03) ans, si la
victime est une personne mineure.

(3) La peine est un emprisonnement de trois (03) à cinq (05) ans, si l’auteur
des faits est préposé à l’éducation de la victime.

ARTICLE 303.- Chantage

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (05) ans et d’une
amende de deux cent mille (200 000) à deux millions (2 000 000) de francs
celui qui, avec ordres ou conditions, menace autrui d’une imputation
diffamatoire ou d’une révélation.

(2) La peine prévue à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus est doublée s’il s’agit de
l’imputation d’un crime.
(3) La juridiction peut, en outre, prononcer les déchéances de l’article 30
du présent Code.

ARTICLE 304.- Dénonciation calomnieuse

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) mois à cinq (05ÿ ans et d’une
amende de dix mille (10 000) à un million (1 000 000) de francs, celui qui fait à
une autorité publique ou privée une dénonciation fausse et susceptible
d’entraîner des sanctions soit pénales, soit disciplinaires, à moins qu’il ne
prouve qu’il avait de bonnes raisons de croire aux faits dénoncés.

(2) L’emprisonnement est de deux (02) à cinq (05) ans lorsque la
dénonciation est anonyme.

(3) Si en suite de la dénonciation, une poursuite pénale est engagée
devant une juridiction de jugement à l’occasion du fait dénoncé, il est sursis à la
poursuite du chef de dénonciation jusqu’à décision définitive.
(4) La juridiction peut ordonner la publication du jugement.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 305.- Diffamation

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) jours à six (06) mois et d’une
amende de cinq mille (5 000) à deux millions (2 000 000) de francs ou de l’une
de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui, par l’un des moyens prévus à l’article
152 du présent Code, porte atteinte à l’honneur ou à la considération d’une
personne en lui imputant directement ou non des faits dont il ne peut rapporter
la preuve.

(2) Les peines prévues à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus s’appliquent également aux
auteurs des diffamations commises par voie de presse écrite, de radio ou de
télévision, sans préjudice du droit de réponse ou du devoir de rectification.
(3) La vérité de l’imputation peut être prouvée sauf :

a) lorsqu’elle concerne la vie privée de la victime ;
b) lorsqu’elle se réfère à un fait remontant à plus de dix (10)ans;
c) lorsqu’elle se réfère à un fait constituant une infraction amnistiée ou à un
fait ayant fait l’objet d’une condamnation autrement effacée.

(4) La poursuite ne peut être engagée que sur plainte de la victime ou de
son représentant légal ou coutumier, mais, jusqu’à condamnation définitive, le
retrait de la plainte arrête l’exercice de l’action publique.

(5) La prescription de l’action publique est de quatre (04) mois à compter
de la commission du délit ou du dernier acte de poursuite ou de l’instruction.

(6) Le présent article est applicable à la diffamation dirigée contre la
mémoire d’un mort lorsque l’auteur de la diffamation a eu l’intention de porter
atteinte à l’honneur ou à la considération des héritiers, époux ou légataires
universels vivants.

(7) Les peines sont réduites de moitié si la diffamation n’est pas publique.
(8) Les pénalités sont doublées lorsque la diffamation est anonyme.

ARTICLE 306.- Exceptions à la diffamation

Ne constituent aucune infraction :

1. les discours tenus au sein des ‘assemblées législatives, ainsi que les
rapports ou toute autre pièce imprimée par ordre de ce Parlement ;

2. le compte rendu des séances publiques de ces assemblées fait de bonne
foi:

3. les débats judiciaires, les discours prononcés ou les écrits produits devant
les juridictions:
4. le compte rendu fidèle et de bonne foi de ces débats et discours, à
l’exception des procès en diffamation ;

5. la publication des décisions judiciaires, y compris celles rendues en
matière de diffamation;
6. le rapport officiel fait de bonne foi par une personne régulièrement
désignée pour procéder à une enquête et dans le cadre de cette enquête ;

7. l’imputation faite de bonne foi par un supérieur hiérarchique sur son
subordonné ;

8. le renseignement donné de bonne foi sur une personne à un tiers qui a un
intérêt personnel ou officiel à le connaître ou qui a le pouvoir de remédier à une
injustice alléguée:
9. la critique d’une œuvre, d’un spectacle, d’une opinion quelconque
manifestée publiquement, à condition que ladite critique ne traduise pas une
animosité personnelle ;
10. l’œuvre historique faite de bonne foi.

ARTICLE 307.- Injures

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de cinq (05) jours à trois (03) mois et
d’une amende de cinq mille (5 000) à cent mille (100 000) francs ou de l’une de
ces deux peines seulement, celui qui, dans les conditions de publicité prévues à
l’article 152 du présent Code et sans avoir été provoqué, use à l’encontre d’une
personne, d’une expression outrageante, d’un geste, d’un terme de mépris ou
d’une invective qui ne renferme l’imputation d’aucun fait.

(2) La poursuite ne peut être engagée que sur plainte de la victime ou de
son représentant légal ou coutumier, mais jusqu’à condamnation définitive, le
retrait de la plainte arrête l’exercice de l’action publique.
(3) La prescription de l’action publique est de quatre (04) mois à compter
de la commission du délit ou du dernier acte de poursuite ou d’instruction.

(4) Le présent article est applicable à l’injure faite à la mémoire d’un mort
dans les mêmes conditions que celles prévues à l’article 305 (5) ci-dessus.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 308.- Extorsion d’un acte, d’une signature, d’un blanc-seing

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans et d’une
amende de dix mille (10 000) à cinq cent mille (500 000) francs, celui qui, parla
violence, la contrainte ou la fraude, extorque la signature ou la remise d’une
pièce quelconque portant obligation, disposition ou décharge, ou susceptible de
compromettre la personne ou la fortune du signataire.

(2) Est puni des mêmes peines celui qui, par les mêmes moyens, obtient la
remise d’un blanc-seing et le remplit d’un des actes prévus l’alinéa 1 ci-
dessus.

CHAPITRE III – DES ATTEINTES A LA CONFIANCE DES PERSONNES

ARTICLE 309.- Abus de blanc-seing

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (05) ans et d’une amende
de cinq mille (5 000) à cinq cent mille (500 000) francs ou de l’une de ces deux
peines seulement, celui qui abuse d’un blanc-seing qui lui est confié, pour y
écrire frauduleusement soit une obligation, disposition ou décharge, soit une
mention susceptible de compromettre la personne ou la fortune du signataire.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 310.- Violation du secret professionnel

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à trois (03) ans et
d’une amende de vingt mille (20 000) à cent mille (100 000) francs, celui qui
révèle, sans l’autorisation de celui à qui il appartient, un fait confidentiel qu’il n’a
connu ou qui ne lui a été confié qu’en raison de sa profession ou de sa fonction.

(2) L’alinéa 1 ci-dessus ne s’applique ni aux déclarations faites aux
autorités judiciaires ou de police judiciaire portant sur des faits susceptibles de
constituer un crime ou un délit, ni aux réponses en justice à quelque demande
que ce soit.

(3) L’alinéa 2 ne s’applique pas:
a) au médecin et au chirurgien qui sont toujours tenus au secret
professionnel, sauf dans la limite d’une réquisition légale ou d’une
commission d’expertise ;
b) au fonctionnaire sur l’ordre écrit du Gouvernement ;
c) au ministre du culte et à l’avocat.

(4) La juridiction peut prononcer les déchéances de l’article 30 du présent
Code.

ARTICLE 311.- Violation du secret commercial

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à trois (03) ans et
d’une amende de cent mille (100 000) à cinq millions (5 000 000) de francs ou
de l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui révèle, sans l’autorisation de
celui auquel il appartient, un fait ou procédés industriels ou commerciaux dont il
a eu connaissance en raison de son emploi.
(2) La juridiction peut prononcer les déchéances de l’article 30 du présent
Code.

ARTICLE 311-1.- Inobservation des formalités d’inscription au Registre du Commerce et du Crédit Mobilier

Est punie d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à trois (03) ans et d’une
amende de cent mille (100 000) à cinq millions (5 000 000) de francs ou de
l’une de ces deux peines seulement, toute personne tenue d’accomplir une
formalité relative à l’inscription au Registre du Commerce et du Crédit Mobilier,
qui s’en abstient ou qui effectue une formalité y relative par fraude.
La juridiction compétente ordonne, le cas échéant, la rectification des
mentions et transcriptions inexactes.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 311-2.- Non indication de la qualité de locataire-gérant d’un fonds de commerce

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à trois (03) ans et d’une
amende de cent mille (100 000) à cinq millions (5 000 000) de francs ou de
l’une de ces deux peines seulement, le locataire-gérant d’un fonds de
commerce qui omet d’indiquer cette qualité en tête de ses bons de commande,
factures et autres documents à caractère financier ou commercial, ainsi que
son numéro d’immatriculation au Registre du Commerce et du Crédit Mobilier.

La juridiction compétente ordonne, le cas échéant, la régularisation de
cette formalité.

ARTICLE 311-3.- Inscription frauduleuse d’une sûreté mobilière

La juridiction compétente ordonne, le cas échéant. L’inscription ou la
rectification des mentions inexactes.

ARTICLE 312.- Corruption des agents du secteur prive

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (01) ans et d’une
amende de deux cent mille (200 000) à deux millions (2000 000) de francs,
celui qui fait directement ou indirectement, des offres, des promesses, des
dons, des présents ou des avantages quelconques pour obtenir d’une personne
qui, sans être dépositaire de l’autorité publique ou chargée d’une mission de
service public, exerce, dans le cadre d’une activité professionnelle ou sociale,
une fonction de direction ou un travail pour une personne physique ou morale,
ou un organisme quelconque, pour qu’elle accomplisse ou s’abstienne
d’accomplir un acte de son activité ou de sa fonction, ou facilite la commission
dudit acte par son activité ou sa fonction, en violation de ses obligations
légales, contractuelles ou professionnelles.

(2) Est puni des peines prévues à l’alinéa 1”ci-dessus celui qui, quel que
soit le moment, sans être dépositaire de l’autorité publique ou chargé d’une
mission de service public, et exerçant dans le cadre d’une activité
professionnelle où sociale, une fonction de direction ou un travail pour une
personne physique ou morale ou un organisme quelconque, cède à des
sollicitations, accepte des offres, dons, promesses, présents ou avantages
quelconques, en vue d’accomplir ou de s’abstenir d’accomplir un acte de son
activité ou de sa fonction, ou facilite la commission dudit acte par son activité ou
sa fonction, en violation de ses obligations légales, contractuelles ou
professionnelles:

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 313.- Tromperie envers des associés

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (05) ans et d’une
amende de un million (1000 000) à dix millions (10 000 000) de francs, tout
Directeur, Gérant, Administrateur ou Contrôleur des comptes d’une société qui,
dans le but d’induire en erreur un ou plusieurs associés, actionnaires ou
créanciers, fait une fausse déclaration ou fournit un compte faux.
(2)La juridiction peut, en outre, prononcer les déchéances de l’article 30
du présent Code.

ARTICLE 313-1.- Non déclaration du conflit d’intérêts

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (05) ans et d’une amende
de deux cent mille (200 000) à deux millions (2 000 000) de francs, l’agent
public ou l’employé du secteur privé qui, possédant par lui-même ou par
personne interposée et sous quelque dénomination que ce soit, dans une
entreprise ou dans un secteur soumis à son contrôle direct ou en relation avec
lui, des intérêts de nature à compromettre ou à restreindre son indépendance,
s’abstient d’en faire la déclaration auprès de ses supérieurs hiérarchiques.

ARTICLE 314.- Faux en écriture privée ou de commerce

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) à huit (08) ans et d’une
‘amende de cinquante mille (50 000) à un million (1 000 000) de francs, celui qui
contrefait ou falsifie une écriture privée portant obligation, disposition ou
décharge soit dans la substance, soit dans les signatures, dates ou attestations.

(2) La peine est un emprisonnement de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans et
l’amende de cent mille (100 000) à deux millions (2 000 000) de francs s’il s’agit
soit:

a) d’une écriture de commerce ou de banque;
b) d’un écrit attestant un droit foncier ;
c) du mandat designer l’un des écrits visés en (a) et (b);
d) d’un testament.
(3) Est puni des peines prévues aux alinéas 1 et 2 ci-dessus, celui qui fait
usage soit :

a) d’un des écrits susvisés;
b) d’un écrit périmé en le présentant comme toujours valable:
c) d’un écrit se référant à une autre personne en se faisant passer pour
cette personne.

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ARTICLE 314-1 Défauts comptables, tenue irrégulière ou absence de comptabilité

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans et d’une
amende de deux cent mille (200 000) à deux millions (2 000 000) de francs
celui qui, délibérément, établit des comptes hors livre, utilise de faux
documents, enregistre des recettes et des dépenses inexactes, ou détruit des
documents comptables plus tôt que ne le prévoit la loi.

(2) Les peines prévues à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus sont doublées si l’auteur est
un professionnel officiellement reconnu en matière de comptabilité, ou si les
comptes produits ont été certifiés exacts par un tel professionnel.

(3) Lorsque l’établissement ou la certification des faux comptes ont pour
but de masquer des actes constitutifs de corruption, d’atteinte à la fortune
publique, les peines sont celles applicables à ces dernières infractions.

ARTICLE 315.- Contrefaçon de certificat

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) mois à un (01) an, celui qui
contrefait ou falsifie un certificat privé ou qui émet un certificat faux, non
autrement puni, ou qui fait usage d’un certificat privé contrefait, falsifié ou faux.

(2) La peine prévue à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus est doublée en cas de
contrefaçon, fabrication ou usage d’un certificat médical ou d’une
écriture privée non prévue par l’article 314 ci-dessus.

CHAPITRE
DES ATTEINTES AUX BIENS

SECTION I – DES DESTRUCTIONS

ARTICLE 316.- Destruction

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de quinze (15) jours à trois (03) ans et
d’une amende de cinq mille (5 000) à cent mille (100 000) francs ou de l’une de
ces deux peines seulement, celui qui détruit, même partiellement, tout bien
appartenant, en tout ou en partie, à autrui, ou grevé d’une charge en faveur
d’autrui.

(2) La peine est un emprisonnement de deux (02) à dix (10) ans et
l’amende de dix mille (10 000) à cinq cent mille (500 000) francs ou l’une de ces

deux peines seulement, si la destruction porte sur des édifices, ouvrages,
navires ou installations.

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ARTICLE 317.- Destruction de bornes ou de clôtures

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de quinze (15) jours à un (01) an et d’une
amende de cinq mille (5 000) à cinquante mille (50 000) francs, celui qui, soit :

a) supprime ou déplace une borne ou tout autre signe établis pour
marquer la limite entre des propriétés différentes;
b) détruit une clôture de quelque nature qu’elle soit.

SECTION II – DESINFRACTIONS CONTRE LA FORTUNE D’AUTRUI

ARTICLE 318.- Vol, abus de confiance, escroquerie

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de cinq (5) à dix (10) ans et d’une
amende de cent mille (100 000) à un million (1 000 000) de francs, celui qui
porte atteinte à la fortune d’autrui :

a) par vol, c’est-à-dire en sous trayant la chose d’autrui ;
b) par abus de confiance, c’est-à-dire en détournant ou détruisant ou
dissipant tout bien susceptible d’être soustrait et qu’il a reçu, à charge de le
conserver, de le rendre, de le représenter ou d’en faire un usage déterminé.

Toutefois, le présent paragraphe ne s’applique ni au prêt d’argent, ni au
prêt de consommation ;

c) par escroquerie, c’est-à-dire en déterminant fallacieusement la victime
soit par des manœuvres, soit en affirmant ou dissimulant un fait.

(3)La juridiction peut, en outre, prononcer les déchéances de l’article 30
du présent Code.

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ARTICLE 319.- Vol et abus de confiance spéciaux

L’article 318 ci-dessus est applicable :

1. à celui qui s’approprie indûment une énergie provenant d’une force
motrice ou de tout dispositif quelconque ;

2. à celui qui, sans avoir l’intention de s’approprier la chose d’autrui,
l’utilise sans droit ;
3. à celui qui s’approprie une chose perdue ;
4. au débiteur gagiste qui soustrait ou détourne le bien gagé.

ARTICLE 320.- Vol aggravé

(1) Les peines de l’article 318 ci-dessus sont doublées si le vol a été
commis soit :

a) à l’aide de violences ;
b) avec port d’arme ;
c) par effraction extérieure, par escalade ou l’aide d’une fausse clef ;
d) à l’aide d’un véhicule automobile.

(2) Est puni de la peine de mort, quiconque commet un vol avec des
violences ayant entraîné la mort d’autrui ou des blessures graves, telles que
prévues aux articles 277 et 279 du présent Code.

ARTICLE 321.- Abus de confiance et escroquerie aggravés

Les peines de l’article 318 ci-dessus sont doublées si l’abus de confiance
ou l’escroquerie ont été commis soit :

a) par un avocat, notaire, commissaire-priseur, huissier, agent
d’exécution ou par un agent d’affaires;
b) par un employé au préjudice de son employeur ou réciproquement ;
c) par une personne faisant appel ou ayant fait appel au public.

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ARTICLE 322.- Filouteries

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de cinq (05) jours à six (06) mois et
d’une amende de cinq mille (5 000)à vingt-cinq mille (25 000) francs, celui qui,
étant dans l’impossibilité de payer le prix y afférent :

a) se fait servir des boissons ou aliments qu’il a consommés sur place ;
b) occupe une chambre dans un hôtel;
c) prend en location une voiture de place.

(2) Dans les cas prévus à l’alinéa 1 (a) et (b), la durée de la fourniture de
boissons ou d’aliments ou l’occupation du logement ne doivent pas avoir
excédé une semaine.
(3) Est puni des mêmes peines, celui qui sans droit, retient la chose d’autrui

ARTICLE 322-1.- Filouteries de loyers

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) mois à trois (03) ans et d’une
amende de cent mille (100 000) à trois cent mille (300 000) francs ou de l’une
de ces deux peines seulement, le preneur par bail, dûment enregistré, d’un
immeuble bâti ou non qui, débiteur de deux mois de loyers, n’a ni payé lesdits
loyers, ni libéré l’immeuble concerné un mois après sommation de payer ou de
libérer les lieux.

(2) En cas de condamnation, le tribunal ordonne en outre l’expulsion du
preneur et de tout occupant de son chef.

ARTICLE 322-2.- Détérioration des lieux loués

Est puni des peines prévues à l’article 322-1 ci-dessus, le preneur qui, au
Moment de libérer les lieux, détériore ceux-ci ou les équipements s’y trouvant.

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ARTICLE 322-3.- Atteinte au privilège du bailleur d’immeuble

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) mois à trois (03) ans et d’une
amende de cent mille (100 000) à trois cent mille (300 000) francs ou de l’une
de ces deux peines seulement, le preneur d’immeuble ou toute autre personne
qui, par des manœuvres frauduleuses, prive totalement ou partiellement le
bailleur de son privilège.

ARTICLE 323.- Immunités

Les articles 318, 319, 322, 322-1 et 322-2 du présent Code ne sont pas
applicables entre conjoints, entre ascendants et descendants légitimes ou
adoptifs, ou entre ascendants et descendants naturels jusqu’au deuxième
degré s’ils vivent ensemble ou sont reconnus, à l’encontre du veuf ou de la
veuve, sur les biens de première nécessité ayant appartenu au conjoint décédé.

ARTICLE 324.- Recel

(1) Est puni des peines de l’article 318 ci-dessus celui qui détient ou
dispose des choses obtenues à l’aide d’un délit, soit en connaissance de cause
soit en ayant des raisons d’en soupçonner l’origine délictuelle.

(2) En cas de crime, les peines sont doublées.

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ARTICLE 325.- Usure

(1) Est puni d’une amende de cinq mille (5 000) à un million (1 000 000) de
francs, le prêteur qui exige ou reçoit des intérêts ou autres rétributions
supérieures aux taux fixés par la loi, pour des prêts de même nature.
(2) En cas de récidive, la peine est un emprisonnement de quinze (15)
jours à un (01) an et l’amende est doublée.

(3) La juridiction peut ordonner la publication de sa décision dans les
conditions prévues à l’article 33 du présent Code.

(4) Pour l’application du présent article, l’emprunteur n’est pas considéré
comme complice.

ARTICLE 326.- Ventes prohibées

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) mois à un (01) an et d’une
amende de deux cent (200 000) à deux millions (2 000 000) de francs ou de
l’une de ces deux peines seulement celui qui:

a)offre des marchandises au public en lui laissant espérer l’obtention
gratuite de ces marchandises ou une réduction du prix s’il place des bons
à des tiers ou détermine des tiers l’achat;
b) fait parvenir de la marchandise à un destinataire sans demande préalable
de celui-ci, en lui indiquant qu’il a le choix entre l’achat ou le renvoi, même
si ce renvoi peut être effectué sans frais pour le destinataire.

ARTICLE 327.- Atteinte à la propriété littéraire et artistique

(1)Est puni d’un emprisonnement de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans et d’une
amende de cinq cent mille (500 000) à dix millions (10 000 000) de francs
ou de l’une de ces deux peines seulement, celui qui :

a) exploite une œuvre littéraire ou artistique en violation de la loi, par
représentation, reproduction, transformation ou distribution par quelque
moyen que ce soit ;
b) reproduit, communique au public ou met à la disposition du public par
vente, échange, location d’une interprétation, d’un phonogramme, d’un
vidéogramme, réalisés sans l’autorisation, lorsqu’elle est exigée, de
l’artiste-interprète, du producteur de phonogrammes ou de
vidéogrammes, ou de l’entreprise de communication audiovisuelle ;

c) porte atteinte au droit moral par violation du droit de divulgation, du droit à
la paternité ou du droit au respect d’une œuvre littéraire ou artistique ;
d) porte atteinte au droit à la paternité et au droit l’intégrité de la prestation
de l’artiste- interprète
e) importe, exporte, vend ou met en vente des objets contrefaisants;
f) importe ou exporte des phonogrammes ou vidéogrammes réalisés sans
autorisation, lorsqu’elle est exigée, de l’artiste-interprète ou du producteur
de phonogrammes ou de vidéogrammes;
g) fabrique sciemment ou importe, en vue de la vente ou de la location, ou
installe un équipement, matériel, dispositif ou instrument conçu, en tout ou
partie, pour capter frauduleusement des programmes télédiffusés, lorsque
ces programmes sont réservés à un public déterminé qui y accède
moyennant une rémunération versée à son opérateur ou à ses ayants
droit ou ayants cause ;
h) neutralise frauduleusement des mesures techniques efficaces dont les
titulaires des droits d’auteurs et des droits voisins se servent pour la
protection de leurs productions contre les actes non autorisés;
i) laisse reproduire ou représenter dans son établissement, de façon
irrégulière, les productions protégées en vertu de la loi ;
j) s’abstient de verser ou verse avec un retard injustifié une rémunération
prévue par la loi ;
k) supprime ou modifie, sans y être habilité, toute information relative au
régime des droits se présentant sous forme électronique ;
l) distribue, importe aux fins de distribution ou communique au public, sans
y être habilité, des originaux ou des exemplaires d’œuvres,
d’interprétations, de vidéogrammes, de phonogrammes, de programmes
en sachant que les informations relatives au régime des droits se
présentant sous forme électronique ont été supprimées ou modifiées sans
autorisation.
(2) Par «information sur le régime des droits », il faut entendre des
informations qui permettent d’identifier l’œuvre, l’interprétation, le vidéogramme,
le phonogramme ou le programme, ou les informations sur les conditions et
modalités d’utilisation de ces productions, et tout numéro ou Code représentant
ces informations lorsque l’un de ces éléments d’information est joint à
l’exemplaire d’une production ou est lié à la communication d’une production au
public.

(3)Les peines prévues à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus sont doublées lorsque l’auteur
de l’infraction est le cocontractant du titulaire du titulaire du droit violé.

(4) La juridiction peut ordonner la confiscation des exemplaires contrefaits
et du matériel ayant servi à la commission de l’infraction, de même que les
recettes qu’elle aurait procurées à l’auteur de l’infraction.

(5) La juridiction compétente peut, en outre, ordonner la destruction du
matériel utilisé et les exemplaires contrefaits, ainsi que la publication de sa
décision dans les conditions prévues à l’article 33 du présent Code.

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ARTICLE 328.- Atteinte au brevet d’invention

(1) Est puni d’une amende de un million (1000 000) à trois millions
(3 000 000) de francs celui qui exploite indûment un brevet d’invention ou
recèle, vend, exporte ou importe un objet contrefait ou contrefaisant.

(2)En cas de récidive ou si l’auteur est ou a été employé dans
l’établissement où le brevet était régulièrement exploité, une peine
d’emprisonnement de un (01) à six (06) mois peut, en outre, être prononcée.

(3) Dans tous les cas, la juridiction doit ordonner la confiscation de l’objet
contrefait au profit du propriétaire du brevet et peut ordonner la publication de
sa décision dans les conditions prévues l’article 33 du présent Code.

(4)La juridiction statue sur les exceptions qui seraient tirées par le prévenu
soit de la nullité ou de la déchéance du brevet, soit des questions relatives à la
propriété dudit brevet.

(4)L’action publique ne peut être engagée que sur plainte de la partie
lésée.

ARTICLE 329.- Dessins et modèles industriels

(1) Est puni d’une amende de un million (1000000) à six millions
(6 000 000) de francs celui qui exploite indûment un dessin ou un modèle
déposé.
(2) En cas de récidive ou si le coupable travaille ou a travaillé pour la partie
lésée, une peine de un à six mois d’emprisonnement peut, en outre, être
prononcée.

(3) Dans les cas prévus aux alinéas 1 et 2 ci-dessus, la juridiction ordonne
la confiscation, au profit des parties lésées, des objets issus de l’exploitation
indue des marques déposées.

(4) Le condamné est déchu du droit d’électeur, du droit d’éligibilité et de
tout mandat électif ou nominatif aux chambres consulaires, de commerce ou
d’industrie pour une durée de dix (10) ans.
(5) La juridiction statue sur les ‘exceptions qui seraient tirées par le
prévenu, soit de la nullité ou de la déchéance du brevet, soit des questions
relatives à la propriété dudit brevet.

(6) La juridiction ordonne la publication de sa décision dans les conditions
prévues l’article 33 du présent Code.
(7) L’action publique ne peut être engagée que sur plainte de la partie
lésée.

ARTICLE 330.- Marques de fabrique ou de commerce

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à deux (02) ans et
d’une amende de un million (1 000 000) à six (6 000 000) millions de francs,
celui qui contrefait une marque de fabrique ou de commerce déposée.

(2) Est puni des peines prévues à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus celui qui recèle,
vend, exporte, importe ou fait usage d’un objet issu de la contrefaçon d’une
marque de fabrique ou de commerce déposée.

(3) Dans les cas prévus aux alinéas 1 et 2 ci-dessus, la juridiction ordonne
la confiscation, au profit des parties lésées, des objets issus de la contrefaçon
de la marque de fabrique ou de commerce.

(4) La juridiction ordonne la publication de sa décision dans les conditions
prévues à l’article 33 du présent Code.
(5) Le condamné est déchu du droit d’électeur, du droit d’éligibilité et de
tout mandat électif ou nominatif aux Chambres Consulaires, de Commerce ou
d’Industrie, pour une durée de dix (10) ans.

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SECTION III – DES FAILLITES

ARTICLE 331.- Débiteur frauduleux

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de quinze (15) jours à un (01) an, tout
débiteur même non commerçant, qui, pour ne pas payer un ou plusieurs de ses
créanciers, donne, livre, transfère, grève, soustrait où dissimule tout ou partie
de ses biens.

(2) En cas de sous traction ou dissimulation dans les deux (02) mois
précédant une décision de justice, même non définitive, le but est présumé.

ARTICLE 332.- Banqueroute simple.

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) mois à deux (02) ans tout
commerçant, personne physique, en état de cessation de paiements, qui :

a) a contracté sans recevoir des valeurs en échange, des engagements
jugés trop importants eu égard à sa situation lorsqu’il les a contractés ;
b) dans l’intention de retarder la constatation de la cessation de ses
paiements, fait des achats en vue d’une revente au-dessous du cours ou
si, dans la même intention, emploie des moyens ruineux pour se procurer
des fonds ;
c) sans excuse légitime, ne fait pas au Greffe de la juridiction compétente, la
déclaration de son état de cessation des paiements dans le délai de
trente (30) jours ;
d) tient une comptabilité incomplète ou irrégulière ou ne la tient pas
conformément aux règles comptables et aux usages reconnus dans la
profession, eu égard à l’importance de l’entreprise.

(2) Le commerçant, personne physique, est également déclaré coupable
de banqueroute et puni des peines prévues à l’alinéa 1” ci-dessus lorsque,
après avoir été déclaré trois (03) fois en état de cessation des paiements dans
un délai de cinq (05) ans, ces procédures ont été clôturées pour insuffisance
d’actif.

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ARTICLE 333.- Banqueroute frauduleuse

(1) Est punie d’un emprisonnement de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans tout personne
physique qui, en cas de cessation des paiements :

a) a soustrait sa comptabilité ;
b) a détourné ou dissipé tout ou partie de son actif ;
c) s’est frauduleusement reconnue débitrice de sommes qu’elle ne devait
pas, soit dans ses écritures, soit par des actes publiés ou des
‘engagements sous seing privé, soit dans son bilan ;
d) a exercé la profession commerciale en contravention de la loi;
e) a, après la cessation des paiements, payé un créancier au préjudice de la
masse;

f) a stipulé avec un créancier des avantages particuliers à raison de son
vote dans les délibérations de la masse, ou a fait avec un créancier un
traité particulier du quel il résulterait, pour ce dernier, un avantage à la
charge de l’actif du débiteur à partir du jour de la décision d’ouverture.

(2) Est également puni de la peine prévue à l’alinéa 1° ci-dessus, tout
commerçant personne physique qui, à l’occasion d’une procédure collective de
règlement préventif, de règlement judiciaire ou de liquidation de biens, a :

a) de mauvaise foi, présenté ou fait présenter un compte des résultats, un
bilan, un état de créances ou de dettes ou un état actif et passif des
privilèges et sûretés, inexact ou incomplet ;
b) sans autorisation du Président de la juridiction compétente, accompli un
des actes interdits par la législation organisant les procédures collectives
d’apurement du passif.

ARTICLE 334.- Mandataires sociaux

Sont punis d’un emprisonnement d’un (01) mois deux (02) ans, les
personnes physiques dirigeantes des personnes morales assujetties aux
procédures collectives, ainsi que les représentants permanents des personnes
morales dirigeantes qui, en cette qualité et de mauvaise foi, ont

a) utilisé ou consommé des sommes appartenant à la personne morale en
faisant des opérations de pur hasard ou des opérations fictives ;
b) fait des achats en vue d’une revente au-dessous du cours, ou employé
des moyens ruineux pour se procurer des fonds dans l’intention de
retarder la constatation de la cessation des paiements de la personne
morale ;
c) payé ou fait payer un créancier au préjudice de la masse après la
cessation des paiements de la personne morale:
d) fait contracter par la personne morale, pour le compte d’autrui, sans
recevoir des valeurs en échange, des engagements jugés trop importants
eu égard à sa situation, lorsque ceux-ci ont été contractés;
e) tenu, fait tenir ou laissé tenir une comptabilité irrégulière ou incomplète de
la personne morale dans les conditions prévues par l’article 332 ci-dessus

f) omis de faire au Greffe de la juridiction compétente, dans le délai de
trente jours, la déclaration de l’état de cessation des paiements de la
personne morale ;
g) détourné ou dissimulé, tenté de détourner ou de dissimuler une partie de
leurs biens, ou se sont frauduleusement reconnus débiteurs de sommes
qu’ils ne devaient pas, en vue de soustraire tout ou partie de leur

patrimoine aux poursuites de la personne morale en état de cessation des
paiements ou à celles des associés ou des membres ou des créanciers
de la personne morale en état de cessation des paiements.

ARTICLE 334-1.- Représentants légaux ou de fait

Sont punis d’un emprisonnement d’un (01) mois à deux (02) ans, les
représentants légaux ou de fait des personnes morales comportant des
membres indéfiniment et solidairement responsables des dettes de celles-ci
qui, sans excuse légitime, n’ont pas fait au Greffe de la juridiction compétente,
la déclaration de l’état de cessation des paiements dans le délai de trente jours
ou si cette déclaration ne comporte pas la liste des associés solidaires avec
indication de leurs noms et domiciles.

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ARTICLE 334-2.- Personnes physiques dirigeantes et représentants permanents des personnes morales dirigeantes.

(1) Sont punis d’un emprisonnement de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans les
personnes physiques dirigeantes et les représentants permanents des
personnes morales dirigeantes qui ont, frauduleusement:

a) soustrait les livres de la personne morale ;
b) détourné ou dissimulé une partie de son actif ;
c) reconnu la personne morale débitrice de sommes qu’elle ne devait pas,
soit dans les écritures, soit par des actes publics ou des engagements
sous seing privé, soit dans le bilan:
d) exercé la profession de dirigeant en violation d’une interdiction prévue par
les Actes Uniformes OHADA ou par toute disposition légale ou
règlementaire ;
e) stipulé avec un créancier, au nom de la personne morale, des avantages
particuliers à raison de son vote dans les délibérations de la masse ou qui
ont fait, avec un créancier, une convention particulière de laquelle il
résulterait, pour ce dernier, un avantage à la charge de l’actif de la
personne à partir de la date de la cessation des paiements, sauf
disposition contraire de la loi.

(2) Sont également punis des peines prévues à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus, les
dirigeants ci-dessus visés qui, à l’occasion d’une procédure de règlement
préventif, ont:

a) de mauvaise foi, présenté ou fait présenter un compte
bilan, un état de créances ou de dettes
privilèges et sûretés, inexact ou incomplet ;

b) sans autorisation du Président de la juridiction compétente, accompli un
des actes interdits par l’Acte Uniforme OHADA organisant les procédures
collectives d’apurement du passif.

ARTICLE 335.- Infractions commises par les tiers

Sont punies d’un emprisonnement de cinq (05) a dix (10) ans :

a) les personnes convaincues d’avoir, dans l’intérêt du débiteur, soustrait,
recelé ou dissimulé tout ou partie des biens meubles ou immeubles, sans
préjudice de l’application des dispositions pénales relatives à la
complicité ;
b)les personnes convaincues d’avoir frauduleusement produit dans la
procédure collective, soit en leur nom, soit par interposition de personne
ou sous un faux nom, des créances supposées;
c) les personnes qui, exerçant une activité professionnelle indépendante,
civile, commerciale, artisanale ou agricole sous le nom d’autrui ou sous
un faux nom, ont, de mauvaise foi, détourné, dissimulé, tenté de
détourner ou de dissimuler une partie de leurs biens.

ARTICLE 335-1.- Infractions commises par le conjoint, les parents ou les alliés du débiteur

Sont punis d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à trois (03) ans et d’une
amende de cinquante mille (50 000) à deux cent cinquante mille (250 000)
francs ou de l’une de ces deux peines seulement le conjoint, les descendants,
les ascendants ou les collatéraux du débiteur ou ses alliés jusqu’au quatrième
degré inclusivement qui, à l’insu du débiteur, ont détourné, diverti ou recelé des
effets dépendant de l’actif du débiteur en état de cessation des paiements.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 335-2.- Dommages-intérêts et réintégration

Dans les cas prévus aux articles 335 et 335-1 ci-dessus, alors même qu’il y
aurait relaxe, la juridiction saisie statue sur les dommages-intérêts et sur la
réintégration, dans le patrimoine du débiteur, des biens, droits ou actions
soustraits.

ARTICLE 335-3.- Infractions commises par le syndic de procédure collective

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans et d’une amende
de deux cent mille (200 000) à cinq millions (5000 000) de francs, tout
mandataire judiciaire d’une procédure collective qui :

a) exerce une activité personnelle sous le couvert d’une entreprise du
débiteur masquant ses agissements ;
b) dispose du crédit ou des biens du débiteur comme de ses biens propres;
c) dissipe les biens du débiteur ;
d) poursuit abusivement et de mauvaise foi, dans son intérêt personnel, soit
directement, soit indirectement, une exploitation déficitaire de l’entreprise
du débiteur ;
e) se rend acquéreur pour son compte, directement ou indirectement, des
biens du débiteur en violation de la législation organisant les procédures
collectives d’apurement du passif.

ARTICLE 336.- Avantages illégitimes d’un créancier

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à trois (03) ans et d’une amende
de cinquante mille (50 000) à un million cinq cent mille (1 500 000) francs, le
créancier qui, sauf disposition contraire de la loi:
a) conclut avec le débiteur ou avec toute autre personne, des avantages
particuliers à raison de son vote dans les délibérations de la masse ;
b) conclut une convention particulière de laquelle il résulterait, en sa faveur,
un avantage à la charge de l’actif du débiteur à partir du jour de la
décision d’ouverture de la procédure collective.

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CHAPITRE V – DES ATTEINTES CONTRE L’ENFANT ET LA FAMILLE

ARTICLE 337. Avortement

(1) Est punie d’un emprisonnement de quinze (15) jours à un (01) an et
d’une amende de cinq mille (5 000) à deux cent mille (200 000) francs ou de
l’une de ces deux peines seulement, la femme qui se procure l’avortement à
elle-même ou qui y consent.

(2) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (05) ans et d’une
amende de cent mille (100 000) à deux millions (2 000 000) de francs, celui qui,
même avec son consentement, procure l’avortement à une femme.

(3) Les peines de l’alinéa 2 sont doublées:
a) à l’encontre de toute personne qui se livre habituellement à des
avortements;

b) à l’encontre d’une personne qui exerce une profession médicale ou en
relation avec cette profession.

(4) La fermeture du local professionnel et l’interdiction d’exercer la
profession peuvent en outre être ordonnées dans les conditions prévues aux
articles 34 et 36 du présent Code.

ARTICLE 338.- Violences sur une femme enceinte

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans et d’une amende
de cent mille (100 000) à deux millions (2 000 000) de francs, celui qui, par des
violences sur une femme enceinte ou sur l’enfant en train de naître, provoque,
même non intentionnellement, la mort ou l’incapacité permanente de l’enfant.

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ARTICLE 339.- Exceptions

(1) Les dispositions des articles 337 et 338 ci-dessus ne sont pas
applicables si les faits sont accomplis par une personne habilitée et justifiés par
la nécessité de sauver la mère d’un péril grave pour sa santé.

(2) En cas de grossesse résultant d’un viol, l’avortement médicalisé ne
constitue pas une infraction s’il est effectué après attestation du Ministère
public sur la matérialité des faits.

ARTICLE 340.- Infanticide

La mère auteur principal ou complice du meurtre ou de l’assassinat de son
enfant dans le mois de sa naissance n’est passible que d’un emprisonnement
de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans, sans que ces dispositions puissent s’appliquer aux
autres auteurs ou complices.

ARTICLE 341.- Atteinte à la filiation

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans, celui dont les
agissements ont pour conséquence de priver un enfant des preuves de sa
filiation.

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ARTICLE 342.- Mise en gage des personnes

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans et d’une
amende de dix mille (10 000)à cinq cent mille (500 000) francs, celui qui met
en gage une personne.

(2) Les peines prévues l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus sont doublées si l’auteur est
soit un ascendant, soit un tuteur, soit Une personne assurant la garde, même
coutumière, de la victime.

(3) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de dix (10) ans et d’une amende de dix
mille (10 000) à un million (1 000 000)de francs, celui qui reçoit une personne
en gage.

(4) La juridiction peut, en outre, prononcer les déchéances de l’article 30
du présent Code.

ARTICLE 342-1.- Trafic et traite des personnes

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de dix (10) à vingt (20) ans et d’une
amende de cinquante mille (50 000) à un million (1 000 000) de francs, celui qui
se livre, même occasionnellement, au trafic ou à la traite des personnes.

(2) Le trafic et la traite des personnes sont punis d’un emprisonnement de
quinze (15) à vingt (20) ans et d’une amende de cent mille (100 000) à dix
millions (10 000 000) de francs lorsque :

a) l’infraction est commise à l’égard d’une personne mineure de quinze (15)
ans;
b) l’auteur des faits est un ascendant légitime, naturel ou adoptif de la
victime;
c)l’auteur des faits a autorité sur la victime ou est appelé à participer, de par
ses fonctions, à la lutte contre la traite ou au maintien de la paix ;
d) l’infraction est commise en bande organisée ou par une association de
malfaiteurs ;
e) l’infraction est commise avec usage d’une arme;
f) la victime a subi des blessures telles que décrites à l’article 277 du
présent Code ;
g) ou lorsque la victime est décédée des suites des actes liés à ces faits.

(3)La juridiction peut, en outre, prononcer les déchéances de l’article 30 du
présent Code.

ARTICLE 343.- Prostitution

(1) Est punie d’un emprisonnement de six (06) mois a cinq (05) ans et
d’une amende de vingt mille (20 000) à cinq cent mille (500 000) francs, toute
personne de l’un ou de l’autre sexe qui se livre habituellement, moyennant
rémunération, à des actes sexuels avec autrui.

(2) Est puni des mêmes peines celui qui, en vue de la prostitution ou de la
débauche, procède publiquement par des gestes, paroles, écrits ou par tous
autres moyens, au racolage de personnes de l’un ou de l’autre sexe.

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ARTICLE 344.- Corruption de la jeunesse

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (05) ans et d’une
amende de vingt mille (20 000) à un million (1 000 000) de francs, celui qui
excite, favorise ou facilite la débauche ou la corruption d’une personne mineure
de vingt et un (21) ans.

(2) Les peines sont doublées si la victime est âgée de moins de seize (16)
ans.

(4)La juridiction peut en outre prononcer les déchéances de l’article 30 du
présent Code et priver le condamné pendant la même durée de l’autorité
parentale, de toute tutelle ou curatelle.

ARTICLE 345.- Danger moral

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de quinze (15)jours à six (06) mois et d’une
amende de dix mille (10 000) à cent mille (100 000) francs, celui qui, ayant la
garde légale ou coutumière d’un enfant de moins de dix-huit (18) ans, lui
permet de résider dans une maison ou établissement où se pratique la
prostitution ou d’y travailler ou de travailler chez une prostituée.

ARTICLE 346. Outrage à la pudeur en présence d’une personne mineure de seize ans

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de deux (02) à cinq (05) ans et d’une
amende de vingt mille (20 000) à deux cent mille (200 000) francs, celui qui
commet un outrage à la pudeur en présence d’une personne mineure de seize
(16) ans.

(2) Les peines sont doublées si l’outrage est commis avec violence ou si
l’auteur est une des personnes visées à l’article 298 du présent Code.

(3) La peine est un emprisonnement de dix (10) à quinze (15) ans si
l’auteur a eu des rapports sexuels même avec le consentement de la victime.

(4) En cas de viol, l’emprisonnement est de quinze (15) à vingt-cinq (25)
ans. L’emprisonnement est à vie si l’auteur est personnes
l’une des personnes énumérées
à l’article 298.

(5) Dans tous les cas, la juridiction peut priver le condamné de l’autorité
parentale, de toute tutelle ou curatelle pendant les délais prévus à l’article 31(4)
du présent Code.

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ARTICLE 347.- Outrage à la pudeur sur une personne mineure de seize à vingt et un ans

(1) Au cas où les infractions visées aux articles 295, 296 et 347-1 ont été
commisessur la personne d’un mineur de seize (16) à vingt et un (21) ans, les
peines prévues auxdits articles sont doublées.

(2) La juridiction peut dans tous les cas, priver le condamné de l’autorité
parentale, de toute tutelle ou curatelle pendant les délais prévus à l’article 31 du
présent Code.

ARTICLE 347-1.- Homosexualité

Est punie d’un emprisonnement de six (06) mois à cinq (05) ans et d’une
amende de vingt mille (20 000) à deux cent mille (200 000) francs, toute
personne qui a des rapports sexuels avec une personne de son sexe.

ARTICLE 348.- Boissons

(1) Est puni d’une amende de cinq mille (5 000) à cinquante mille (50 000)
francs:

a) le débitant de boissons alcooliques qui reçoit, dans son débit, une
personne mineure de seize (16) ans non accompagnée d’une personne
majeure de vingt et un (21) ans en ayant la surveillance ;
b) le débitant de boissons qui vend ou offre, dans son débit ou dans tout
autre lieu public, des boissons alcooliques à une personne mineur de dix-
huit (18) ans et non accompagnée d’une personne majeure de vingt et un
(21) ans en ayant la surveillance ;
c) celui qui fait boire jusqu’à l’ivresse une personne mineure de vingt et un
(21) ans
(2) En cas de récidive, la peine d’emprisonnement est de quinze (15) jours
à un (01) mois et l’amende de dix mille (10 000) à cent mille (100 000) francs.
La juridiction peut, en outre :

a) prononcer contre le débitant condamné, la fermeture de son
établissement dans les conditions prévues à l’article 34 du présent Code ;
b) ordonner la publication de sa décision ;

c) prononcer, contre tout condamné, les déchéances de l’article 30 du
présent Code.
(3) Le présent article n’est pas applicable à celui qui prouve qu’il a été
induit en erreur sur l’âge du mineur ou sur l’âge ou la qualité de la personne qui
l’accompagnait.

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ARTICLE 349.- Abus de faiblesse d’un mineur

(1) Est puni des peines prévues à l’article 318 du présent Code, celui qui
abuse des besoins, des faiblesses ou des passions d’une personne mineure de
vingt et un (21) ans pour lui faire souscrire toute obligation, disposition ou
décharge ou toute pièce susceptible de compromettre la personne ou la fortune
du signataire.

(2) Est assimilé au mineur, pour l’application du présent article, la personne
en état d’interdiction judiciaire ou pourvue d’un conseil judiciaire ou en état
d’aliénation notoire.

ARTICLE 350.- Violences sur enfants

(1) Les peines prévues aux articles 275, 277 et 278 du présent Code sont
respectivement la mort et l’emprisonnement à vie, si les infractions visées dans
lesdits articles ont été commises sur un mineur de quinze (15) ans, et les
peines prévues par les articles 279 (1), 280 et 281 sont, dans ce cas, doublées.

(2) La juridiction peut prononcer les déchéances de l’article 30 du présent
Code pour les délits visés au présent article.

ARTICLE 351.- Violences sur ascendants

La peine prévue l’article 275 ci-dessus est la mort, et celles prévues aux
articles 277 et 278 du présent Code sont l’emprisonnement à vie, si les
infractions visées par lesdits articles ont été commises sur les père et mère
légitimes, naturels ou adoptifs ou sur tout autre ascendant légitime du coupable
et les peines prévues par les articles 279 (1), 280 et 281 ci-dessus sont
doublées.

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ARTICLE 352.- Enlèvement de mineurs

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (05) ans et d’une
amende de vingt mille (20 000) à deux cent mille (200 000) francs celui qui,
sans fraude ni violence, enlève, entraîne où détourne une personne mineure de
dix-huit (18) ans contre le gré de ceux aux quel
coutumière.

Toutefois, le présent alinéa n’est pas applicable à celui qui prouve qu’il a
été induit en erreur sur l’âge de la victime.

2) Le mariage subséquent de l’auteur des faits avec la victime est sans
effet sur les poursuites et la condamnation.

ARTICLE 353.- Enlèvement avec fraude ou violences

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans et d’une amende
de vingt mille (20 000) à quatre cent mille (400 000) francs, celui qui, par fraude
ou violence, enlève, entraîne ou détourne une personne mineure de vingt et un
(21) ans, même s’il la croit plus âgée, contre le gré de ceux auxquels appartient
sa garde légale ou coutumière.

ARTICLE 354.- Aggravation

Dans les cas prévus aux articles 352 et 353 ci-dessus :

(1)La peine est l’emprisonnement à vie :

a) si la victime est une personne mineure de treize (13) ans ;

b)si le coupable a pour but de se faire payer une rançon ou se l’est fait
payer.
(2) La peine est celle de mort lorsque la mort de la victime mineure en
résulte.

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ARTICLE 355.- Non représentation d’enfant

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à cinq (05) ans et d’une amende
de vingt mille (20 000) à deux cent mille (200 000) francs, celui qui, étant
chargé de la garde d’un enfant, ne le représente pas à ceux qui ont le droit de
le réclamer.

ARTICLE 355-1.- Entrave à l’exercice du droit de visite.

Est puni d’un emprisonnement de six (06) mois à un (01) an et d’une
amende de cinquante mille (50 000)à cinq cent mille (500 000) francs ou de
l’une de ces deux peines seulement, quiconque entrave l’exercice, par un
parent, du droit de visite accordé à celui-ci par une décision de justice sur le ou
les enfants communs.

ARTICLE 355-2.- Entrave au droit à la scolarisation

(1) Est puni d’une amende de cinquante mille (50 000) à cinq cent mille
(500 000) francs, le parent qui, disposant de moyens suffisants, refuse de
scolariser son enfant.

(2) La peine est un emprisonnement de un (01) à deux (02) ans, en cas de
récidive.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 356.- Mariage forcé

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de cinq (05) à dix (10) ans et d’une
amende de vingt-cinq mille (25 000) à un million (1 000 000) de francs, celui qui
contraint une personne au mariage.

(2) Lorsque la victime est mineure de dix-huit (18) ans, la peine
d’emprisonnement, en cas d’application des circonstances atténuantes, ne peut
être inférieure à deux (02) ans.

(3) Est puni des peines prévues aux alinéas 1 et 2 ci-dessus, celui qui
donne en mariage une fille ou un garçon mineurs de dix-huit (18) ans.

(4) La juridiction peut, en outre, priver le condamné de l’autorité parentale,
de toute tutelle ou curatelle pendant la durée prévue à l’article 31 (4) du
présent Code.

ARTICLE 357.- Exigence abusive d’une dot

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à cinq (05) ans et
d’une amende de cinq mille (5 000) à cinq cent mille (500 000) francs ou de
l’une de ces deux peines seulement:

a) celui qui, en promettant le mariage d’une femme déjà mariée ou engagée
dans les fiançailles non rompues, reçoit d’un tiers tout ou partie d’une
dot;

b) celui qui reçoit tout ou partie d’une dot sans avoir remboursé tout
prétendant évincé ;

c) celui qui, sans qualité, reçoit tout ou partie d’une dot en vue du mariage
d’une femme;

d) celui qui exige tout ou partie d’une dot excessive l’occasion du mariage
d’une fille majeure de vingt et un (21) ans ou d’une femme veuve ou
divorcée ;

e) celui qui, en exigeant une dot excessive, fait obstacle, pour ce seul motif,
au mariage d’une fille mineure de vingt et un (21) ans;

f) l’héritier qui reçoit les avantages matériels prévus aux alinéas précédents
et promis à celui dont il hérite.

(2) Chaque versement, même partiel de la dot, interrompt la prescription de
l’action publique.

ARTICLE 358.- Abandon de foyer

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à un (01) an ou d’une
amende de cinq mille (5 000) à cinq cent mille (500 000) francs, le conjoint, le
père ou la mère de famille qui, sans motif légitime, se soustrait, en
abandonnant le foyer familial ou par tout moyen, à tout ou partie de ses
obligations morales ou matérielles à l’égard de son conjoint ou de son ou ses
enfants.

(2) Si l’infraction n’est commise qu’au préjudice d’un conjoint, la
poursuite ne peut être engagée que sur plainte préalable du conjoint
abandonné.

(3) Est puni des mêmes peines, le tuteur ou responsable coutumier qui se
soustrait à l’égard des enfants dont il a la garde, à ses obligations légales ou
coutumières.

(4)La juridiction peut prononcer les déchéances de l’article 30 du présent
Code et priver le condamné de toute tutelle ou curatelle, pendant la durée
prévue à l’article 31 (4) du présent Code, et le priver de l’autorité parentale
pendant la même durée l’égard de l’un ou plusieurs de ses enfants.

(5) Lorsque le complice est celui qui a reçu tout ou partie de la dot, il est
puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à un (01) an et d’une amende de
cinquante mille (50 000) à cinq cent mille (500 000) francs.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 358-1.- Expulsion du domicile conjugal

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de trois (03) mois à un (01) an et d’une
amende de cinquante mille (50 000) à cinq cent mille (500 000) francs, l’époux
ou l’épouse qui, en dehors de toute procédure judiciaire expulse, sans motif
légitime, son conjoint du domicile conjugal.

(2) La peine est un emprisonnement de deux (02) à cinq (05) ans si :

a) la victime est une femme enceinte;

b) l’expulsion est accompagnée ou précédée de violences physiques ou
morales, de la confiscation ou de la destruction des effets personnels de
la victime ;

c) l’expulsion est commise par une personne autre que le conjoint de la
victime.

ARTICLE 359.- Bigamie

(1) Est puni d’un emprisonnement de deux (02) mois à deux (02) ans et
d’une amende de vingt-cinq mille (25 000) à cinq cent mille (500 000) francs :

a) le polygame qui contracte un mariage monogame avant la dissolution
des précédents mariages ;

b) celui qui, lié par un engagement de monogamie, contracte un nouveau
mariage monogame où un mariage polygame, avant la dissolution du
précédent mariage;

c) celui qui, marié selon les règles du Code civil, contracte un nouveau
mariage avant la dissolution du précédent.

(2) La preuve de la dissolution du premier mariage incombe à l’inculpé.

ARTICLE 360.- Inceste

(1) Indépendamment des peines prévues aux articles 346 (3) et 347(1) ci-
dessus, est puni d’un emprisonnement de un (01) à trois (03) ans et d’une
amende de vingt mille (20 000) à cinq cent mille (500 000) francs, celui qui a
des rapports sexuels :

a) avec ses ascendants ou descendants légitimes ou naturels, sans
limitation de degré;
b) avec ses frères ou sœurs légitimes ou naturels, germains, consanguins
ou utérins.

(2) Hors les cas de concubinage notoire ou de mariage incestueux, la
poursuite ne peut être engagée que sur plainte d’un des parents parle sang,
sans limitation de degré.

Code Penal Camerounais

ARTICLE 361.- Adultère

(1) Est punie d’un emprisonnement de deux (02) mois a six (06) mois ou
d’une amende de vingt-cinq mille (25 000) à cent mille (100 000) francs, la
femme mariée qui a des rapports sexuels avec un homme autre que son mari.

(2) Est puni des peines prévues à l’alinéa 1 ci-dessus, le mari qui a des
rapports sexuels avec d’autres femmes que son ou ses épouses.

Toutefois, la preuve de l’existence d’une union polygamique incombe au
mari.

(3) La poursuite ne peut être engagée que sur plainte du conjoint offensé.
(4) La connivence ou le pardon du conjoint offensé empêche ou arrête
toute poursuite.

(5)Le conjoint offensé peut arrêter l’effet de la condamnation prononcée
contre l’autre conjoint, en acceptant de poursuivre ou de reprendre la vie
commune.

TITRE IV – DES CONTRAVENTIONS

ARTICLES 362 à 370.- Les dispositions des articles 362 à 370 définissant les
contraventions sont fixées par voie règlementaire.

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TITRE V – DES DISPOSITIONS TRANSISTOIRES ET FINALES

ARTICLE 371.- (1)

La présente loi abroge toutes dispositions antérieures
contraires ayant le même objet.

(2) Toutefois, les crimes, délits ou contraventions commis et/ou
poursuivis antérieurement à l’entrée en vigueur de la présente loi demeurent

régis par les dispositions des lois n° 65/LF/24 du 12 novembre 1965 et
n°67/LF/1 du 12 juin 1967, jusqu’à l’intervention des décisions judiciaires
définitives y relatives.

ARTICLE 372.- La présente loi sera enregistrée, puis publiée au Journal

Officiel en français et en anglais./-

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En savoir plus sur le code penal camerounais.

Cameroon Criminal Procedure Code

cameroun_ahcmf5

March 15, 2021

The Cameroon criminal procedure code lays out the procedure before, during, and after the prosecution of suspects. Violation of these procedures may amount to a nullity of the whole proceedings.

Law N°2005 of 27 July 2005 on the CAMEROON CRIMINAL PROCEDURE CODE

The National Assembly deliberated and adopted,

The President of the Republic hereby enacts the law set out below:

BOOK I – GENERAL PROVISIONS

PART I – PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS

Section 1:

This law instituting the Criminal Procedure Code stipulates the ruIes which deal
particularIy with:

(a) the investigation of offences;

(b) the search and identification of offenders;

(c) the method of adducing evidence;

(d) the powers of those charged with prosecution;

(e) the organization, composition and jurisdiction of courts in criminal matters;

(f) verdict;

(g) sentencing;

(h) the setting aside of judgements in default and appeals;

(i) the rights of the parties;

(j) the methods of executing sentences;

Related Cameroon Criminal Laws

Cameroon Penal Code
Cameroon Cybersecurity and Cybercriminality law

Section 2:

This Code shall be of general application except where there is provision to the
contrary as provided in the Code of Military Justice or in any special law.

CAMEROON CRIMINAL PROCEDURE CODE

Section 3:

(1) The sanction against the infringement of any rule of criminal procedure shall be an
absolute nullity when it is:

(a) Prejudicial to the rights of the defence as defined by legal provisions in force;
(b) Contrary to public policy.

(2) Nullity as referred to subsection (1) of this section shall not be overlook be raised at any
stage of the criminal proceedings by any of the parties and shall be raised by the trial court of
its own motion.

Section 4:

(1) The cases of infringement other than those provided for in section 3 shall result in relative
nullity.

(2) Cases of relative nullity shall be raised by the parties in limine litis before the trial court. It
shall not be considered after this stage of the proceedings.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 5:

Any document rejected by a decision of the court shall be withdrawn from the case
file and med in the registry.

It shall be forbidden to obtain information from the document withdrawn for use against the
person concerned under pain of a civil action in damages.

Section 6:

(1) A joint trial shall be obligatory in the case of indivisible offences and optional in the case of
related offences.

(2) Offences are said to be indivisible:

(a) when the same offence has been committed by several persons as co-offenders or with
accomplices; or
(b) when one and the same person commits several offences which are so connected that
one cannot be tried, heard and determined without the other; or
(c) when separate offences have been committed at the same time for the same objective.

(3) Offences are said to the related:

(a) when they are committed at the same time by several persons acting together; or
(b) when they are committed by different persons even in different places and at different
limes in pursuance of a conspiracy; or

(c) when the offenders have committed the offences either to facilitate the commission of
another offence or to ensure that the offence is not punished;
(d) when there is a case of receiving property procured by the commission of a
misdemeanour or felony whether knowing or having reason to suspect the criminal
origin of the property;
(e) in all cases where the relationship existing between them is as close as that of offences
enumerated in this subsection.

Section 7:

Time-limit in this code shall be calculated as follows:

(a) the day when the act was committed shall not be included in calculating the time-limit;
(b) the day on which the act was done which sets the time running shall not be included in
calculating the time-limit;
(c) The time-limit fixed in years or months shall be calculated from date to date;
(d) Time-limit fixed in hours shall be calculated from hour to hour;
(e) Time-limit shall be extended to the next working day when the last day is a Saturday, a
Sunday or a public holiday.

Section 8:

(1) Any person suspected of having committed an offence shall be presumed innocent until his
guilt has been legally established in the course of a trial where he shall be given all necessary
guarantees for his defence.

(2) The presumption of innocence shall apply to every suspect, defendant and accused.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 9:

(1) A suspect shall be a person against whom there exists any information or clue which tends
to establish that he may have committed an offence or participated in its commission.

(2) The defendant shall be any suspect whom an Examining Magistrate notifies that he is
presumed henceforth either as the offender or co-offender, or as an accomplice.

(3) An accused shall be a person who must appear before the trial court to answer to the
charge brought against him, whether in respect of a simple offence, a misdemeanour or a
felony.

Section 10:

Where in the course of the investigation or trial, it is established that a person has
usurped a civil stains or has been convicted under a false identity, the proceedings shall be
stayed until such identity is rectified, at the instance of the Legal Department which shall, to
this effect, and as the case may be, refer the issue to the competent judicial identity service or
to the court whose decision contains the error on the identity of the convict.

PART II – COURT PROCESSES

Section 11:

(1) A court process shall be a written document by which a magistrate or a court orders either:

– the appearance or production of an individual before them; or
– the remand in custody of a suspect, a defendant, an accused, or
– a witness suspected of hindering the search for evidence; or
– the imprisonment of a convict; or
– the search of objects either used for or procured by the commission of an offence.

(2) The following shall constitute court processes:

summons, bench warrant, remand warrant, production, warrant, search warrant, warrant of
arrest and imprisonment warrant.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 12:

(1)

(a) The State Counsel may issue summonses, warrants of arrest, search warrants, or
production warrants;
(b) In cases of offences committed flagrante delicto, he may issue remand warrants

(2) The Examining Magistrate may issue, a summons, a bench warrant, search warrant, a
remand warrant, and a production warrant.

(3) The trial court may issue a summons, a bench warrant, a search warrant, a remand
warrant, an imprisonment warrant, and a production warrant.

Section 13:

(1) The purpose of a summons is to command the person named therein to appear before the
State Counsel, an Examining Magistrate, or a trial court on the date and hour mentioned in the
summons

(2) It shall be served on the person named therein by an officer or agent of the judicial police
or by any other person who has been assigned such duties.

(3) Service shall consist of the delivering of a summons to the person named therein, an Ire
shall sign the original which shall be returned to the magistrate who issued it. If he cannot sign,
he shall make a right hand-thumb print or make a print by using any other finger. If he refuses
to sign or to thumb-print, mention shall be made of this fact on the original.

(4) Where the person named therein appears, he shall without delay be heard. If he fails to
appear, a warrant may be issued for his arrest.

Section 14:

(1) A bench warrant shall be an order given by a court to any officer of the judicial police to
bring immediately before it, the person named therein. It shall be executed in accordance with
section 27 herein.

(2)

(a) The signatory of the warrant shall hear the person named therein as soon as he is
brought before him;
(b) At the end of the hearing, the said warrant shall have no further effect.

(3) If the person against whom a bench warrant has been issued is arrested outside the
territorial jurisdiction of the court or outside the place of residence of the judicial authority who
issued the said warrant, he shall be brought to the nearest Legal Department which, after
ascertaining his identity, shall take all necessary steps to ensure his appearance before such
authority.

(4) Throughout the formalities and the transfer referred to in the preceding sub-section, the
person against whom the bench warrant has been issued shall be considered as having been
remanded in police custody.

(5) If the person against whom the bench warrant has been issued cannot be found, a detailed
report on the unsuccessful attempts to find him shall be drawn up and sent to the judicial
authority who issued it.

(6) In the case provided for in sub-section (5) above:

– the original of the warrant is signed either by the head of the administrative unit, or the
mayor, or the village or quarter head of the residence or the last known place of abode of
the wanted person;

– a copy of the warrant shall be posted either at the residence or last known place of abode
of that person, or at the offices of the administrative unit, the council office or the village
community hall; mention of such posting shall be made on the original of the warrant;

– a report of the entire process shall be made, for transmission to the author of the warrant; a
copy of the report shall be posted at the same place as the copy of the warrant.

Section 15:

A remand warrant shall be an order given by the State Counsel in case of felony
or misdemeanour committed flagrante delicto, the Examining Magistrate or the trial court to the
superintendent of prison to receive and detain a defendant or an accused. It shall be issued in
accordance with the provisions of the sections 218 to 221.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 16:

A search warrant shall be an order given to a judicial police officer by the State
Counsel, an Examining Magistrate or a trial court to enter any public or private place and
search it for the purpose of seizing any articles or documents used in committing an offence,
or which appears to be the product of an offence.

Section 17:

A production warrant shall be an order given by one of the judicial authorities cited
in section 12, to the superintendent of a prison that a defendant, an accused or a convict be
brought before him or before a trial court.

Section 18:

(1) A warrant of arrest shall be an order given to an officer of the judicial police to arrest a
defendant, an accused or a convict and bring him before one of the judicial authorities cited in
section 12.

(2) If the defendant, the accused or a convict is at large, the Examining Magistrate or the trial
court may issue a warrant for his arrest if the offence in question is punishable with loss of
liberty, or in case of imprisonment sentence.

(3) If the defendant, or the accused or convict resides out of the national territory, and does not
appear after having been summoned, the Examining Magistrate or the trial court may for
purposes of extradition, issue a warrant for his arrest if the offence in question is punishable
with loss of liberty of at least six (6) months, or if he is sentenced to the same term of
imprisonment.

Section 19:

(1) A person arrested on a warrant shall be brought immediately before the Examining
Magistrate or the president of the trial court who issued the warrant, who may order his
immediate release if he fulfils any of the conditions referred to in section 246 (g).

(2)

(a) If he fails to fulfil the condition, he shall be taken immediately to the prison indicated on the
warrant subject to the provisions of sub-section (3) of this section.
(b) Within forty-eight (48) hours of the detention of the person, he shall be interrogated by the
Examining Magistrate or, as the case may be, at its next sitting by the trial court which
issued the warrant.

(3) The Examining Magistrate or the trial court shall decide on his detention in accordance with
sections 221 and 222.

(4) If the person is arrested outside the jurisdiction of the Examining Magistrate or of the trial
court that issued the warrant, he shall be immediately taken before the State Counsel of the
place of arrest who shall without delay, inform the Examining Magistrate or the president of the
court that issued the warrant of arrest about the arrest and the action taken thereafter and
shall request the transfer of the person arrested.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 20:

(1) If the person against whom a warrant of arrest is issued cannot be found after careful
search, a copy of the warrant shall be left at his last known place of abode or with the village
or quarterhead.

(2) A report on the steps taken to execute the warrant shall be made in writing and forwarded
to the person who issued the warrant.

(3) The judicial police officer charged with executing the warrant shall have his report signed
and stamped by one of the administrative authorities mentioned in section 14 (6) and shall
leave a copy thereof with him.

Section 21:

(1) Except in cases of offences punishable with death, a warrant of arrest may contain an
endorsement that the person to be arrested shall be released if he fulfils the conditions listed
in the warrant, in such a case, the endorsement shall specify, apart from the magistrate before
whom or the court before which the person to be arrested is to appear: either the number of
sureties, if any, and the amount by which they bind themselves to pay in case of non-
appearance; or the amount of security to be deposited by the person to be arrested.

(2) When such endorsement is made, the judicial police officer shall release the person if the
conditions laid down in the preceding sub-section (1) have been fulfilled.

(3) The recognizance signed by the person arrested or his sureties or, where applicable, the
particulars from the receipt of the security deposited shall be transmitted along with the report
on the execution of the warrant to the magistrate before whom or the court before which the
person is bound to appear.

Section 22:

The judicial police officer charged with the execution of a warrant of arrest may be
accompanied by a sufficient number of law enforcement officers to prevent the person from
escaping.

Section 23:

The judicial police officer charged with the execution of a warrant of arrest may
not enter any place of abode before 6 a.m. or after 6 p.m. for purpose of executing the
warrant.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 24:

The judicial police officer who executes a warrant of arrest shall be bound to take
steps to issue a notice of discontinuance of the search for the person arrested as soon as
such person has been handed over to the competent judicial authority.

Section 25:

An imprisonment warrant shall be an order given by a trial court to the
superintendent of a prison to receive and detain a convict.

Section 26:

With the exception of a production warrant, ail warrants or summonses shall state
the full name, date and place of birth, affiliation, occupation and address of the person named
therein and it shall be dated, stamped and signed by the magistrate issuing it or by the
president of the trial court.

A production warrant may state only the full name of the detainee and the prison where the
person is detained.

Section 27:

(1) Court processes shall be executed throughout the Republic of Cameroon.

(2) A court process remains enforceable unless it is withdrawn by the competent magistrate.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 28:

Subject to the provisions of section 23, any court process may be executed at any
time and on any day including Sundays and public holidays.

Section 29:

A court process may be executed notwithstanding the fact that the judicial police
officer executing it does not have it in his possession at the time.

In such a case, all documents in thereof shall be shown to the person arrested, and the judicial
police officer shall proceed as stipulated in section 19 (4).

PART III – ARREST

Section 30:

(1) An arrest shall consist of apprehending a person for the purpose of bringing him without
delay before the authority prescribed by law or by the warrant.

(2) A judicial police officer, agent of judicial police or any officer of the forces of law and order
effecting an arrest, shall order the person to be arrested to follow him and, in the event of
refusal, he shall use reasonable force, necessary to arrest the person.

(3) Any person may in case of a felony or misdemeanour committed flagrante delicto as
defined in section 103, arrest the author of such an offence.

(4) No bodily or psychological harm shall be caused to the person arrested.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 31:

Except in the case of a felony or misdemeanour committed flagrante delicto, the
person effecting the arrest shall disclose his identity and inform the person to be arrested of
the reason for the said arrest, and where necessary, allow a third person to accompany the
person arrested in order to ascertain the place to which he is being detained.

Section 32:

Any officer or agent of the judicial police may, in a public place or a place open to
the public, and subject to the provisions of section 83 (3), arrest the author of a simple offence
who either refuses to disclose his identity or discloses an identity suspected to be false and,
where necessary, detain him for not longer than twenty-four (24) hours.

Section 33:

Any magistrate who witnesses a felony or misdemeanour being committed
flagrante delicto may, verbally or in writing, and after disclosing his identity, capacity and
functions, order the arrest of the offender and the accomplice and direct that they be brought
before the competent authority.

Section 34:

Judicial police officers shall forward daily a list of persons detained at their police
stations to the competent State Counsel.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 35:

(1) The judicial police officer who arrests or to whom an officer of the forces of law and order
or an individual hands over a suspect may search the suspect or cause him to be searched,
take away and keep in safe custody ail articles found in his possession except necessary
clothing.

(2) An inventory of the articles seized shall be prepared and signed on the spot by the judicial
police officer, the suspect and a witness.

(3) When a person arrested is released, any property seized from him which may not be used
as an exhibit shall be immediately returned to him before witnesses, if any, and against his
signature. A report shall be made of the restitution.

Section 36:

(1) Whenever an officer of the judicial police charged with the execution of a warrant has good
reason to believe that the person to be arrested has taken refuge in a house, a place not open
not to the public, the occupant shall be bound to facilitate his ingress therein.

(2) In the event of a refusal, the officer of the judicial police shall make a report thereof, and
before available witnesses, break into the house or place.

Section 37:

Any person arrested shall be given reasonable facilities in particular to be in
contact with his family, obtain legal advice, make arrangements for his defence, consult a
doctor and receive medical treatment and take necessary steps to obtain his release on bail.

Section 38:

Every person shall be bound to assist a magistrate or officer or agent of the
judicial police or a member of the forces of law and order when such assistance is required for
the purpose of apprehending a person or for preventing him from escaping. In the case of
refusal, the provisions of section 174 of the Penal Code shall be applicable.

cameroon criminal procedure code

PART IV – LEGAL NOTIFICATION, SUMMONSES AND SERVICE

CHAPTER I – LEGAL NOTIFICATION

Section 39:

Legal notification shall consist of bringing a legal document to the knowledge of
the interested party. It shall be done through administrative channels, in particular by
registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt due, or by an officer of the judicial police who
shall make a report thereon.

CHAPTER II – SUMMONSES

Section 40:

(1) A summons shall be an order requesting a person to appear before a court.

(2) A summons shall be served by the bailiff on the defendant, the accused, the civil party, the
witnesses, on the person vicariously liable and where applicable, on the insurer.

(3) A summons shall be issued at the request of the Legal Department or the aggrieved party
or any other interested party.

(4) It shall be served on the person, at his place of work, at his residence, at the mayor’s office,
or the Legal Department.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 41:

(1) A summons shall state besides the date of service, the full name, affiliation, date and place
of birth, occupation, address, residence and where necessary, the address for service on the
complainant, the full name and address of the bailiff. It shall state the full name, affiliation and
the full address of the addressee and particularly his residence or his place of work.

(2) A summons shall state the facts of the case and provisions of the law under which the
defendant is charged.

It shall also state, as the case may be, the Examining Magistrate or the court seized of the
matter, the place, date and hour of the hearing, and shall specify whether the person has been
summoned as defendant, accused, civil party, person vicariously liable, witness or as insurer.

(3) The summons served on a witness shall in addition mention that non-appearance, refusal
to testify or giving of false evidence is punishable by law.

Section 42:

The civil party who institutes criminal action by private prosecution shall choose
an address for service on himself within the jurisdiction of the court, if he is resident elsewhere.

Section 43:

(1) The bailiff shall make every effort to effect personal service. He shall state on the original
as well as on the copy left for the person to whom the summons is addressed, not only the
action which he has taken to effect service but also the replies to his eventual enquiries.

(2) The Legal Department, the Examining Magistrate or the court may order the bailiff
undertake further action if it considers that former actions were incomplete.

Section 44:

(1) The person summoned shall sign the original and the copies.

(2) If he does not know how to sign or refuses to sign or cannot sign, mention shall be made of
this fact on the original and the copies.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 45:

(1) Where the bailiff does not find the person summoned at home, in his residence or at his
place of work, he shall leave a copy thereof to any person found on the place. Subject to the
provisions of section 44 subsection (2), the person to whom the summons is handed shall sign
the original and the copies.

(2) The bailiff shall indicate in the summons the full name and address of the person to whom
he delivered the copy of the summons, as well as that person’s relationship with the person to
whom the summons is addressed.

(3) In the case referred to in subsections (1) and (2), the copy shall be delivered in a sealed
envelope with only the full name and address of the person to whom it is addressed on the
one side and the stamp of the office of the bailiff affixed on the cover flap on the other site.

Section 46:

(1) If the bailiff does not find any person at the address of the person to whom the summons is
addressed, or if the person found therein refuses to receive the summons, he shall
immediately ascertain the correctness of the address.

(2) If the address is correct, the bailiff shall mention on the original and on the copies what
action he has taken and facts observed by him, then he shall have the mayor or the person
acting for him, visa the documents, or in default, the village or quarter head. A copy shall be
delivered in a sealed envelope as prescribed in section 45.

Section 47:

(1) In the cases referred to in sections 45 and 46, the bailiff shall immediately Worm the
person summoned, by a registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt, of the person to
whom the copy of the summons was delivered.

(2) Where it is found from the receipt that the person summoned received the registered letter
within the time-limit prescribed in section 52 the summons shall be deemed to have been
served on the person.

Section 48:

Where the person to be summoned has no residence or abode, or known place of
work, the bailiff shall have the State Counsel visa the original and the copies and shall leave a
copy with him, to post at the entrance of the court hall.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 49:

(1) Where it is not established that the person summoned has received the registered letter
addressed to him by the bailiff in accordance with the provisions of section 47 or where the
summons was served on the Legal Department or the mayor’s office, a judicial police officer
may be requested by the Legal Department 10 undertake another search with a view 10
effectively notifying the person concerned.

(2) In all cases, the judicial police officer shall draw up a report of the action he has taken and
forward it without delay to the Legal Department.

(3) Where a judicial police officer has effectively served the summons on the person cited
therein, this shall be deemed personal service.

Section 50:

(1) Summonses on persons residing abroad shall be served on the Legal Department.

(2) The Legal Department shall send a copy in a sealed envelope to the Ministry in charge of
Foreign Affairs, which shall cause the summons to be served without delay on the addressee
through diplomatic channels.

(3) Where there is a judicial convention between Cameroon and the foreign country in which
the person summoned resides, the Legal Department shall send the copy in a sealed
envelope directly to the authority provided for the convention.

Section 51:

(1) The original of any summons shall be immediately sent to the party who requested it.

(2) If the summons was issued at the request of the Legal Department, a copy of the summons
shall be attached to the original.

(3) The bailiff shall indicate at the bottom of the original and of the copies of the summons the
cos15 of issuing and serving it; otherwise, he shall be liable to pay a civil fine of from 5.000 to

25.000 francs which shall be ordered by a ruling of the President of the court seized either of
his own motion or at the request of the Legal Department.

Section 52:

(1) The interval between the day when the summons is issued and the day fixed for
appearance shall be five (5) days if the person summoned resides in the town or the locality
where he is to be heard.

(2)

(a) It shall be five (5) days, in addition to an additional day for every 25 kilometres, if the
person summoned resides out of the town or locality where he is to be heard.
(b) This interval shall be calculated on the basis of the distance between the residence of the
person concerned and the seat of court before which he is to appear.

(3) The interval shall be ninety (90) days if the person resides abroad.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 53:

Where the prescribed time-limit of the preceding section are not observed, the
following rules shall apply:

(a) If the person summoned does not appear, the summons shall be cancelled either by the
court or by the Examining Magistrate who shall order that a new summons be issued.
(b) If the person summoned appears, he shall be informed that he has been irregularly
summoned and that he has a right to either apply for an adjournment, accept to be heard
or to have the matter proceeded with.

Section 54:

A summons may be declared void where omissions or errors pointed out by one
of the parties are prejudicial to his interest.

Section 55:

Where the summons is declared void because of the fault of the bailiff, he shall be
liable for the expenses of the irregular summons in addition to the costs of the decision
declaring the summons void.

CHAPTER III – SERVICE

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 56:

(1) Service shall mean the delivery of a court process or judgment by the bailiff to the
addressee. It shall be executed at the instance of the Legal Department or any other
interested party.

(2) The provisions of sections 40 to 55 shall apply to service.

Section 57:

Where personal service has not been effected it may be made at his place of
residence, the council office, the Legal Department, on his surety or at his place of work.

Section 58:

A bailiff shall not carry out his official duties either on himself, his spouse, his
ascendants, his descendants, collaterals and their descendants, as well as those of their
spouses, his parents in law and the relatives by marriage to the same degree, or his
employees.

END OF BOOK ONE

BOOK II – INVESTIGATION AND PROSECUTION OF OFFENCES

PART I – CRIMINAL AND CIVIL ACTIONS

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 59:

(1) The commission of any offence may lead to the institution of criminal proceedings and as
the case may be, to a civil action.

(2) The institution of criminal proceedings aims at procuring a sentence or a preventive
measure against an offender as provided by law.

(3) Civil action is intended to provide compensation for damages resulting from an offence.

Section 60:

Criminal proceedings shall be institutes and prosecuted by the Legal Department.

They may also be instituted by any government department or by the injured person under the
conditions laid down by law.

Section 61:

A civil claim may be made along side a criminal action before the same court so
long as they arise from the same offence.

It may also be brought separately from a criminal action. In such a case, the court seized of
the civil matter shall stay proceedings until a final decision on the criminal action has been
pronounced.

Section 62:

(1) Criminal proceedings shall be discontinued in the following cases:

(a) the death of the suspect, the defender or of the accused;
(b) prescription;
(c) amnesty;
(d) repeal of the law ;
(e) after a successful plea of convict or acquit;
(f) by agreement between the parties, if the law expressly so provides ;
(g) the withdrawal of a complaint, where the lodging of such a complaint is a precondition for
the commencement of prosecution.;
(h) the withdrawal of the complaint or the civil claim by the civil party who lodged the
complaint in respect of a simple offence or a misdemeanour .

(2) The provisions of subsection (1) (h) above are applicable only where:

– the withdrawal is voluntary;

– the matter has not been heard on the merits; government department or by the injured
person under the conditions laid down by law.

– the offence committed does not disturb public order or good morals; in case of many civil
claimants, al! of them withdraw their complaints or civil claims;

– the withdrawal is not as a result of violence, fraud or deceit.

(3) In the case referred to in sub-section (2) above, the court shall grant the application and
award costs against the civil claimant.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 63:

When a court has been seized al the same time of a criminal action and a civil
action, except in the case provided for in sub-section l (h) above. The judge seized of the
matter shall be bound to adjudicate thereupon.

Section 64:

(1) The Procureur General of a Court of Appeal may, by express authority of the Ministry in
charge of Justice, enter a nolle prosequi, at any stage before judgement on the merits is
delivered, if such proceedings could seriously imperil social interest or public order.

(2) In the case completed in sub-section (1) above, the Examining Magistrate or the court shall
record the fact of the discontinuance of the criminal action, and order if need be, the
cancellation of any warrant against the suspect or the accused.

(3) W11e:1 the criminal action has been discontinued pursuant to sub-section (1) above, the
EX< span>

(4) The discontinuance of criminal proceedings shall be without prejudice to their reinstitution
when this becomes necessary.

(5) Except for the cases contemplated in subsection (I) above and in section 62 (I) h),
prosecution regularly instituted, shall not in anyway be discontinued or suspended, without the
risk of a civil action for damages against the magistrate who so does.

Section 65:

(1) Prescription shall be the barring of prosecution following the failure to commence action
within the prescribed limitation period.

(2) In the case of a felony, criminal proceedings shall be time-barred after the years have
elapsed from the day following the day of commission of the felony, if within the interval no
step is taken within the meaning of section 66.

(3) Where a step has been taken within that interval, prosecution can only be time-barred after
ten years have elapsed from the day following the date of such step.

(4) In the case of a misdemeanour except where there are special provisions in relation to
certain offences, the period of prescription shall be three years. It shall be calculated according
to the circumstances specified in sub-sections (2) and (3).

(5) In the case of a simple offence period of prescription shall be one year shall be calculated
according to the circumstances specified in sub-sections 1 and (3).

(6) In the case of prosecution for several related offences, the delay for prescription to be
taken into consideration shall be that of the offence with the most severe punishment.

Section 66:

Time shall start to run afresh if one or more of the following acts should occur: the
lodging of a complaint, wri1 orders issued by the Legal Department instituting measures of
investigations, processes served by bailiffs, reports of police investigations, court processes,
hearing of the parties and witnesses during preliminary inquiry or in court, interlocutory rulings
and declarations of appeal.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 67:

Acts which set the time prescribed for prosecution to run afresh shall have an
effect even as regards persons who are not implicated or named in such acts.

Section 68:

(1) The time-limit shall be suspended be any de jure or de facto bars which may prevent the
commencement of criminal action.

(2) It shall be considered as de jure bars where:

(a) there is an interlocutory plea against the judgement being given;
(b) there is parliamentary immunity;
(c) a fiat to prosecute is being awaited;
(d) an appeal to the Supreme Court has been lodged;
(e) there is a conflict of jurisdiction.

(3) De facto bars shall in particular include the following:

(a) invasion of the territory by enemy forces;
(b) insanity of the suspect, the defendant or the accused after the commission of the offence;
(c) the escape of the suspect, defendant or accused;
(d) the enlisting of the case for hearing;
(e) adjournment of the case entered in the record-book;
(f) the fact that a court by failing to perform an act within its jurisdiction, has prevented a
party from exercising his legal rights to take action or to defend himself.

Section 69:

(1) Prescription of prosecution shall be a matter of public policy.

(2) The period of prescription shall be determined according to the statement of offence as laid
down by the trial court when delivering judgement in the criminal matter.

Section 70:

The withdrawal of a civil claim may not stay criminal proceedings except
otherwise provided by law.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 71:

(1) A civil claim based on an offence may be made by any natural or legal person who has
suffered injury, loss or damage.

However an infant or any other person who has lost his legal capacity may not be himself
make a claim before the court. He may do so only through his legal representative (committee
or next friend).

(2) A civil action instituted against someone who in law has no legal capacity shall be instituted
through his legal representative (guardian ad litem), without involving the estate of the latter.

Section 72:

The insurer may at the request of the victim of the offence or the person
vicariously liable be summoned to appear before the court to be heard and to be found liable
jointly with the accused to compensate the victim for the damage caused by the offence.

Section 73:

In the event of the victim’s death, his right of action shall devolve on his heirs.

Section 74:

(1) Associations, trade unions and professional organisations may make civil claims in criminal
actions only if they invoke specific damages and a collective or professional interest.

(2) An insurance company shall not, in a criminal action, be competent to bring a civil claim
against an accused person for the recovery of compensation paid by it by virtue of a contract
of insurance.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 75:

(1) A civil claim made in a criminal action, shall be entertained only where it is based on a
direct, certain and actual damage.

(2) Except where otherwise provided by law, a civil claim emanating from an offence shall be
barred after thirty (30)years even where it is embodied in a criminal action.

Section 76:

A party who brings a civil suit on the basis of specific facts, may afterwards, in
respect of the same facts, either link his action to that of the Legal Department, or undertake a
private prosecution, provided that he withdraws his initial civil suit.

Section 77:

With the exception of international conventions, the provisions of section 76 shall
be applicable where the civil suit was brought in a foreign court.

PART II – THE AUTHORITIES RESPONSIBLE FOR POLICE INVESTIGATION

CHAPTER I – JUDICIAI POLICE

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 78:

(1) The duties of the judicial police shall be performed under the supervision of the State
Counsel by judicial police officers, judicial police agents and all other civil servants or persons
to whom judicial police duties are assigned by law.

(2) In this capacity, the persons referred to in the preceding sub-section shall be auxiliaries of
the State Counsel.

(3) In each jurisdiction of the Court or Appeal, the judicial police shall be under the control of
the Procureur General. The Procureur General shall evaluate, at the end of each year, the
work of judicial police personnel referred to in subsection (1).

SUB-CHAPTER I – THE STATUS OF A JUDICIAI POLICE OFFICER

Section 79:

The following shall have the status of judicial police officers:

(a) officers and non-commissioned officers of the gendarmerie;
(b) gendarmes in charge even in an acting capacity of a gendarmerie brigade or gendarmerie
post;
(c) superintendents of police;
(d) deputy superintendents of police;
(e) gendarmes and inspectors of police who have passed the judicial police officer’s
examination and taken the oath;
(f) public servants even if they are temporarily performing the functions of head of an external
service of the National Security.

Section 80:

Public servants and other public employees who have been assigned judicial
police duties by special instruments shall his charge those duties under the conditions and
within the limits fixed by the said instruments.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 81:

(1) Gendarmes who are not judicial police officers, police inspectors and constables shall have
the status of judicial police agents.

They shall assist judicial police officers in the performance of their duties, and shall report to
their superior officers of all offences which have come to their knowledge.

(2) Judicial police agents shall have no authority to take decisions to remand in police custody.

SUB-CHAPTER II – DUTIES OF THE JUDICIAL POLICE

Section 82:

Judicial police shall be responsible for:

(a) investigating of offences, collecting evidence, identifying offenders and accomplices and
bringing them before the Legal Department;
(b) executing rogato11′ commissions of judicial authorities;
(c) serving court processes;
(d) executing warrants and court decisions.

Section 83:

(1) Apart from the duties defined in section 82, judicial police officers shall receive complaints
and reports against persons and shall make prelimina11′ investigations according to the
conditions provided for in sections 116 to 120.

(2) In cases of felonies and misdemeanours committed flagrante delicto, they shall exercise
the powers conferred on them by sections 104 to 115.

(3) They shall have a right to request directly the assistance of the forces of law and order in
the discharge of their duties.

(4) They shall receive instructions from the State Counsel to car11′ out all investigations or any
additional investigation which he considers necessary.

(5) The State Counsel may stop any judicial police officer from continuing with the
investigation. In such a case, he shall inform that officer’s immediate superior of his reason for
doing so.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 84:

Subject to the powers conferred on the State Counsel by section 83 (5), the
judicial police officer who is first detailed to carry out the investigation of an offence shall be
the only competent officer to carry out the said investigation.

However, the judicial police officer shall automatically hand over the cases to any agent
mentioned in section 80 above by virtue of their special knowledge.

Section 85:

A non-military judicial police officer may investigate offences provided for in the
provisions of the Military Justice Court when no military judicial police officer is available.

In such a case, he shall forward the case-file to the Ministry in charge of Military Justice.

Section 86:

(1) Judicial police officers shall be empowered to check the identity and situation of any
suspected person, in accordance with the provisions of section 32, and where necessary, may
detain him in a special police custody for not longer than 24 hours.

(2) Upon the expiry of this period, the person so detained shall be released, unless the
detention is justified on some other legal ground otherwise the judicial police officer may be
prosecuted under the provisions of section 291 of the Penal Code.

Section 87:

(1) A judicial police officer may, whether in a public place or a place open to the public, search
or cause to be

be assisted by a judicial police officer serving within the area into which he has entered.

(b) The State Counsel of the area shall be informed of these operations by the State Counsel
of the jurisdiction which ordered the commission.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 89:

(1) The judicial police officer shall without delay inform the State Counsel of the offences of
which he has knowledge.

(2) At the close of the investigations he shall forward directly to the State Counsel the original
and a copy of his report as well as all other relevant documents.

(3) An inventory shall be made of all the objects seized. They shall then be placed under seal
and deposited with the Legal Department. A copy of the report on the seizure shall be given to
the person who had possession of the objects.

Section 90:

(1) The police report shall state:

(a) The date and time when each phase of investigations started and ended;
(b) The full name and the status of the investigator;
(c) Where necessary, the authorization referred to in section 88 (2).

(2) Each sheet of the original of the report or of the statement register shall bear the signature
of the investigator;

(3) When all or part of a written report l”!” is devoted to the recording of statements from or to
the confrontation of persons the said persons shall, after the reading and, where necessary,
interpretation of the statements, initial each sheet of the report and all erasures, alterations
and interlineations therein. The interpreters shall also initial each sheet of the report and all
erasures, alterations and interlineations not initialled shall be inadmissible.

(4) The last page of the report or statement register shall be signed by the maker, the
investigator and by the interpreters, if any.

(5) Any person asked to sign a report or statement register but who does not know or cannot
sign shall be asked to affix his right thumb-print to the document. Where this is not possible
the investigator shall choose any other finger and authenticate its print.

(6) The investigator shall, in case of refusal to sign or thumb-print, mention this fact in his
report.

(7) Any person asked to sign a report

or statement register may make any necessary reservations thereon before signing it. Such
reservation shall be explicit and unambiguous.

(8) Any person who is called upon make a statement may either dictate it the investigator or
write it in a statement register or where there is none, write it on – any sheet of paper.

Section 91:

Unless otherwise provided by law, reports written by judicial police officers shall
serve only as mere information.

CHAPTER II – POLICE INVESTIGATIONS

SUB-CHAPTER I – GENERAL PROVISIONS

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 92:

(1) (a) A judicial police officer may, in the course of an investigation, question any person
whose statement is likely to lead to the discovery of the truth.

(b) The person summoned for questioning shall appear and answer any question and if he
fails to appear, the judicial police officer shall inform the State Counsel who may issue a writ of
capias against him. Such person shall be brought before the said State Counsel

(2) A judicial police officer may:

– conduct the search of a house, or premises and make seizures in accordance with the
provisions of sections 93 to 100;
– remand persons in police custody, pursuant to sections 119 and following;
– request the assistance of any expert or of any person capable of assisting him in any given
phase of the investigation; make a request in writing for transportation with immediate
effect, in any public or private road, railway, water or air transport vehic1e. The original of
the written request shall be left with the carrier.

(3) In cases of felonies and misdemeanours punishable with at least two years imprisonments,
the judicial police officer may, on the written authorization of the State Counsel, and under the
control of the latter, in accordance with the conditions laid down in section 245, in the course
of the investigations:

– intercept, record or transcribe all correspondences sent by means of telecommunication;

– take any photographs at private premises.

(4) Any one heard as a witness or as a person vicariously liable, may not, in any circumstance,
be subject to remand in police custody.

Section 93:

(1) Searches and seizures shall be carried out by judicial police officers who possess search
warrants.

However, he may act without a search warrant in cases of a felony or a misdemeanour
committed flagrante delicto.

(2) Any search or seizure shall be carried out in the presence of the occupant of the place and
the person in possession of the objects to be seized, or in case of their absence, their
representatives, as well as two witnesses chosen from among the persons or neighbours
present.

(3) The occupant of the place and the person in possession of the objects to be seized, or in
case of their absence, their representatives shall have the right to search the judicial police
officer before the latter commences his search. He shall be informed of the said right and
mention of it shall be made in the report of the fulfilment of this formality.

(4) In the absence of the occupant or of the person in possession of the objects or of their
representatives, and in case of urgency, the State Counsel may, in writing, authorize the

judicial police officer to conduct the search or seizure in the presence of the witnesses
described in sub-section (2) above and one other judicial police officer or two judicial police
agents.

(5) Where the judicial police officer cannot get in touch with the Legal Department, he shall
proceed with the search and as the case may be, seizure in accordance with the provisions of
sub-section (4) above and shall mention the action he has taken in his report.

Section 94:

(1) In the absence of a search warrant, searches, and seizures of exhibits may be carried out
only with the consent of the occupant or of the person in possession of the objects to be
seized.

(2) The consent shall be a written declaration signed by the person concerned, and if he
cannot sign he shall make a thumb-print at the bottom of the declaration.

(3) The consent of the person concerned shall be valid only if he had been informed before
hand by the judicial police officer of his right to object to the search.

Section 95:

Any judicial police officer conducting a search in connection with a specific
offence may carry out a seizure in connection with another offence only if the latter attracts an
imprisonment sentence.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 96:

(1) All articles seized shall be shown to the suspect or if he is not present, to his representative
or to the person in possession of them so that he may identify them and initial them if
necessary. Where he refuses to do so, mention of this fact shall be made in the report.

(2) Subject to the provisions of section 97, ail articles seized shall in ail cases be shown to the
witnesses in order that they may identify and initial them if necessary.

(3)

(a) An inventory of the articles seized shall be made on the spot, described in full detail and
kept under seal.
(b) If it is not convenient to make an inventory on the spot, the articles shall be provisionally
put away under seal until an inventory is made and they are finally sealed. This shall be
done in the presence of the persons mentioned in section 93 (2).

(c) If the sizes of the articles seized or of the conditions for their preservation so require, they
may be put under seal without using a bag or envelope.

Section 97:

When a judicial police officer conducts a search, he alone shall have the right to
examine the contents of the documents found in the place before they are seized. He shall be
bound by professional secrecy.

Section 98:

(1) The report on the search and seizure shall be drawn up in accordance with the provisions
of section 90. It shall be signed by the occupant of the place and the person in possession of
the articles or in case of their absence, their representative, as well as the witnesses and any
other person who took part in the search.

(2) The report shall state the full name, status, names of parents, date and places of birth as
well as the permanent addresses of the signatories.

Section 99:

(1) No search may be conducted on a private house and premises between six (6) p.m. and
six (6) a.m.

(2) However, a search already begun may continue after six (6) p.m. on the authorization of
the State Counsel.

(3) In case of impossibility of getting in touch with the State Counsel, the judicial police officer
may exceptionally continue with the search after 6 p.m. and shall, without delay, keep the
State Counsel informed.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 100:

Failure to comply with the provisions of sections 93 to 99 shall render the search
and seizure null and void.

However, where the search has been declared null and void, the articles seized in the course
thereof may be admitted as exhibits if they are not contested.

Section 101:

(1) A judicial police officer may, in the course of an investigation, assign part thereof to any
other judicial police officer under his authority.

(2) Any judicial police officer to whom any part of the investigation has been assigned shall in
his report specifically mention the facts of such delegation.

Section 102:

(1) The entire judicial police investigation process shall be secret. However, the secrecy of the
investigation shall not apply to the Legal Department.

(2) Any person who assists in these investigations shall be bound by professional secrecy
subject to the penalties laid down in section 310 of the Penal Code.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-section (1), judicial police officers may with the
approval of the State Counsel, publish press releases and documents relating to certain
matters which have been the subject of the investigation.

(4) Press releases and documents published by the judicial police shall be disseminated
without comments by the press. Any violation of this provision shall be punished under
sections 169 and 170 of the Penal Code.

SUB-CHAPTER II – FELONIES AND MISDEMEANOURS COMMITTED FLAGRANTE DEIICTO

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 103:

(1) Felonies and misdemeanours are deemed to be committed flagrante delicto when they are
in the course of being committed or when they have just been committed.

(2) Shall also be classified as felonies or misdemeanours committed flagrante delicto when:

(a) after the commission of the offence, the suspect is pursued by public clamour;
(b) soon after the commission of the offence, the suspect is caught in possession of an article
or shows a sign or trace which tends to suggest that he took part in the commission of the
felony or misdemeanour.

(3) There shall equally be flagrante delicto where a person requests the State Counsel or a
judicial police officer to investigate a felony or misdemeanour committed in a house, which he
occupies, or over which he has charge.

Section 104:

(1)

(a) A judicial police officer informed of a felony committed flagrante delicto shall immediately
inform the State Counsel of it.
(b) Any notice whether given by telephone or other oral communication shall be confirmed in
writing. Within forty eight hours of the oral message.
(c) Mention of these measures shall be made in the report.

(2) The judicial police officer shall without delay visit the place where the felony was committed
and shall take all necessary steps particularly:

(a) to prevent any person likely to supply useful information from leaving the lace without his
permission, subject to the punishment provided in the Penal Code for defaulting witness.
He may not, under pain of prosecution for false arrest detain such person for more than 12
hours;

(b) to, where necessary, remand in police custody any suspected person;

(c) to ensure the preservation of evidence that may be used for the discovery of the truth;

(d) to seize any articles or documents used in committing, or which appear to be the product
of the felony;

(e) to, in case of urgency, carry out his duties outside his territorial jurisdiction in accordance
with section 88 (2);

(f) to conduct searches in the houses of persons suspected of either keeping documents or
articles relating to the particulars of the offence or of having participated in the commission
of the felony.

Section 105:

Articles which are not useful for revealing the truth shall, after the written
approval of the State Counsel, be returned by the judicial police officer, to the owner or to any
other person from whom they were seized, who shall acknowledge receipt thereof in the police
diary. A report of the return shall be drawn up.

Section 106:

(1) Searches in an advocate’s chambers shall be conducted only for the purpose of seizing
documents or objects connected with legal proceedings or where the advocate is being
investigated or where the documents or objects are unrelated to the practice of his profession.

(2) The search shall be conducted by the competent law officer of the Legal Department in the
presence of the advocate and the President of the Bar Council or his representative.

It shall be conducted under conditions which safeguard professional secrecy and maintain the
dignity of the advocate.

(3) Failure to comply with the provisions of the present section shall render the search null and
void.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 107:

Searches in the office of a physician, a public notary or all other persons bound
by professional secrecy shall be conducted in the presence of the competent magistrate, and if
necessary, of the person concerned and of the representative of his professional organization,
if any.

Section 108:

Except for the purpose of the investigation, any person who, without the
authorization of the suspect or his counsel or of the person who signed or received the
documents seized in the course of a search, reveals the contents thereof to a person not
qualified to have knowledge of the same shall be subject to the punishment provided for in the
Penal Code for breach of professional secrecy.

Section 109:

(1) Where it appears necessary in the course of an investigation to establish or to check the
identity of any person, such person shall, at the request of a judicial police officer or one of the
public servants mentioned in section 78 (1), make himself available for that purpose.

(2) Any refusal to submit to the identity check shall be punishable as a simple offence of the
fourth class.

Section 110:

(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 88 (1) above, the judicial police officer may, in
case of felonies and misdemeanours committed flagrante delicto, and where the
investigations, necessitate, go outside, either his territorial jurisdiction, or outside the territorial
Il jurisdiction of the Legal Department where he carried out his duties, to fol1ow up r his

investigations. In this case, he shall, under pain of nullity of the acts accomplished and
disciplinary sanctions, obtain the authorisation of the State Counsel of his area of jurisdiction.

(2) The said State Counsel, shall, where necessary, inform the State Counsel of the
jurisdiction to which the judicial police officer is going.

(3) The judicial police officer shall on his arrival and before carrying out his investigations,
report to the competent State Counsel and in all cases, to the competent judicial police officer.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 111:

In the case of a felony committed flagrante delicto, the State Counsel shall be
competent to carry out the investigation.

When the State Counsel arrives at the scene of the commission of the offence, the powers of
the judicial police officer to carry out the investigation shall cease immediately unless the said
State Counsel decides otherwise.

Section 112:

The State Counsel may issue a warrant or arrest against any person suspected
of having participated in the commission of a felony and shall interrogate him on the spot upon
his arrival.

He may only institute criminal proceedings against the suspect of a felony committed flagrante
delicto after a preliminary inquiry.

Section 113:

The provisions of sections 104 to 112 above shall be applicable in cases of
misdemeanours committed flagrante delicto.

Section 114:

(1) A suspect arrested flagrante delicto shall be brought by the judicial police officer before the
State Counsel who shall proceed to check his identity, interrogate him summarily and if he
decides to prosecute shall place him under temporary detention or release him on bail with or
without sureties.

(2) In ail cases the State Counsel shall make a report on the measures he has taken and
where he intends to prosecute him, he shall do so al the very nearest session of the court.

(3) The provisions of the present section shall not prevent the State Counsel from instituting
criminal prosecution against the suspect, by way of a direct summons Or after preliminary
investigation.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 115:

In case of suspicious death the judicial police officer notified of such death shall
immediately report to the State Counsel.

The provisions of section 104 and seq. shall be applicable.

SUB-CHAPTER III – POLICE INVESTIGATION

Section 116:

(1) Judicial police officers and agents shall carry out investigations either on their own initiative
or on the instructions of the State Counsel.

(2) The originals of the Police case files shall be forwarded to the State Counsel without delay.

(3) As soon as investigations are opened, the judicial police officer shall, under the penalty of
nullity, inform the suspect of:

– his right to counsel;

– his right to remain silent

(4) Mention of this information shall be made in the report.

Section 117:

(1) Judicial police officers shall conducting investigations have the powers provided for under
sections 83 to 93,95,97,99.101,102,104,110,114, 15 and 116.

(2) At the close of the investigations, the suspect who has no known residence or who cannot
fulfil any of the conditions referred to in section 246 (g) shall be arrested and taken before the
State Counsel if there is strong corroborative evidence against him.

A suspect who has a known residence or who fulfils one of the conditions provided for in
section 246 (g) shall be released on bail.

cameroon criminal procedure code

SUB-CHAPTER IV – POLICE CUSTODY

Section 118:

(1) Police custody shall be a measure whereby, for purposes of criminal investigation and the
establishment of the truth, a suspect is detained in a judicial police cell, wherein he remains for
a limited period available to and under the responsibility of a judicial police officer.

(2) Except in case of a felony or a misdemeanour committed flagrante delicto, and unless
strong corroborative evidence exists against him, a person with a known place of abode may
not be remanded in police custody.

(3) Save in the cases provided for in sub-sections (1) and (2) above, no person may be
remanded in police custody for the purpose of criminal investigation without the written
approval of the State Counsel.

(4) Mention of this approval shall be made in the police report.

Section 119:

(1)

(a) where a judicial police officer intends to remand a suspect in police custody, he shall
inform him of the grounds for the suspicion and invite him to give any explanation he
deems necessary.
(b) Mention of these formalities shall be made in the police report.

(2)

(a) The time allowed for remand in custody shall not exceed forty-eight (48) hours, renewable
once.
(b) This period may, with the written approval of the State Counsel, be exceptionally extended
twice.
(c) Reasons shall be given for each extension.

(3) However, the period of remand in police custody shall not be extended solely for the
purpose of recording the statement of a witness.

(4) Except in cases of felonies or misdemeanours committed flagrante delicto, remand in
police custody shall not be ordered on Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays. However, where
the remand in police custody has commenced on a Friday or on the eve of a public holiday, it
may be extended as provided for in sub-section (2).

Section 120:

(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 119 (2), the period of remand in police custody
shall be extended, where applicable, having regard to the distance between the place of arrest
and the police station or the gendarmerie brigade where such remand has to be effected.

(2) The extension shall be twenty-four (24) hours for every fifty (50) kilometres.

(3) Mention of this fact shall be made on the report of arrest.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 121:

The period of police custody shall start to run from the time the suspect presents
himself or is brought to the police station or gendarmerie brigade. The time of his arrival at the
station shall be mentioned in the station diary and in the police report.

Section 122:

(1)

(a) The suspect shall immediately be informed of the allegations against him, and shall be
treated humanely both morally and materially.
(b) He shall be given reasonable time to rest fully in the course of the investigation.
(c) The period of rest shall be mentioned in the police report.

(2) The suspect shall not be subjected to any physical or mental constraints, or to torture,
violence, threats or any pressure whatsoever, or to deceit, insidious manoeuvres, false
proposals, prolonged questioning, hypnosis, the administration of drugs or to any other
method which is likely to compromise or limit his freedom of action or decision, or his memory
or sense of judgment.

(3) The person on remand may at anytime within the period of detention and during working
hours, be visited by his counsel, members of his family, and by any other person following up
his treatment while in detention.

4) The State shall be responsible for feeding persons remanded in police custody. However,
such persons shall have the right to receive from members of their families or from their
friends the means of subsistence and other necessaries.

(5) Whoever violates or fails to comply with the provisions of this section or prevents their
compliance with, shall be liable to prosecution without prejudice, where necessary, to
disciplinary sanctions.

Section 123:

(1) The person remanded in police custody may, at any moment, be examined by a medical
officer appointed by the State Counsel of his own motion. Such medical officer may be
assisted by another chosen by the person on remand at his own expense.

(2) The State Counsel may also order such medical examination at the request of the person
concerned, his lawyer or a member of his family. Such medical examination shall be carried
out within twenty-four hours after the request.

(3) At the end of the police custody, it shall be obligatory to medically examine the suspect at
his expense and by a doctor of his choice, on condition that either the suspect himself, his
counsel or his family members so request. In all cases he shall be informed of this discretion.

(4) The report of the commissioned medical officer shall be put in the suspect’s case file and a
copy thereof given to him. It may be counter-signed by the medical officer chosen by the
person so remanded who may, where necessary, endorse it with his views

Section 124:

(1) The judicial police officer shall mention in his report the reasons for remanding the suspect
in police custody, the length of time within which he was subjected to requesting, the interval
of rest during questioning, the day and hours when he was either released or brought before
the State Counsel.

(2) The suspect shall sign the said entries and in the manner prescribed in section 90 (3), (4),
(5) and (7). Where he refuses to sign, the judicial police officer shall mention that fact in his
report.

(3) These entries shall be made in a special register kept in all the judicial police stations
where suspects may be remanded. The said register shall be submitted to the State Counsel
for inspection and control.

(4) The non-observation of the provisions of this section shall lead to the nullity of the police
report as well as all subsequent acts, without prejudice to disciplinary sanctions against the
judicial police officer concerned.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 125:

(1) Where by distance the judicial police officer is far from the seat of the court, he may apply
for extension of the remand period from the State Counsel by telephone, radio message, hand
mail, electronic mail, telecopy or any other means of urgent communication.

(2) The State Counsel shall notify his decision to the judicial police officer by the same means,
and where necessary confirm in writing. The judicial police officer shall immediately inform the
suspect of the decision.

(3) If the judicial police officer can not immediately get in touch with the State Counsel, he shall
release the suspect on bail with or without sureties.

Provided that, and notwithstanding the provisions of section 119 and 120, the judicial police
officer may, in the case of a felony or misdemeanour committed flagrante delicto or where the
suspect does not have a known abode or cannot fulfil one of the conditions provided for in sect
246 (g), extend the remand in police custody for a maximum period of eight (8) days.

(4) Mention of this extension shall be made in the police report.

Section 126:

Where an extension of remand in police custody is refused, the provisions of
section 117 (2) shall be applicable.

PART III – THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT

CHAPTER I – COMMON PROVISIONS

Section 127:

(1) The Legal Department shall be indivisible.

Any judicial act done by any magistrate of the Legal Department shall be presumed to be done
in the name of the entire Department.

(2) The Legal Department shall, as provided for in this section, comprise the magistrates in the
Legal Department of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, the High Court and the Court of
First Instance.

(3) The Legal Department of the Supreme Court shall comprise the Procureur General at the
said Court and all the magistrates of the said Legal Department. Its jurisdiction shall be that of
the Supreme Court.

(4) The Legal Department of the Court of Appeal shall comprise the Procureur General at the
said Court and all the magistrates of the said Legal Department. Its jurisdiction shall be that of
the Court of Appeal.

(5) The Legal Department of the High Court shall comprise the State Counsel and all the
magistrates of the said Legal Department. Its jurisdiction shall be that of the High Court.

(6) The Legal Department of the Court of First Instance shall comprise the State Counsel and
the Magistrates of the said Legal Department. Its jurisdiction shall be that of the Court of First
Instance.

(7) The magistrates of the Legal Department of the Supreme Court, a Court of Appeal, a High
Court and a Court of First Instance shall under the control, direction and authority of the Heads
of the said Legal Departments, exercise the powers conferred by the law on the Procureur
General at the Supreme Court, the Procureur General at the Court of Appeal and the State
Counsel respectively.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 128:

(1) The Legal Department shall be a principal party in a criminal trial before the court and shall
always be represented at such trials under pain of rendering the entire proceeding and the
decision null and void.

(2) Subject to the powers of the Presiding Magistrate to maintain order in court, the Legal
Department may intervene at any stage of the trial.

(3) The Legal Department shall, at the close of the hearing in every case, address the court or
tender written submissions without being denied the right of hearing or stopped when
addressing the court.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 129:

The Legal Department shall be heard even when its submissions are based only
on the civil claim.

Section 130:

The Legal Department may raise any procedural irregularity and seise the
competent court with a view to annulling the irregular act.

Section 131:

Where there is a ruling of no case or where is an acquittal, the Legal Department
shall not be made to bear the costs of the proceedings or to pay damages to the party
prosecuted.

CHAPTER II – FUNCTIONS OF THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT

SUB-CHAPTER I – FUNCTIONS OF THE PROCUREUR GENERAL AT THE SUPREME COURT

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 132:

(1) The Procureur General at the Supreme Court shall be a party to appeals lodged by the
parties and may of his own motion raise grounds for the annulment of the decision appealed
against.

(2) He shall be the principal party in all appeals brought by him before the Supreme Court.

SUB-CHAPTER II – FUNCTIONS OF THE PROCUREUR GENERAL AT THE COURT OF APPEAL

Section 133:

(1) The Procureur General at the Court of Appeal shall ensure that the criminal law is applied
throughout the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal.

(2) He shall have authority over all the magistrates of the Legal Department within his
jurisdiction.

(3) He shall, in the exercise of his functions, have the right to call directly on the forces of the
law and order.

Section 134:

(1) The Procureur General at the Court of Appeal may instruct the magistrates of the Legal
Department within his jurisdiction to investigate offences of which he has knowledge, to close
a case file or to institute proceedings.

(2) The Procureur General at the Court of Appeal:

(a) Shall supervise the activities of the judicial police officers and agents working within the
jurisdiction of the Court. of Appeal;
(b) Shall submit half yearly reports to the Minister in charge of Justice on their activities and
conduct;
(c) May direct them to obtain any information which he deems useful for the proper
administration of Justice;
(d) Shall evaluate the work and give marks to each judicial police officer within his jurisdiction;
(e) Shall forward his appreciation and the marks given to the judicial police officer concerned,
to the head of his service of origin.

cameroon criminal procedure code

SUB-CHAPTER III – FUNCTIONS OF THE STATE COUNSEL

Section 135:

(1)

(a) matters shall be brought to the State Counsel either by way of:

– a written information;

– a written or oral complaint; or

– a written report by a competent authority.

(b) He may also be seized of his own motion.

(2) Any person who has knowledge of an offence classified as a felony or misdemeanour shall
directly and immediately inform either the State Counsel or any judicial police officer or in their
absence, any administrative authority of the locality.

(3) Any administrative authority so informed shall be bound to bring such information to the
knowledge of the nearest State Counsel or judicial police officer.

(4)

(a) When the written or oral report is made by the victim of the offence, it shall be considered
as a complaint. If it is made by a third party, it shall be considered as information.
(b) Information and complaints shall not be subjected to any formalities or fiscal stamps. The
authorities referred to in sub-section (2) shall be bound to receive the information or
complaints.

(5) Any public servant as defined under section 131 of the Penal Code, who in the exercise of
,his duties has knowledge of a felony or a misdemeanour, shall be bound to inform the State
Counsel and shall forward to him any document relating thereof.

Section 136:

Failure to comply with the provisions of subsections 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the
preceding section shall be publishable under section 171 of the Penal Code.

Section 137:

(1) The State Counsel shall direct and control the operations of the officers and agents of the
judicial police.

(2) He may, at anytime, visit the police post or the gendarmerie brigade in order to verify the
conditions of persons in custody provided for in section 124 (3). In the course of such control,
the persons whose release he orders of his own motion or by virtue of an order of habeas
corpus, must immediately be set free, under pain of prosecution for unlawful detention against
the judicial police officers in charge of the police post or gendarmerie brigade where the
custody takes place.

(3) The State Counsel may, at any time and place act as a judicial police officer

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 138:

(1) The State Counsel shall, in the exercise of his duties, have the right to directly request the
use of the forces of law and order.

(2)

(a) he may, in order to accomplish his duties, also request the assistance of any person
who is likely to help in the discovery of the truth.

(b) the person so requested shall receive an allowance as provided for by the regulations in
force.

Section 139:

The original of case files concerning offences committed within his jurisdiction
and triable by the ordinary law courts, shall be sent to the State Counsel.

Section 140:

(1) the competent State Counsel shall be either:

(a) That of the place of commission of the offence; or

(b) that of the place of residence of the suspect; or

(c) that of the place of arrest of the suspect.

(2) When more than one State Counsel are seized of the same matter, priority shall be given
to the State Counsel in whose jurisdiction the offence was committed.

Section 141:

A State Counsel before whom a criminal matter has been brought under
conditions laid down in sections 135, 139 and 140, may:

(a) refer the information or complaint to a judicial police officer for investigation;
(b) return the case files to the judicial police for further investigation;
(c) decide to close the matter and inform the complainant of his decision. A copy of the
decision closing the file shall be forwarded to the Procureur General at the Court of Appeal
within a month.
(d) decide to put in the archives the written reports on simple offences for which fixed fines
have been paid.
(e) decide to institute criminal proceedings against the suspect.

cameroon criminal procedure code

PART IV – PRELIMINARY INQUIRIES

CHAPTER I – GENERAL PROVISION

Section 142:

(1) Preliminary inquiries shall be obligatory in cases of felonies unless otherwise provided by
law.

(2) They shall be discretionary in case of misdemeanours and simple offences.

(3) They shall be carried out by Examining Magistrate who shall be a magistrate on the bench.

Section 143:

(1) Subject of the provision of section 157 the Examining Magistrate may carry out preliminary
inquiries only if the State Counsel, by judicial act, requests him to do so.

(2) The judicial act by which the State Counsel seizes the Examining Magistrate shall be called
a holding charge.

Section 144:

(1) The holding charge preferred by the State Counsel shall be in writing and made against a
known or an unknown person.

(2) It shall contain the statement of the offence committed, and mention that prosecution has
not been discontinued by virtue of any of the circumstances referred to in section 62.

(3) It shall be dated and signed by the State Counsel.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 145:

(1) The holding charge shall be forwarded to the Examining Magistrate through the President
of the court.

(2) The State Counsel may at any stage of the preliminary inquiry, by an act known as an
additional holding charge, request the Examining Magistrate to perform any acts which he
deems necessary for the discovery of the truth and in particular to prefer new charges.

In this regard, the State Counsel shall ask for the inquiry file and return it to the Examining
Magistrate with the additional holding charge within forty-eight (48) hours.

(3) Whenever the Examining Magistrate forwards the file of the inquiry to the State Counsel,
he shall, by a ruling, make an order known as a forwarding order which shall be included in the
said file.

(4) Where the Examining Magistrate does not deem it necessary to act as required by the
State Counsel, he shall, by a ruling, make a reasoned order known as an order of refusal of
further inquiry which shall be notified to the State Counsel within twenty-four (24) hours.

Section 146:

(1) Where there are several Examining Magistrates in a court, the president shall for each
inquiry appoint the magistrate who shall be responsible for it.

(2) The State Counsel may, by a reasoned application, request the president of the court to
replace the Examining Magistrate in charge of the inquiry with another Examining Magistrate,
in the interest of the proper administration of justice.

(3) The defendant or the civil party may also by a reasoned application make such a request to
the President of the court.

(4) The President of the court shall within five (5) days determine the issue by a reasoned
ruling, which shall not be subject to appeal.

(5) In case of urgency and with respect to specific isolated acts, an Examining Magistrate may,
with the authorization of the President of the court, urge another Examining Magistrate of the
same court to perform such acts.

Section 147:

As soon as the holding charge is received, the Examining Magistrate shall be
bound to make an order of commencement of the inquiry.

Section 148:

Notwithstanding the provisions of the section 147, the obligation to commence
the inquiry shall cease when the Examining Magistrate discovers that, for reasons affecting the
criminal prosecution itself, the facts cannot legally sustain a prosecution, or the facts do not
legally constitute a criminal offence, or that the suspect has immunity.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 149:

The Examining Magistrate shall make an order refusing to carry out the inquiry
when he is faced with one of the situations mentioned in section 148 or when the criminal
prosecution is considered discontinued for any of the reasons provided for in section 62.

Section 150:

(1) Where the Examining Magistrate decides to commence an inquiry, he shall carry out all
acts he deems necessary for the discovery of the truth.

(2) He shall have powers 10 prefer a charge against any person he identifies to have taken
part in the commission of the offence either as principal offender, co-accused or an
accomplice.

Section 151:

(1) The Examining Magistrate may carry out or cause to be carried out, either by the judicial
police officer or by any other authorized person, an inquiry into the antecedents and character
of the defendant as well as into his material, family and social situation.

(2) The investigation of the Examining Magistrate shall be directed to the search for
ingredients favourable or unfavourable to the defendant

(3) Where he is unable to carry all the measures of the inquiry himself, he may give rogatory
commission to judicial police officers to carry out all the necessary measures under the
conditions and subject to be provisions of section 191 and following.

Section 152:

The Examining Magistrate shall not give rogatory commission to a judicial police
officer to carry out on his behalf, the preferring of a charge against the defendant, interrogation
and the issuing of court processes.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 153:

(1) The Examining Magistrate shall be assisted by a registrar.

(2) The registrar in the inquiry shall be responsible for the typing of order and documents of
the inquiry. He shall serve or cause to be served on all interested parties all documents of the
proceedings requiring formal notification.

(3)

(a) Services shall be effected on the person concerned.

(b) Failing this, the registrar shall forward the process by registered mail with acknowledgment
of receipt.

Section 154:

(1) Preliminary inquiries shall be secret.

(2) Anyone participating in the proceedings shall be bound by professional secrecy subject to
the penalties provided for in section 310 of the Penal Code; provided that the secrecy of
preliminary inquiries shall neither apply to the Legal Department nor to the defence.

(3) Notwithstanding the provision 01 sub-section (1), the Examining Magistrate may, if he
considers it necessary for the discovery of the truth, hold some of the proceedings in public or
cause the State Counsel to publish some of the facts which have been brought to his
knowledge.

(4) Any press release made by an Examining Magistrate, by virtue of sub-section 3 above
shall, under pain of the penalties provided for under section 169 of the Penal Code, be
published by media without comments, be they written, spoken or televised.

Section 155:

(1) Publication by any whatsoever of news, photographs, opinions concerning any pending
preliminary inquiry shall, subject to the penalties provided for in section 169 of the Penal Code,
be forbidden until the proceedings are closed by a no-case order or until the accused appears
before the trial court upon a committal order by the Examining Magistrate.

(2) The same shall apply to any public expression of an opinion on the guilt of the accused.

Section 156:

(1) any publication adversely affecting the honour or private life of a person by any of the
means provided under section 152 of the Penal Code, shall be punishable under section 169
of same.

(2) Any person convicted under this section shall be subject to the forfeitures provided under
the 30 of the Penal Code.

cameroon criminal procedure code

CHAPTER II – COMPLAINT WITH A CIVIL CLAIM

Section 157:

(1) Any person who alleges that he has suffered injury resulting from a felony, or
misdemeanour may when lodging a, complaint with the competent Examining Magistrate, file a
claim for damages.

(2) The complaint in which a victim claims damages shall set the criminal action in motion.

(3) The provisions of sub section (1) shall not be applicable either to simple offences or to
offences, the prosecution of which is solely reserved for the Legal Department.

Section 158:

(1) The victim who sets the criminal action in motion by virtue of section 157 (1) shall, at the
risk of his complaint being inadmissible, deposit at the registry of the Court of First Instance an
amount considered sufficient for defraying the cost of the proceedings.

The amount of the deposit shall be fixed by an order of the Examining Magistrate.

(2) An additional deposit may be fixed in the course on the inquiry.

Section 159:

(1) When the complaint does not reside within the jurisdiction of the court where the
preliminary inquiry is held, he shall choose an address for service therein by preparing and
depositing a document to that effect at the registry of the said court.

(2) Where he fails to choose his address for service, he shall not be heard to say that he had
no knowledge of any documents which he ought to have been served with, as provided for by
the law.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 160:

(1) As soon as the civil party has deposited the sum of money provided for in section 158, the
Examining Magistrate shall forward the complaint to the State Counsel for his submissions.

(2) The submissions of the State Counsel may:

a) declare the civil claim inadmissible;

b) order the commencement of an inquiry against a known or unknown person.

(3) The State Counsel may also, in the case of a complaint without sufficient grounds or
inadequate justification having regard to the supporting documents, request that the person
mentioned in the complaint be heard as a witness by the Examining Magistrate.

Section 161:

Where the Examining Magistrate seized of the matter is not territorially
competent, he shall after the submissions of the Legal Department, rule on his lack of
jurisdiction and shall request the civil party to seek redress elsewhere.

Section 162:

Where a complaint involving a civil claim result in a no-case ruling, the defendant
may bring a civil action for damages against the complainant for malicious prosecution.

Section 163:

(1) The State Counsel shall, when making his submission, not be bound by the statement of
offence as given by the complainant who files acclaim for damages.

(2) The Examining Magistrate shall not be bound by the statement of offence in the complaint
or that stated by the State Counsel in his submissions.

cameroon criminal procedure code

CHAPTER III – PROCEDURE DURING THE PRELIMINARY INQUIRY

Section 164:

(1) The order for commencing an inquiry may be made against a known or unknown person.

It shall specify:
(a) the full name and function of the Examining Magistrate who made it;
(b) the statement of the offence committed;
(c) the full name and identity of the defendant if he is known, or the sign if he is unknown;
(d) a precise statement of the provisions of the law which have been violated;
(e) the place and date of the commission of the offence.

(2) The order shall be sign and stamped by the Examining Magistrate who made.

Section 165:

(1) All proceedings in a preliminary inquiry shall be in writing. Records of the proceedings shall
be typed by the registrar under the effective control of the said Examining Magistrate.

(2) A file shall be opened for every preliminary inquiry.

(3)

(a) An up-to-date detailed inventory shall be kept of the inquiry file.
(b) All documents in the file shall be numbered and listed by the registrar as soon as they are
drawn up or received.

(4) All documents in the case file including the inventory shall be drawn up in at least two
copies so that in the event of an appeal, a copy shall be forwarded to the court of appeal

(5)

(a) The Legal Department may request to be given certified true copies of the record of
proceedings by the registrar of the inquiry.
(b) The other parties may also, at their request and upon payment of the required fees, be
given copies of any document of the proceedings.

(6) Copies may be made by all means of reproduction.

Section 166:

(1) Any statement made shall give rise to the drawing up of the report in compliance with the
provisions of the sections 164 and 165.

(2) The provisions of sections 182 to 190 shall apply.

cameroon criminal procedure code

SUB-CHAPTER I – THE RIGHTS OF THE DEFENDANT

Section 167:

(1)

(a) On the appearance of the suspect, the Examining Magistrate shall, after verifying his
identity, inform him of the case against him, and the provisions of the criminal law violated.
(b) Such information shall be known as the charging of the defendant.

(2) The preferring of a charge shall be the exclusive prerogative of the Examining Magistrate; it
shall not be the subject of a rogatory commission except to another Examining Magistrate.

Section 168:

The Examining Magistrate shall not be bound by the statement of offence which
the police have given to the facts of the case.

Section 169:

(1) Where in the course of the inquiry the Examining Magistrate discovers fresh facts which
constitute another offence, he shall transmit the case file of the inquiry to the State Counsel for
further submission before proceeding to prefer an additional charge or count.

(2) He may also amend the charge where the inquiry permits a new statement of offence to be
made on the facts.

(3) He may, in addition, prefer charges against any person who took part in the commission of
the offence.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 170:

(1) The Examining Magistrate shall inform the defendant during his first appearance that he is
now before an Examining Magistrate and may not thereafter be heard by the police or the
gendarmerie on the same facts except by rogatory commission and that if the inquiry confirms
the charges preferred against him, he shall be committed for trial before the competent court.

(2) The Examining Magistrate shall in addition inform the defendant that:

(a) He is free to reserve his statement;
(b) He has the choice to prepare his defence either without counsel; or with the assistance of
one or more counsels;
(c) Where he is represented by more than one counsel, he shall give the name and address of
one of them to whom all summonses and other processes shall be addressed;
(d) Where he cannot immediately brief counsel, he shall be free to do so at any time before the
close of the inquiry.

(3) The Examining Magistrate shall finally inform the defendant that:

(e) He shall choose an address within the seat of the court for service of all documents of the
inquiry;

(f) He shall inform the Examining Magistrate of any change of address.

(4) Where the defendant immediately briefs one or more counsel, the Examining Magistrate
shall state the names and addresses of such counsel as well as the address of the one on
whom all documents of the inquiry and summonses shall be served.

(5) Where the defendant who has briefed counsel manifests his intention to make a statement
immediately in the absence of his counsel, the Examining Magistrate shall simply record the
statement without asking him question concerning his criminal responsibility.

(6) The Examining Magistrate shall inform the defendant of all measures of restraint or of loss
of liberty taken against him.

Section 171:

(1) where counsel for the defendant is present during the first appearance, the Examining
Magistrate shall not be bound to give the case file of the inquiry to him in advance.

Provided that before any subsequent interrogation or confrontation, the Examining Magistrate
shall be bound to summon the counsel of the defendant in accordance with the provisions of
section 172.

(2) The statement of the defendant shall be included in the report. The formalities provided for
under sections 183 (1), 185 and 186 shall apply to the interrogation and confrontation of the
defendant.

Section 172:

(1) counsel for the defendant shall have the right to defend his client whenever he appears
before the Examining Magistrate.

(2) He shall be notified in writing of the date and time of appearance at least forty-eight (48)
hours before the said appearance, if the counsel resides within the seat of the court, and at
least seventy-two (72) hours, if he resides outside the seat of the court.

(3) The case file of the inquiry shall be placed at the disposal of the counsel at the chambers
of the inquiry twenty-four (24) hours before each interrogation or confrontation.

(4) Where the counsel who has been summoned does not appear, the inquiry shall continue in
his absence and these facts shall be mentioned in the report.

(5) The same shall apply when the defendant expressly refuses to be heard or confronted
except in the presence of his counsel

The refusal shall apply only to the interrogation or confrontation in question.

Section 173:

The provisions of section 172 above shall also apply to the counsel of the civil
party.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 174:

(1) The formalities provided for under sections 166 and 169 shall be included in the report of
first appearance.

(2) Any violation of these formalities shall render the interrogation of the defendant null and
void.

(3) However, the provisions of section 170 (2) and (5) shall not apply in the case of felony or
misdemeanour committed flagrante delicto and in all urgent cases, notably where relevant

evidence may disappear or a witness may die. The Examining Magistrate shall in all such
cases, from the first appearance of the defendant, proceed to charge and interrogate the
defendant even against the latter’s wish. He may also proceed to confrontations, which he
deems necessary. The report shall mention the reason for the urgency.

Section 175:

(1) The defendant shall be allowed to directly cross-examine the witnesses, the co-defendants
and the civil party. The civil party shall also have the right to cross-examine the witnesses and
the other parties.

However, during the confrontation, the Examining Magistrate may stop the witness or any
other party from answering any question which he deems irrelevant, injurious or against public
party.

(2) The provisions of the preceding sub-section shall also apply to both the counsel for the
defendant and for the civil party.

(3) When the Examining Magistrate exempts any person from answering a question, he shall
record the question in the report and state the reasons for the exemption.

Section 176:

(1) The State Counsel may be present at the interrogation and confrontations or the defendant
as well as at the hearing of the civil party and the witnesses. He shall inform the Examining
Magistrate of his intention to do so.

(2) The provisions of section 175 above shall be applicable to the State Counsel.

SUB-CHAPTER II – VISIT TO THE LOCUS IN QUO, SEARCHES AND SEIZURES

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 177:

(1) The Examining Magistrate may visit any area within his jurisdiction to carry out all
measures of investigation necessary for the discovery of the truth, and in particular conduct
searches and seizures.

(2) He may also visit area outside his jurisdiction after having notified the State Counsel of the
area concerned.

Section 178:

(1) Searches of or visits to residential premises shall be made wherever they are likely to yield
relevant evidence.

(2) Any error as to the place, justification or appropriateness of the search shall not be ground
for any claim for damages.

Section 179:

(1) When the search is conducted in the house of the defendant, the Examining Magistrate
shall observe the provisions of sections 92 to 99 of this code.

(2) When a search is conducted on premises other than other of the defendant, the occupant
of the premises shall be asked to be present. If he is not present or refuses to be at the
search, the search shall take place in the presence of two members of his family or in-laws or
two witnesses.

(3)

(a) The Examining Magistrate shall read a letter and other documents found on the premises
and decide on which articles and documents to seize.
(b) The provisions of sections 92 and 93 of this code shall be observed.

(4) The owners or persons in possession of documents seized may, at their request and
expense obtain copies thereof. However the Examining Magistrate may, by a reasoned ruling,
refuse their request.

(5) Any person laying claim to the articles and documents seized may file his claim before the
Examining Magistrate who shall, after the submissions of the State Counsel, decide on it by
ruling not subject to appeal and served on the parties.

SUB-CHAPTER III – WITNESSES

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 180:

(1) The Examining Magistrate may summon any person whose testimony may, in his opinion,
be relevant.

(2) Except in the case of force majeure, which shall be duly recorded in the report, there shall
be confrontation between the witnesses and the defendant, after the witnesses have given
evidence for the prosecution, even when the defendant indicates that he shall say nothing
during the confrontation.

Section 181:

(1) Witnesses shall be summoned by a process of the bailiff.

(2) They may also be summoned, by ordinary mail or by registered letter with
acknowledgement of receipt or through administrative channels.

(3) They may also appear voluntarily

Section 182:

Witnesses shall be heard separately and, as much as possible, in the presence
of the defendant.

Section 183:

(1)

(a) Where a witness does not speak one of the official languages which the registrar and
Examining Magistrate understand; the latter shall call on the services of an interpreter.
(b) The interpreter shall not be less than twenty-one (21) years of age.
(c) The registrar, witnesses and the parties shall not perform the functions of an interpreter.
(d) The interpreter shall take oath to give a true interpretation of the statement of any person
who speaks in different language or dialect. The facts of his having taken oath shall be
mentioned in the record of the proceedings.

(2)

(a) Unless otherwise provided for by law or custom, the witness shall, with head uncovered
and his bare right hand raised, take the following oath: « I swear to speak the truth the
whole truth and nothing but the truth»;
(b) The oath may, at the request of the witness, be made in any other form or rites of his
religion or custom which are not repugnant to public policy.
(c) Where an oath has been taken, on no ground shall its validity be subsequently questioned.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 184:

(1)

(a) The Examining Magistrate shall ask the witness his full name, age, civil status, profession
and place of residence.

(2) He shall also ask him whether he is a servant, a relative or an in-law of one of the parties
and to what degree.

(3) The question and their answers shall be written down in the report.

Section 185:

(1)

(a) After witness has been heard, he shall be invited by the Examining Magistrate to read over
his statement.
(b) If the witness does not know how to read, the registrar shall read it and where necessary,
have the statement interpreted to him.

(2) Every folio of the record shall be initialled by the Examining Magistrate, the registrar, the
witness, the interpreter, if any, and the defendant in case of confrontation.

(3) The report is signed by the Examining Magistrate, the registrar, the witness who maintains
his statement, and eventually by the interpreter and the defendant in case of confrontation.

(4)

(a) Where the witness is unable to sign, he shall thumbprint.

(b) Where he refuses to sign or thumb-print, mention shall be made in the report.

Section 186:

(1) The written statements of the witnesses shall not contain any interlineations.

(2) Ally cancellation, alteration or inserted omission, shall be endorsed by the Examining
Magistrate, the registrar, the witness and, where necessary, the requisitioned interpreter, and
the defendant in case of a confrontation.

(3) Failing this, the erasures, insertions or interlineations shall be null and void.

Section 187:

Children below fourteen (14) years of age shall not give evidence on oath.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 188:

(1) Any person summoned as a witness shall appear and take oath before testifying.

(2) If the witness summoned does not appear, the Examining Magistrate may issue a bench
warrant against him without prejudice to the provisions of section 173 of the Penal Code.

Section 189:

Where a witness is unable to appear the Examining Magistrate may, either visit
him where ever he is and take his statement or give a rogatory commission to another
magistrate in accordance with sections 191 to 196.

Section 190:

Every witness shall be entitled to an allowance in accordance with the
regulations in force.

SUB-CHAPTER IV – ROGATORY COMMISSIONS

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 191:

(1) The Examining Magistrate may give a rogatory commission to any other Examining
Magistrate and, subject to the provisions of section 152, to a judicial police officer to carry out
any acts of the inquiry.

(2) The Examining Magistrate or the judicial police officer commissioned shall, within the limits
of the rogatory commission, exercise ail the powers of Examining Magistrate.

(3) In case of urgency the rogatory commission shall be communicated by ail means with
written proof; in such a case it shall specify the essential information of the original, namely;
the charge, the name and function of the Examining Magistrate granting the rogatory
commission. A copy of the rogatory commission shall be sent to the judicial officer or the
commissioned magistrate.

Section 192:

The commissioned magistrate may, subject to be provision of section 152, in
turn delegate a judicial police officer to carry out on his behalf all or part of the acts prescribed
by the rogatory commission referred to in the section 191.

Section 193:

(1) The rogatory commission shall state the nature of the offence which gives rise to
prosecution. It shall be dated, signed and stumped by the magistrate who issued it.

(2) It may only order an inquiry into acts having a direct bearing on the offence mentioned in
the charge.

Section 194:

Where the Examining Magistrate granting the rogatory commission requires
simultaneous operations in various parts of the territory, he shall forward the copy or a
complete reproduction of the rogatory commission to the magistrates or to the judicial police
officer responsible for its execution.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 195:

(1) Any witness summoned to be head during the execution of a rogatory commission shall
appear and take oath before testifying.

(2) If he does not appear, the commissioned judicial police officer shall seize the complete
Examining Magistrate shall issue a bench warrant against the witness.

Section 196:

Where in the course of hearing of the witness referred in to section 195, the
judicial police officer finds out that the witness is likely to be charged as a co-offender or an
accomplice to the offence which is the subject of the rogatory commission, he may remand
him in custody in the forms and the duration provided for in sections 119 to 121. At the
expiration of the period of remand, he shall be bound to bring such a person before the
Examining Magistrate in the jurisdiction in which the rogatory commission is being executed.
After such a person has been heard, The said Examining Magistrate may, in writing, extend
the detention period for forty-eight (48) hours.

Section 197:

The Examining Magistrate granting the rogatory commission shall fix the time-
limit within which the report made by a magistrate or the judicial police officer commissioned
shall be forwarded to him.

Section 198:

(1) The Examining Magistrate may carry out, by way of an international rogatory commission,
ail measures of investigation in a foreign country, in particular: the questioning of an individual
charged in Cameroon the hearing of a witness, and searches and seizures.

(2) He shall send the rogatory commission accompanied by a detail report and essential
documents for execution, to the State Counsel who shall dispatch it to the minister in charge of
justice by hierarchical channel. After study, the Minister in charge of Justice shall forward the
rogatory commission to the Minister in charge of External Relations who shall dispatch it by
diplomatic channels subject to special conventions prescribing the direct transmission of
rogatory commission between the Cameroonian and foreign judicial authorities.

(3) In case of urgency the rogatory commission may be transmitted directly between the
Cameroonian and foreign judicial authorities. In such a case, a copy of such rogatory
commission bearing the inscription « duplicate» and an indication of the date of direct
transmission shall be forwarded at the same time or transmitted by the Procureur General to
the Minister in charge of Justice who shall transmit it through diplomatic channels.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 199:

When the presence of Cameroonian Examining Magistrate or of a Cameroonian
judicial police officer is necessary to follow up the execution of a rogatory commission in a
foreign country, the Cameroonian Government shall accredit him to the foreign Government.

Section 200:

The Minister in charge of justice, if requested by diplomatic means, may in
accordance with the Cameroonian procedure or any international convention duly ratified and
published by Cameroon, ensure the execution of a rogatory commission emanating from
foreign courts or he service of processes or notices from he said courts.

Section 201:

All activities of the inquiry shall be carried out in accordance with the rules and
regulations laid down by this code.

Section 202:

(1) In the case of sub-delegation as provided for in section 192, the judicial police officer shall
after the execution of the rogatory commission, be bound to return it to the commissioned
Examining Magistrate with all the documents of execution. The transmission of the file shall
subject to international conventions signed by Cameroon, be made through the Minister in
charge of Justice. Where no time-limit has been fixed, the report shall be forwarded within ten
(10) days commencing from the day the inquiry ended.

(2) The Examining Magistrate shall verify the regularity of the above operations and shall,
where necessary, re-do or have them re-done.

cameroon criminal procedure code

SUB-CHAPTER V – EXPERT OPINION

Section 203:

(1) Where a technical problem arises in the course of the preliminary inquiry, the Examining
Magistrate may, of his own motion or on the application of any of the parties including the

insurer of liability, where necessary, make an order for expert opinion and appoint one more
experts.

(2) Where the application for expert opinion is not granted, the Examining Magistrate shall give
a reasoned decision therefore.

Section 204:

The expert shall, subject to his report being declared null and void, take oath to
perform his duties on his honour and in keeping with his conscience.

Section 205:

Where an expert refuses to give his opinion or has an impediment, the
Examining Magistrate shall, by a reasoned ruling, replace him.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 206:

(1) Expert shall be chosen from a national list.

(2) The conditions of enrolment of experts, striking them off the list and revision of the list shall
be fixed by decree.

Section 207:

As long as his name has not been struck off the national list, an expert shall not
be required to take oath time be is commissioned.

Section 208:

(1) Exceptionally, the Examining Magistrate may, by a reasoned decision and with the consent
of the parties, choose experts whose names do not appear on the national list.

(2) The experts, whose names do not appear on the national list, shall take the oath provided
for in section 204 before the Examining Magistrate whenever they are commissioned. Failure
to do so shall render their report null and void. The report on the oath shall be signed by the
Examining Magistrate and the registrar.

(3) Where an expert cannot take the oath – taking ceremony orally, he shall do so by written
document which shall be put in the case file.

Section 209:

Any decision commissioning an expert shall specify the time-limit within which he
shall submit his report. In case of necessity, the time-limit may be extended at the request of
the expert by a reasoned order of the Examining Magistrate.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 210:

(1) Any expert, who fails to submit his report within the prescribed time-limit may, after a
reminder from the competent Examining Magistrate, be immediately replaced. In such a case
he shall:

(a) give an account of the investigation which he has already carried out;
(b) return, within forty-eight (48) hours from the moment of notification of his replacement, the
objects and documents which were entrusted to him for the purpose of the investigation.

(2) He may, in addition, at the instance of the Legal Department, be prosecuted under section
174 of the Penal Code.

Section 211:

(1) The expert shall carry out his mission in close co-operation with the Examining Magistrate
or the commissioned magistrate he shall, in particular, keep such magistrate informed of the
progress of his investigation in order to enable him, at ail times, to take any necessary
measures.

(2) There shall be no violation of the right of the defence, where an order of the Examining
Magistrate extends the mission of the expert to fresh facts likely to justify the preferring of an
additional count.

Section 212:

Where the expert so appointed requests clarification on a point which is outside
his field of specialization, the Examining Magistrate may, on the proposal of the expert,
appoint any person specially qualified to assist him. The person so appointed shall take the
oath prescribed in section 204 and his report shall be annexed to that of the expert.

Section 213:

(1) Before handing over articles under seal to the expert, the Examining Magistrate shall
present them to the defendant, and where necessary, record his observation.

(2) A report shall be made of the handing over, stating the state of the seal and where
necessary, its content.

(3) The report shall make mention of the broken and unbroken seals as well as contain an
inventory thereof.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 214:

(1) In the course of the expert inquiry, the parties may ask the Examining Magistrate to request
the expert to carry out certain investigations or hear any person specifically named who is
likely to furnish him with information of the technical nature.

(2) If the expert deems it necessary to hear the defendant, he shall do so in the presence of
his counsel if he has any, as well as in the presence of the Examining Magistrate. However, a
medical officer appointed as an expert to examine a defendant may also ask him questions in
the absence of the absence of the defendant’s counsel and of the Examining Magistrate

Section 215:

(1) The expert shall, at the end of this work, submit his report in as many copies as there are
parties plus one extra copy. This report shall contain a description of all activities undertaken
by the expert and his findings thereon.

(2) Where there is more than one expert, they shall submit a joint report; if they have different
opinions each of them shall state his separately in the same report.

(3) The report and the exhibits under seal or their remnants shall be handed over to the
registrar of the inquiry. The latter shall forthwith prepare a report of the handing over.

Section 216:

The Examining Magistrate shall serve the parties with copies of the report. He
shall fix the time-limit within which they may make their observations on it and, if necessary,
make an application for an additional expert report or a counter expert report. Where the
application is rejected, the Examining Magistrate shall give a reasoned decision therefore.

Section 217:

An expert may be heard as a witness before the Examining Magistrate. ln this
case, before he is heard, he shall take the oath as provided for under section 183 (2) (a).
While giving evidence the expert may consult his report.

cameroon criminal procedure code

CHAPTER IV – REMAND IN CUSTODY

Section 218:

(1) Remand in custody shall be an exceptional measure which shall not be ordered except in
the case of a misdemeanour or a felony. It shall be necessary for the preservation of evidence,
the maintenance of public order, protection of life and property, or to ensure the appearance of
an accused before the Examining Magistrate or the court.

Provided that a person with a known place of abode shall not be remanded in custody except
in the case of a felony.

(2) The Examining Magistrate may at any time after charging the defendant but before the
committal order, issue a remand warrant against him; provided that the offence is punishable
with loss of liberty. He shall then make a reasoned ruling committing the defendant in custody;
the ruling shall be notified to be the State Counsel and to the defendant.

Section 219:

A remand warrant shall, in addition to the requirements contained in section 26,
specify the period of its validity in accordance with the provisions of section 221.

Section 220:

(1) A remand warrant shall be prepared in duplicate.

(2) The original and the copy of the warrant shall be sent for execution to the superintendent of
the prison who shall keep the copy in the detainee’s file and immediately return the original to
the Examining Magistrate with a statement that it has been executed.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 221:

(1) The Examining Magistrate shall specify the period of remand in custody in the remand
warrant. It shall not exceed six (6) months. However, such period may, by reasoned ruling of
the Examining Magistrate be extended for at most twelve (12) months in the case of a felony
and six (6) months in the case of a misdemeanour.

(2) Upon expiry of the period of validity of the warrant, the Examining Magistrate shall, under
pain of disciplinary action against him, order the immediate release on bail of the defendant,
unless he is detained for other reasons.

CHAPTER V – BAIL

SUB-CHAPTER I – SELF BAIL

Section 222:

(1) The Examining Magistrate may, at any time before the close of the preliminary inquiry, and
of his own motion, withdraw the remand warrant and grant bail.

(2) Where bail is not granted as of right, or by the Examining Magistrate of his own motion, it
may be granted on the application of the defendant or his counsel and after the submission of
the State Counsel, when the defendant enters into a recognizance to appear before the
Examining Magistrate wherever convened and undertakes to inform the latter of his
movements.

Section 223:

(1) The ruling withdrawing a remand warrant shall be known as an « order of bail».

(2) The ruling refusing an application for release on bail shall be known as «a refusal order»

(3) Where new facts require remand in custody, after bail has been granted, the Examining
Magistrate may issue a new remand warrant.

cameroon criminal procedure code

SUB-CHAPTER II – CONDITIONAL BAIL

Section 224:

(1) Any person lawfully remanded in custody may be granted bail on condition that he fulfils
one of the conditions referred to in section 246 (g), in particular to ensure his appearance
either before the judicial police or any judicial authority.

(2) The provisions of sub-section (1) above shaI1 not apply 10 persons charged with felonies
punishable with life imprisonment or death.

Section 225:

Application for the bail may be made, as the case may be to the judicial police
officer, to the State Counsel, to the Examining Magistrate or to the court seized of the matter.

Section 226:

When the applicant presents several sureties for bail, the recognizance entered
into by them may be taken separately.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 227:

Bail may be cancelled on the application of the Legal Department or the civil
party or, of its own motion, by the court seized of the matter.

Section 228:

(1) The surety shall be responsible for the appearance of the person released on bail.

(2) In the case of non-appearance of the person released on bail, the competent authority shall
order his arrest and shall summon the surety to produce him.

(3) Failing such production, the surety shall forfeit the sum of money mentioned in the
recognizance, subject to being imprisoned in default of payment in accordance with the
provisions of section 563 and following. However, a surety shall be discharged of his obligation
if he proves that the non-appearance of the defendant was due to force majeure.

Section 229:

The surety may at any lime withdraw his recognizance.

In such a case, he shall be required to produce the person on bail before the competent
authority who shall take note of the withdrawal and shall inform he person that he may remain
on bail if the provides another surety or security.

Section 230:

Where the authority who granted the bail is informed by a surety that the person
on bail is trying to evade his obligation to appear before the court, such authority shall order
his arrest and remand him in custody unless he provides another surety.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 231:

Ally person who is on bail shall be considered as being in lawful custody having
regard to be provisions of section 193 of the Penal Code.

Section 232:

(1) Where a person granted bail is required to deposit a security, it shall guarantee:

a) his appearance before any competent judicial authority;
b) where necessary, the reimbursement of costs incurred by the civil party, the compensation
for damages caused by the offence and the payment of fines and cost. .

(2) The security deposited shall be reimbursed in the event of appearance, a no case ruling,
withdraw or at the end of judicial supervision.

(3) Reimbursement shall be ordered by the competent judicial authority.

Section 233:

Where a person granted bail provides one or more sureties to guarantee his
appearance before any judicial authority, the obligation contained in sections 228 to 232 shall
apply.

Section 234:

Where a person jumps bail, the security deposited at the public treasury shall,
without prejudice to the rights of the civil party, be forfeited.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 235:

The reimbursement of the security deposited at the treasury during remand in
police custody shall be ordered by the competent Legal Department.

CHAPTER VI – COMPENSATION FOR ILLEGAL DETENTION

Section 236:

(1) Any person who has been 10- illegally detained may, when the proceeding end in a no-
case ruling or an acquittal which has become final, obtain compensation if he proves that he
has actually suffered injury of a serious nature as result of such detention.

(2) Illegal detention within the context in subsection (1) above shall mean:

(a) detention by the judicial police officer in disrespect of the provisions of sections 119 to 126
of this Code;
(b) detention by the State Counsel or the Examining Magistrate in disrespect of the provisions
of sections 218 to 235, 258 and 262 of this Code.

(3) The compensation shall be paid by the State which may recover same from the judicial
police officer, the State Counsel or the Examining Magistrate at fault.

Section 237:

(1) The compensation provided for under section 236 is awarded at first instance by the
decision of a Commission.

(2) When the action is against a magistrate, the Commission shall be composed as follows:

President: A judge of the Supreme Court.

Members:

– two Court of Appeal magistrates;

– a representative of the Ministry in charge of Higher State Control;

– a representative of the Ministry in charge of the Public Service;

– a representative of the Ministry in charge of Finance;

– a member of parliament designated by the bureau of the National Assembly;

– the President of the Bar Council or his representative.

(3) When the action is against a judicial police officer, the Commission shall, in addition to the
above, include a representative of the Department in charge of National Security or the
Gendarmerie, as the case may be.

(4) Each substantive members shall be designated with an alternate member.

(5) The substantive and alternate member shall be designated for three (3) judicial years.
Those from Government Departments and Institutions shall have at least the rank of director of
the central administration.

(6) The Commission shall be seized of the matter by application within six (6) months from the
date of the end of the illegal detention or from the date when the no case ruling or acquittal
decision become final. The procedure to be followed shall be that application before Bench of
the Supreme Court.

(7) The proceeding shall be in camera.

(8) The Commission shall deliver a reasoned decision, subject to appeal before the judicial
Division of the Supreme Court. The decision is considered a civil judgment.

(9) The time-limits for appeal are those provided for in civil appeals to the Supreme Court.

(10) The functions of the Legal Department are performed by the Legal Department of the
Supreme Court.

(11) The judgment of the Judicial Division of the Supreme Court on appeal shall be final.

cameroon criminal procedure code

CHAPTER VII – VISITES AND CORRESPONDENCES

Section 238:

(1) In case of remand, the right to visit shall be accorded to spouses, ascendants,
descendants, collaborators, in-laws and friends of the defendant during the hours fixed by the
prison authorities in agreement with the State Counsel.

(2) A permanent visiting permit may be issued to any of the above mentioned persons by the
Examining Magistrate who may at any time withdraw it. It shall cease to be valid at the close of
the preliminary inquiry.

Section 239:

(1) A remanded defendant my, subject to contrary instructions given by the Examining
Magistrate, correspond without restriction with any person of his choice.

(2) Such correspondence shall be read by the Superintendent of the Prison.

Section 240:

(1) Counsel shall visit his client, in detention only between the hours of six (6) am and six (6)
pm.

(2) All visits outside the hours specified in subsection (1) shall be subject to the written
authorization of the Examining Magistrate.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 241:

(1) Before any person referred to under section 238 visits the defendant, he may first be
searched in order to avoid the bringing into the prison of any weapon or object which is likely
to disturb public order or to facilitate the escape of the defendant.

(2) The search shall be carried out of the office of the Superintendent of the prison in a
respectful manner by a person of the same sex and in the absence of the third party.

(3) After the search, he shall be immediately taken to meet the defendant in a room reserved
for that purpose.

Section 242:

(1) The provisions of section 239 (2) are not applicable to correspondences between the
defendant and his counsel or those between the defendant and the judicial authorities.

(2) Any information got in violation of subsection (1) above cannot be used against the
defendant.

Section 243:

The opening of correspondences for the purpose of their being read as provided
for under section 239 (2) shall be carried out in the defendant.

Section 244:

(1)

(a) The Examining Magistrate may, subject to the provisions of section 242 above, by a ruling,
direct the superintendent of the prison to send him all or part of the correspondence
received or sent by a defendant with the exception of those between the latter and his
counsel.
(b) Any correspondence thus sent shall after censorship and reproduction where necessary,
be handed over to their addressees without delay unless the Examining Magistrate
decides to seize it, in which case the defendant shall be informed thereof.

(2) The Examining Magistrate may at any lime direct the superintendent of the prison to
prohibit any visit or communication between the defendant and his co-detainees or his visitors,
for a period of six (6) days renewable once. The ruling prescribing such a measure shall be
notified to the defendant and the State Counsel. Il shall not be subject to any appeal.

(3) The prohibition to communicate prescribed in sub-section (2) above shall apply neither to
the State Counsel, nor to the counsel for the defendant.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 245:

(1) Subject to be provisions of section 244 (1), the Examining Magistrate may, by a ruling,
direct the post-master to send to him all or part of the correspondences addressed to or sent
by the defendant who is released with or without surety or placed under judicial supervision.

(2) The provisions of the section 242 shall be applicable.

(3) The measure provided for in sub-section (1) above may be revoked by the Examining
Magistrate. Il shall cease to omission charged with the enforcement of the measure shall be
informed of its termination.

(4)

(a) The Examining Magistrate may, where the inquiry so demands, order the interception,
recording and transcription of correspondences sent by means of telecommunication.
These operations are done under his authority and control.
(b) The interception decision:

– shall be in writing;

– shall not have a judicial character and shall not be subject to appeal;

– shall contain all the elements for the identification of the means of communication to be
intercepted, the offence which has 100 to this measure as well as its duration.

(c) The decision shall be taken for a maximum period of four (4) months, and may be renewed
only under the same formalities and duration.
(d) The Examining Magistrate or the judicial police officer commissioned by him, may order the
installation of an interceptive device by any qualified agent of a service or institution placed
under the authority or supervision of the Minister in charge of Telecommunications or any
qualified agent of the operator of a telecommunication network or a provider of authorized
telecommunication services.
(e) The Examining Magistrate or the judicial police officer commissioned by him, shall
transcribe the correspondences relevant to the case, and shall make a report thereof, the
transcription is put in the case file.
Correspondences in national or foreign languages shall be transcribed in English or French
with the assistance of a translator requisitioned for that purpose.
(f) The Examining Magistrate or the judicial police office commissioned by him shall make a
report of each of the operations of the interception and recording; the report shall state the
date and hour that the operation started and ended. The recordings shall be kept under
seal.

(g) The recordings shall be destroyed at the instance of the State Counsel or the Procureur
General on the expiry on the prescription period for the criminal action. A report of the
destruction shall be drawn up.
(h) Unless the President of the Bar Council is informed by the Examining Magistrate, no
interception can be effected on the telephone lines of a barrister’s officer or residence.
(i) No interception can be effected on the telephone lines of members of a public institution
provided for by the Constitution and benefiting from immunity from prosecution.

(5) Any action taken in violation of the provisions of this section shall be null and void.

(6) The taking of photographs in private places shall be subject to the same formalities.

CHAPTER VIII – JUDICIAL SUPERVISION

Section 246:

The Examining Magistrate may, by a ruling, subject the defendant to judicial
supervision or replace such measure, where the defendant is in detention, with one or more of
the obligations provided for in sections 41 and 42 of the Penal Code, with one or more of the
following:

(a) limit movement to a .specific area determined by the Examining Magistrate;
(b) prohibit visit of certain places specified by the Examining Magistrate;
(c) to appear when summoned by the authority in charge of supervision and assistance or by
any other person appointed by the Examining Magistrate;
(d) to abstain from driving all or specified vehicles and, if need be, hand over his driving
licence to be registry which shall issue a receipt in acknowledgement thereof;
(e) to refrain from receiving certain persons named by the Examining Magistrate and from
communicating with them in any from whatsoever;
(f) to submit to medical examination, treatment or care, or to be admitted in hospital,
especially in case of intoxication and contagious diseases;
(g) in order to ensure his appearance he shall:

– either deposit a sum of money, the amount and conditions of payment of which shall be
fixed by the Examining Magistrate, taking into consideration the resources of the
defendant;

– or provide one or more sureties in accordance with the provisions of sections 224 and
following;

(h) to refrain from carrying out certain professional activities if the offence was committed
within the scope or in the course of his professional duties, and if the Examining
Magistrate is of the opinion that the continuation of those activities may cause him to
commit another offence.

Section 247:

The Examining Magistrate may, at any time cancel or modify one or more of the
obligations resulting from judicial supervision.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 248:

(1) The Examining Magistrate may, at any state of the inquiry, either of his own motion or on
the defendant, order judicial supervision to be revoked.

(2) He shall give a reasoned ruling on the application by the defendant within five (5) days.

Section 249:

The powers conferred on the Examining Magistrate under sections 222, 238 and
246 to 248 shall also be exercised by the Court of Appeal sitting as a Control Chamber in
accordance which section 272 and by the competent trial court from the lime the committal
order is made.

Section 250:

If the defendant violates any of the obligations of judicial supervision, the
Examining Magistrate may, regardless of the imprisonment term to which the defendant may
be liable, issue a bench warrant, warrant of arrest or a remand warrant against him

CHAPTER XI – NULLITY OF ACTS DONE DURING A PRELIMINARY INQUIRY

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 251:

(1) Ally act of an inquiry done in violation of the provisions of sections 164, 167,169 and 170
shall be null and void.

(2) A party may refuse to take advantage of nullity only if his interest alone is affected by it.
However, any violation of the substantive provisions of this part of the Code shall lead to a
nullity within the meaning of section 3 of this Code.

Section 252:

(1) Where the State Counsel considers that an act of the inquiry is a nullity, he shall inform the
Examining Magistrate in writing and direct that the duplicate of the case file of the inquiry be
forwarded to be President of the Inquiry Control Chamber of the Court of Appeal for the
annulment of the act violated.

(2) In the case of refusal, the Examining Magistrate shall decide by a reasoned ruling which
shall be notified to be the State Counsel and the other parties.

(3) Only the Legal Department shall have the right to appeal against the ruling.

The appeal shall be made within forty-eight (48) hours from the clay following its
notification.

(4) In case of an appeal, the registrar of the inquiry shall proceed in accordance with the
provisions of section 253 (3).

Section 253:

(1) Where it appears to the Examining Magistrate that an act on the inquiry is null and void, he
shall, in writing warm the State Counsel who shall request the transmission to the President of
the Inquiry Control Chamber.

(2) The Examining Magistrate shall make a forwarding order to the President of the Inquiry
Control Chamber. Il shall be notified to the State Counsel and the parties.

(3) The registrar of the inquiry shall immediately forward the duplicate of the inquiry me
together with the State Counsel’s submissions to be the President of the Inquiry Control
Chamber who shall proceed as provides for in sections 273 and following.

(4) Upon an appeal, the registrar of the inquiry shall proceed as provided for in section 253 (3).

Section 254:

(1)

(a) Where a party finds that an act of the inquiry, with the exception of orders listed in section
257 (1) adversely affects his interest or the proper administration of justice, he shall apply
to the Examining Magistrate for the annulment of such an act.
(b) The Examining Magistrate may proceed as provided in section 253, and shall give a ruling
either dismissing the application or transmitting the files to the Inquiry Control Chamber.

(2) The ruling shall notified to be the State Counsel and to the parties.

(3) The State Counsel and any other interested party shall be competent to appeal against the
said ruling.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 255:

(1) The trial court to which a committal order is referred shall have jurisdiction to decide of the
nullities provided for under this part of the Code, subject to the provisions of sections 253 and
254.

(2) Where the committal order is affected by acts which are null and void, the trail magistrate
shall take cognisance of such nullity, proceed to determine the case on the merits and deliver
a single judgment.

(3) However and subject to section 3 of this Code, the parties may refuse to take advantage of
the nullities provided for in sub-section (2) above. In such a case, the waiver shall be declared
at the opening of the hearing and before the trial of the case on the merits. Mention of these
facts shall be made in the judgement.

CHAPTER X – CLOSURE OF PRELIMINARY INQUIRY

Section 256:

(1) Where the Examining Magistrate deems that the inquiry is ended, he shall forward the file
to the State Counsel for his «final submissions».

(2) The inquiry file, together with the final submissions of the State Counsel shall within five (5)
days, be returned to the Examining Magistrate.

(3) The Examining Magistrate shall ascertain whether or not nay offence is sustainable on the
evidence against the defendant and shall make either a total or partial no case ruling or a
committal order.

(4) Where the Examining Magistrate finds that the facts constitute a simple offence or a
misdemeanour, he shall make a committal order forwarding the case before the court having
jurisdiction over simple offences or misdemeanours.

(5) Where he finds that the facts constitute a felony, he shall make an order committing the
defendant for trial before the Court having jurisdiction over felonies.

(6) Where the Examining Magistrate finds that the facts do not constitute an offences or that
the author of such offence is not identified or that there is insufficient evidence, he shall give a
no case ruling.

(7) Where the defendant is charged with several offences, the Examining Magistrate shall give
a partial no-case ruling if some of the counts do not appear to him to be supported by sufficient
evidence, whereas others do.

Section 257:

The no-case ruling, the partial no-case ruling and committal order shall contain
the full name, date and place of birth, filiations, residence and occupation of the defendant, the
particulars and statement of offence, and the section of the law application.

They shall, in addition, state clearly and concisely the reasons for the existence or non-
existence of evidence against the defendant.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 258:

(1) A no-case ruling shall immediately set the defendant free unless he is being detained for
some other cause and shall also revoke any measures of judicial supervision taken against
mm.

(2) The Examining Magistrate shall, at the same time decide on the restitution of articles
seized, and the case may be, on the security that was deposited. He shall fix the costs of the
proceedings and charge them against the Public Treasury or the civil party depending on
whether the prosecution was commenced by the Legal Department or on the basis of a
complaint made by a civil party.

However, the Examining Magistrate may, by special reasons given in the same ruling, relieve
the civil party of all or part of the cost if he is of the opinion that the civil party acted in good
faith.

Section 259:

A no-case ruling shall not bar the re-opening of the inquiry if new facts are
discovered.

Section 260:

(1) A defendant in whose favour a no-case ruling is made and which has become final may
institute an action for false report. He may also sue for damages before the competent trial
court.

(2) In case of conviction the costs shall be borne by the civil party.

Section 261:

The no-case ruling, partial no-case ruling or the committal order shall be notified
to be the State Counsel and the order parties.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 262:

(1)

(a) Where the defendant detained or placed under judicial supervision is committed to the
court having jurisdiction for simple offences, the committal order shall put an end to such
detention or judicial supervision.
(b) Where he is committed to the court having jurisdiction over misdemeanours, the committal
order shall not put an end to the measures of detention or judicial supervision taken
against him, when the maximum penalty provided for the offence is superior to the period
of custody.

(2) Where a defendant detained or placed under judicial supervision is committed to the court
having jurisdiction over felonies, the committal order shall not put an end to the detention or
judicial supervision.

(3) A defendant who is at liberty shall so remain until his appearance before the competent
trial court.

Section 263:

(1) Issues of procedure raised but not adjudicated upon in the course of a preliminary inquiry
shall be jointly brought with the main case before the competent trial court. However, they
shall be raised before the trial of the case on the merits.

(2) The court seized of the matter shall declare an act which it considers irregular null and
shall determine the scope of its effects.

However, the decision of the Inquiry Control Chamber committing the defendant to the court
having jurisdiction in matters of felony shall expunge definitely all the nullities of the previous
proceedings.

Section 264:

An inquiry file which has been closed by a no-case ruling shall be filed at the
registry of the trial court.

CHAPTER XI – RE-OPENING OF PRELIMINARY INQUIRY

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 265:

Where a no-case ruling in favour of the defendant has become final, no further
proceeding shall be brought against him on the same facts, even under a different statement
of offence. However, a preliminary inquiry which has ended by a no case ruling may be re-
opened at the instance of the Legal Department or the civil party if new evidence or facts come
to light.

Section 266:

Statements of witnesses, identification of the actual suspect in case of inquiry
against an unknown person, exhibits, documents and reports which were not produced before
the Examining Magistrate, but which are likely to either strengthen evidence which was
considered insufficient or to give a new character to the facts that are useful in revealing the
truth, shall constitute new evidence.

CHAPTER XII – APPEALS AGAINST DECISIONS OF THE EXAMINING MAGISTRATE

SUB-CHAPTER I – GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 267:

The decisions of the Examining Magistrate may be subject to appeal before the
Inquiry Control Chamber in the forms and time-limits provided for in section 271 and 274.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 268:

The Legal Department may, except otherwise provided by law, appeal against
rulings of the Examining Magistrate in accordance with the provisions of sections 252 (3),254
(1) and (3) and 271.

Section 269:

The defendant may only appeal against rulings in respect of remand in custody,
judicial supervision, request for expert or counter- expert pinion and of restitution of articles
seized.

Section 270:

The civil party may appeal only against rulings in respect of the refusal to
commence an inquiry, the inadmissibility of an application to be a civil party n- in a criminal
case, the rejection of an application for expert or counter – expert u. opinion, the restriction of
articles seized and no case rulings.

Section 271:

The time-limit for appeal is le forty-eight (48) hours with effect from the by
following the date of service of service of the said ruling.

cameroon criminal procedure code

SUB-CHAPTER II – ORGANISATION OF AND PROCEDURE BEFORE THE INQUIRY CONTROL CHAMBER

Section 272:

(1) Appeals against the decisions of the Examining Magistrate shall,- be brought before a
special bench of the Court of Appeal known as the Inquiry Control Chamber.

(2) The Inquiry Control Chamber shall be presided over by a judge of the court appointed for
one judicial year by an order of the President of the said court.

(3) The Legal’ Department and the order parties shall be present in the sittings of the
Chamber.

(4) A registrar shall take part in the sittings of the Chamber.

Section 273:

The Inquiry control Chamber shall meet, whenever necessary, when convened
by its President or at the request of the Procureur General.

Section 274:

(1) The appeal shall be made by way of an unstamped application in four (4) copies and
addressed to be President of the Inquiry Control Chamber. A copy of the ruling appealed
against shall be attached to his application.

(2) The application for the appeal shall, under pain of its being declared inadmissible, clearly
state and argue the grounds of appeal.

(3) The report acknowledging receipt of the application and a copy of the application shall be
served on the Procureur General of the Court of Appeal, and on the other parties.

(4) The Procureur general and other parties shall have a time-limit of forty-eight (48) hours to
file their submissions.

(5) Subject to the cases referred to in sections 252 and 253, the President of the Inquiry
Control Chamber shall cause the duplicate of the inquiry file to be forwarded to him.

(6) The Procureur General and the parties shall be informed in writing of the hearing date.

(7) A minimum time-limit of forty-eight (48) hours for cases of detention and of five (5) days for
all other cases shall be observed between the date of service and that of the hearing. During
this period, counsel for each of the parties, may consult the inquiry file at the registry of the
Inquiry Control Chamber and produce a memorandum which shall be forwarded to the Legal
Department and to the other parties.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 275:

(1) The inquiry Control Chamber shall hear and determine the appeal within thirty (30) days
after receiving the application.

(2) Il shall be bound to deliver its ruling within ten (10) days after receiving the application, in
case of remand in custody.

Section 276:

(1) The Inquiry Control Chamber may, either of its own motion, or at the request of the
Procureur General or any other party, other, any further inquiry which it deems necessary.
This shall be done either by the president of the Inquiry Control Chamber himself or by a judge
of the Court of Appeal or by an Examining Magistrate appointed for that purpose.

(2) After carrying out the further inquiry, the case me shall be deposited at the registry of the
Inquiry Control Chamber. Il may be consulted there by the counsel for the parties.

Section 277:

(1) Where the Inquiry Control Chamber, in, hearing an appeal against a ruling of the
Examining Magistrate relating to remand in custody, judicial supervision, or the restitution of
the objects seized, quashes such a ruling, it may, as the case may be, either cancel a remand
or arrest warrant, or a judicial supervision measure against the defendant, or issue a remand
or arrest warrant against the defendant set free in execution of the ruling in issue, or order the
restitution or not, of the object seized.

(2) In such a case, the Procureur GeneraI shall immediately ensure the execution of the
decision given notwithstanding any eventual appeal by the party concerned made in the form
prescribed in section 480.

Section 278:

Where Inquiry Control Chamber seized of an appeal filed against a ruling of an
Examining Magistrate relating to any matter other than remand in custody, quashes the order,
it may either return the inquiry file to the Examining Magistrate initially seized of the matter or
to another Examining Magistrate of the same court with a view to continuing the preliminary
inquiry.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 279:

Where the Inquiry Control Chamber quashes a ruling relating to the closure of
the preliminary inquiry, it may of its own motion hear and determine the inquiry de novo.

Section 280:

(1) The magistrate who carries out the further inquiry referred to in section 276 shall have
prerogative of the Examining Magistrate. He may interrogate the defendant, hear witnesses
and proceed where necessary with searches and seizures, give rogatory commissions and
issue warrants.

However, he may neither decide on an application for bail nor make an order closing the
inquiry.

(2) He shall, at the end of his mission, return the inquiry file to the inquiry Control Chamber.

Section 281:

(1) The Inquiry Control Chamber seized in’ accordance with the provisions of sections 277 and
278, shall examine the regularity of ail acts which are brought before it.

(2) Where it discover that there is reason to declare an act null and void, it shall so declare
and, where necessary, ail or part of the previous proceeding subsequent to the act.

(3) After annulment, it may proceed as provided for in section 278.

Section 282:

When the Inquiry Control Chamber ascertains that the Examining Magistrate did
not decide on certain facts of which it was seized or that the holding charge failed to bring to
the knowledge of the Examining Magistrate ail the facts contained in the police report, the
Inquiry Control Chamber shall order that information concerning all offences emanating from
the police report be given to it.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 283:

Where the Inquiry Control Chamber seized of an appeal filed in accordance with
sections 267 to 271, against a committal order or a no case ruling, finds that the facts do not
constitute an offences, or that the defendant has remained unknown, or where there is
insufficient evidence against the defendant, it shall deliver a no case ruling and shall, where
necessary, rule on the restitution of the articles seized. The defendants in custody shall be
released forthwith.

Section 284:

(1) Where the Inquiry Control Chamber finds that the facts constitute either a felony, a
misdemeanour or a simple offence, it shall refer the case to the court having jurisdiction over
such offence.

(2) In case of simple offences, the defendant if remanded, shall be released forthwith.

Section 285:

(1) In all the cases mentioned in section 261 to 263 the Ruling of the Inquiry Control Chamber
shall be served on the Examining Magistrate, the State Counsel, the Procureur general and
the ; order parties.

(2) Subject to the provision of sections 279,283 and 284 the inquiry file shall be returned
without delay to the Examining Magistrate.

(3) Only the Procureur General and e the civil party shall be competent to appeal, to the
Supreme Court against rulings relating to the closure of the preliminary inquiry.

Section 286:

In case of annulment of the la committal order or a no case ruling, the Inquiry
Control Chamber may, in the interest of the proper administration of justice, appoint another
Examining Magistrate or in default, another magistrate of the same court to continue with the
preliminary inquiry.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 287:

Appeals against a ruling delivered during a preliminary inquiry other than that
relating to a committal order or a no case ruling shall not suspend preliminary inquiry.

END OF BOOK TWO

BOOK III – TRIAL COURTS

Section 288:

(1) A trial court shall be a legal body responsible for hearing and determining any matter
brought before it in compliance with the law and where applicable, pronouncing the penalty or
measure provided for by law.

(2) For the purpose of this Code the following shall be the ordinary courts of law:

a) the Court of First Instance;

b) the High Court

c) the Court of Appeal, and

d) the Supreme Court.

PART I – THE COURT OF FIRST INSTANCE

CHAPTER I – JURISDICTION AND INSTITUTION OF PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE COURT OF FIRST INSTANCE

SUB-CHAPTER I – GENERAL PROVISIONS

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 289:

(1) The Court of First Instance shall have jurisdiction to try simple offences and
misdemeanours as defined in section 21 (1) (b) and (c) of the Penal Code.

(2) Where the Court of First Instance tries a simple offences, it shall apply the same
procedural rules as in the case of misdemeanours, with the exception, of those rules
applicable to misdemeanours committed flagrante delicto.

Section 290:

Criminal proceedings in the Court of First Instance shall be commenced either
by a committal order an Examining Magistrate, an order of the Inquiry Control Chamber, by
«direct summons» or by application of the procedure relating to offences committed flagrante
delicto.

Section 291:

(1) Expert in respect of offences committed flagrante delicto and private prosecutions by civil
parties, the president of the Court shall, in consultation with the counsel, fix the date for
arraignment.

(2) The date may, in case of necessity, be modified under the same conditions.

Section 292:

(1) The case file shall be forwarded to the State Counsel for service to be effected on the
parties and the witnesses.

(2) Upon fulfilling the formalities referred to in the preceding sub-section, the case – file shall
be returned to the registry.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 293:

Where the Court of First Instance is seized of several cases referring to related
offences, it may of its own motion or at the request of the Legal Department or at the request
of the other parties, order a joint trial.

Section 294:

A court shall have jurisdiction over a case when it is:

(a) the court of the place of the commission of the offence; or

(b) the court of the place of residence of the accused; or

(c) the court of the place of arrest of the accused.

Section 295:

A court is competent to try an accused shall also be competent to try co-
offenders and accomplices, except where the law provides otherwise

Section 296:

(1) The Court of First Instance shall be competent to decide on any interlocutory objections
raised by the parties in the trial save for objections raising issues that are within the
competence of another court.

(2)

(a) When an interlocutory objection is held to raise issues that are within the competence of
another Court, the Court of First Instance shall stay the proceedings until the competent
court makes on the objection.
(b) The trial court shall grant the parties a time-limit to seized the competent court.
(c) If the parties fail to seize the competent court within the time -limit allowed, the objection
shall, where they cannot justify their inability to act, be overruled.

(3) If the interlocutory objection is not upheld, the trial shall continue.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 297:

Objections on grounds of the nullity of either the summons or previous
proceedings shall, subject to their being barred, be raised before any defence on the merits.

SUB-CHAPTER II – OFFENCES COMMITTED FLAGRANTE DELICTO

Section 298:

Any person apprehended for an offence committed flagrante delicto shall be
brought before the State Counsel who shall act as provided for in section 114.

Section 299:

(1) A witness may be summoned in writing even by a judicial police officer or is agent. He shall
be bound to appear in court.

(2) Where the witness fails to appear, he shall be served by the bailiff at the instance of the
Legal Department. Where he still fails to appear, the court shall, on the application of the Legal
Department, either issue a bench warrant against him, or dispense with his presence.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 300:

(1) When an accused appears at the first hearing for offences committed flagrante delicto, he
shall be informed by the President of the court that the right to apply for three (3) days to
prepare his defence.

(2) If the accused so applies, the court shall order an adjournment.

(3) Mention of this information and the decision of the accused shall be made in the judgment
otherwise it shall be a nullity.

Section 301:

(1) Where a case is not ready for hearing, the court shall adjourn it to its very next sitting and
may order the release of the accused on bail, with or without sureties. The court may also
order judicial supervision.

(2) Where the case is ready for hearing, the court shall proceed in accordance with the
provisions of sections 302 and following.

CHAPTER II – PUBLIC HEARING AND MAINTENANCE OF ORDER IN COURT

SUB-CHAPTER I – PUBLIC HEARING

Section 302:

(1) Hearing shall be conducted in public.

However, when a public hearing is repugnant to public order or morality, the court may, at any
time, of its own motion, or on the application of one of the interested parties and after the
submissions of the Legal Department, rule either that the proceedings or any part thereof shall
be held in camera or that public hearing shall be restricted.

Mention of this fact shall be made in the judgment.

(2) In every case, judgment shall always be delivered in public.

cameroon criminal procedure code

SUB-CHAPTER II – MAINTENANCE OF ORDER IN COURT

Section 303:

The Presiding Magistrate shall ensure the maintenance of order in court and
direct the proceedings.

For this purpose, he shall have at his disposal the forces of law and order for the duration of
each session.

Section 306:

(1) The use of any recording or sound-broadcasting instrument camera, television or
cinematographic equipment shall be prohibited in court and shall be punishable under section
198 (2) of the Penal Code, and where necessary, the said appliance shall be confiscated as
provided for section 35 of the Penal Code.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-section 1 above, the Presiding Magistrate may by a
reasoned decision, authorize the installation of a sound system in the court room and the use
of recording instruments or loudspeakers to enable a wider audience to follow the
proceedings.

CHAPTER III – EVIDENCE

SUB-CHAPTER I – GENERAL RULES

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 307:

The burden of proof shall lie upon the party who institutes a criminal action.

Section 308:

(a) Except where otherwise provided by law, an offence may be established by means of
proof.
(b) Any proof in rebuttal of an allegation may be established by any means.

(c) Proof by means of wire tapping electronic listening devices or other instruments of
surveillance is admissible under the conditions laid down in sections 92 and 245 above.

Section 309:

Any accused who pleads any fact in justification of an offence or to establish his
criminal irresponsibility, shall have the burden of proving it.

Section 310:

(1) The judge shall be guided in his decision by the law and his conscience.

(2) His decision shall not be influenced either by public rumour or by his personal knowledge
of the facts of the case.

(3) His decision shall be based only on the evidence adduced during the hearing.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 311:

The court may not base its decision to convict the accused on the evidence of a
co-accused unless it is corroborated by the evidence of a third party who is not implicated in
the case or by any other evidence.

Section 312:

(1) The court shall take cognisance of the criminal record and all other information concerning
the character of the accused only after he has been found guilty.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-section 1 above, when in the course of a hearing the
accused puts his good character in issue, or challenges the character of a prosecution
witness, the prosecution may, at the hearing, adduce evidence of his bad character by
producing all available information in its possession in proof thereof. In such a case, the
judgment shall mention that it was the accused person who first adduced evidence of his good
character or challenged the character of a prosecution witness.

Section 313:

(1) The content of a document may only be proved by primary evidence or, where necessary,
by secondary evidence oral evidence in proof thereof shall not be admissible.

(2)

(a) Primary evidence shall mean the original of the document where a document has been
made in several copies by the same mechanical process, each copy shall be primary
evidence of the said document.
(b) Secondary evidence shall mean copies made form the original and certified by a competent
authority.

Section 314:

Secondary evidence may be admitted in the following cases:

(a) when it is established before the court that the original is in the possession of the adverse
party or of a third party who refuses to produce same after service of a notice to produce
on him;

(b) when the existence and the contents of the original are not disputed by the adverse party;
(c) when it is established that the original has been destroyed or lost;
(d) when the original can not be easily moved.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 315:

(1) A confession is a statement made at any time by an accused in which he admits that he
committed the offence with which he is charged.

(2) A confession shall not be admissible in evidence if it is obtained through duress, violence,
or intimidation or in exchange of a promise for any benefit whatsoever or by any other means
contrary to the free will of the maker of the confession.

(3) A voluntary confession shall constitute evidence against the person who made it

(4) The probative value of a confession shall be left to the appreciation of the court which may
however admit or reject it only by a reasoned decision.

Section 316:

Any correspondence between the accused and his counsel shall not be
admissible as evidence against the accused.

Section 317:

The person who builds a case file or writes a report may in addition be heard as
a witness; before the court.

Section 318:

(1) When a judicial act appears to the court to be regular, it shall be presumed to have been
issued in conformity with the conditions laid down for its regularity.

(2) When a public servant within the meaning of section 131 of the Penal Code has acted
within his competence, the acts done by him shall be presumed to be regular.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 319:

Where the court deems that expert opinion is necessary for the discovery of the
truth, it shall be ordered in conformity with the provisions of section 203 and following.

Section 320:

(1) Where the authenticity of a document is contested, the court may compare it with another
document the authenticity of which is not contested.

(2) The court may require any person present in court and implicated by one of the parties, to
write any words or figures or to make finger prints for the purpose of enabling the court to
compare them with those that are attributed to him.

Section 321:

The court may of its own motion or upon the application of any of the parties,
order visits to the locus in quo. The presence of the parties and their counsel during the visits
is obliga1ory in the same manner as there are obliged to attend court sessions.

A written report shall be made of the visit to the locus in quo.

SUB-CHAPTER II – WITNESSES

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 322:

(1) Any person of not less than fourteen (14) years of age may testify as a witness. However, a
minor of any age who is a victim of an offence, may testify as a witness.

(2) When a court is of the opinion that the person called upon to testify as a witness is not
capable of understanding the questions put to him or giving rational answers to them as a
result of his physical or mental incapacity, it shall by a reasoned ruling, dispense with such a
witness and continue with the hearing.

Section 323:

(1) An accused may, if he so desires, be a witness at any stage of the proceedings.

(2) The accused who has opted to give evidence, may be asked any question even where
such questions tend to establish his guilt.

Section 324:

Where the court deems it necessary to hear an accused person as a witness,
and he is unable to appear before the court because of illness, and if there are serious
reasons for not adjourning his examination, it may, by an interlocutory decision, move to the
place where he is, or order by such decision, that he be heard by a magistrate commissioned
for that purpose.

Section 325:

(1) Witness shall be summoned as provided for in section 41 to 53.

(2) Subject to be provisions of section 322 (2), any person summoned as a witness shall be
bound to appear and take oath before giving evidence. However, and unless otherwise
provided for by law, the oath taken shall not relieve the witness of his obligation to keep the
secrets which have been confided 10 him by reason of his profession.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 326:

The court may, by an interlocutory decision, order a fresh summons to be served
on a witness who, though summoned, does not appear and offers no satisfactory explanation
for his absence.

Where the witness still fails to appear, the provisions of section 188 (2) of this Code shall
apply.

Section 327:

(1) The Presiding Magistrate shall, after having complied with the provision of section 338 (1)
(b), order the witnesses to retire a room set aside for them, while waiting to be called there
from to give evidence.

(2) The Presiding Magistrate shall take all necessary measures to prevent the witnesses from
communicating with each other before giving evidence.

Section 328:

(1) The court shall call up the witnesses in accordance with the provisions of section 327 (1) to
take oath in compliance with section 183 (2)

(2) The witness, after taking the oath, shall state his full name, age, occupation and residence.
He shall also specify whether he is related by blood or by marriage or by reason of his
employment to the accused, the civil party, the person vicariously liable or the insurer.

Section 329:

A witness who has taken oath shall not renew it if he is heard again in the course
of the same trial. The Presiding Magistrate shall remind him that he had taken the oath and
that he is still bound by it.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 330:

(1) Witness shall give their evidence separately and orally.

However, a witness may, with leave of the court, consult any written document made at the
time when the facts to whish he is testifying occurred. This document shall be shown to the
adverse party if he so requests.

(2) The witnesses for the prosecution shall be heard first, followed by those for the civil party, if
any, and finally those for the defence.

(3) Any person not summoned but who is present in court may , if he spontaneous1y so
requires, testify or produce any document in his possession for the purpose of information
only. He shall not take oath.

This provision- shall not app1y to the members of the court.

(4) The party producing a witness shall not be allowed to impeach his credit; however, where
in the course of his examination-in-chief the witness gives evidence which is manifestly
contradictory to his previous statement, the party calling him may app1y to the court for 1eave
to impeach his credit by subjection him to cross examination

Section 331:

(1) The examination of a witness by the party who called him shall be known as examination-
in-chief.

(2) The examination of a Witness by the party other than the party who called, him shall be
known as cross-examination.

(3) The examination of a witness after cross- examination. By the party who called him shall
be known as re-examination.

Section 332:

(1) Every witness shall first; undergo examination-in-chief, then, if the – other party so desires,
cross-examination and lastly, if the party who called him so desires, re-examination.

(2) In the course of examination-in-chief, the witness shall be invited to say what he knows
about the facts of the case.

(3) The aim of cross-examination shall be two fold:

(c) to weaken, contradict or destroy the case of the opponent; and

(d) to obtain from the witness of the opponent, statements favourable to the case of the party
cross-examining.

(4) Cross-examination may not be limited to the facts to which the witness testified during his
examination-in-chief.

(5) No new fact shall be introduced during re-examination.

Section 333:

If a witness speaks a language other than one of the official languages
understood by the members of the court, or is deaf and dumb, or has an infirmity which
hinders him from making himself understood, the provisions of sections 183, 354,355 and 357
shall be applicable.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 334:

Any public servant who has reported a felony or a misdemeanour, in accordance
with the provisions of section 135 (5) , shall be bound to appear in court and testify , if
summoned.

Section 335:

To be admissible, oral evidence shall be direct, that is to say:

(a) if it refers to fact which could be seen, it shall be the evidence of a witness who heard that
fact;
(b) if it refers to fact which could be heard, it must be the evidence of a witness who heard that
fact;
(c) if it refers to a fact which could be perceived by any other sense, it shall be the evidence of
a witness who perceived that fact by that sense;
(d) if it refers to an opinion it shall be the evidence of the person who holds that opinion.
However, in case of capital murder, murder or assault occasioning death, the written or verbal
statements of the victim relating to his death shall be admissible in evidence.

Section 336:

Notwithstanding the provisions of section 335, the following shall be admissible
in evidence:

a) any statement made in the course of a judicial proceeding by a person who cannot be heard
at subsequent proceedings either because fie is deceased or because of insufficient time to
get him to appear before the court, the excessive expenditure involved, or the impossibility of
finding him;

b) statement made in the course of judicial police investigations.

Section 337:

In criminal proceedings, no magistrate, judicial police officer or judicial police
agent shall be compelled to disclose the source of his information.

However evidence based on such an undisclosed source shall have any probative value.

cameroon criminal procedure code

CHAPTER IV – PROCEDURE AT THE HEARING

SUB-CHAPTER I – GENERAL PROVISION

Section 338:

(1)

(a) The Presiding Magistrate shall declare the session open and ask the Registrar to call the
cases listed for hearing.
(b) He shall, for each case called, ascertain whether all the parties and other persons
summoned are present or absent.
(c) He shall verify the identity of every accused.

(2) These formalities shall be mentioned in the record book and in the judgment by the
Presiding Magistrate.

Section 339:

The Presiding Magistrate, and in case of collegiality, the other members of the
bench, shall not, in the course of hearing a case, portray their personal opinions or feelings.

Section 340:

(1) A case shall be adjourned whenever the accused or any other party is not present, if from
the case-file it is not evident that was duly served with the summons.

(2) The same shall apply when an accused on whom personal service has been effected does
not appear but gives an acceptable excuse for his absence.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 341:

An adjournment shall be at the discretion of the court when the other person
summoned are absent or when any of the parties applies for it.

Section 342:

The Presiding Magistrate who order an adjournment shall, in a loud voice,
announce the reason thereof and the date for the next hearing.

Section 343:

The court shall not adjourn a case sine die, under pain of sanctions being taken
against the magistrate concerned.

Section 344:

(1) Where a party is present when the adjournment is announced, he shall be deemed to have
been notified of the date of the next hearing.

(2) Where an adjournment is announced in the absence of the party who, was property
summoned, that party may obtain information of the date of adjournment from the court
registry.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 345:

Where the Presiding Magistrate suspends the hearing, he shall specify the time
and date of resumption.

Section 346:

The Presiding Magistrate may, if he consider, it necessary for the discovery of
the truth, other a summons to be served on any person who is not a party to the case, or
order the production of any relevant document or article.

SUB-CHAPTER II – APPEARANCE OF THE ACCUSED

Section 347:

An accused, who is detained, shall be brought unfettered before the court by an
officer of the forces of law and order.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 348:

(1) An accused on whom personal service has been effected shall be bound to appear before
the court.

(2) An accused shall appear before the court if it is proved that the had knowledge of the
summons in accordance with the provisions of sections 48 to 53.

Section 349:

Where an accused on whom personal service bas been affected does not
appear and does not give a valid reason there for, no right of audience shall be given to his
counsel except only to justify the absence of the accused and the judgment delivered shall
considered as having delivered after full hearing.

Section 350:

(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 349:

(a) an accused summoned for an offence punishable with a fine or with a term of imprisonment
equal to or less than two years may by letter , apply to be tried in absentia, this letter shall

be filed in the case file. Where he has counsel, his counsel shall be given the right of
audience and, in both cases, the judgment delivered shall be considered as delivered after
full hearing;
(b) if the court considers that the personal appearance of accused is necessary, it shall so
order by an interlocutory ruling and fix a new date for the hearing which shall be notified to
him at the instance of the Legal Department;
(c) if he fails to appear that date, the judgment delivered shall be considered as delivered after
full hearing.

(2) A judgment shall also be considered as having been delivered after full hearing, where the
accused has appeared at a hearing even if he no longer appears at successive adjourned
hearings.

Section 351:

Where substituted service is effected on the accused and he does not appear,
he shall tried in absentia.

However, where the court considers that the personal appearance of the accused is
necessary, it shall so order by an interlocutory ruling and fix a new date for the hearing , which
shall be notified to him by the Legal Department.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 352:

The accused who appears may be assisted by counsel.

Section 353:

Where the civil party, the person vicariously liable and the insured t are absent
but are represented by counsel, the judgment delivered shall be considered as delivered after
full hearing.

Section 354:

(1) Where an accused speaks a language other than one of the official language understood
by the members of the court, or where it is necessary to translate any document produced un
court, the Presiding Magistrate shall of his own motion appoint an interpreter of not less than
twenty-one (21) years of age, who shall take oath to interpret faithfully the testimonies of
persons speaking in different languages or faithfully translate the document in question.

(2) The parties may recuse the interpreter. In this case, the court shall rule immediately on the
recusal and such ruling shall not be subject to appeal.

Section 355:

(1) When an interpreter does not give a true and faithful interpretation, any party to the
proceedings may point this out and move the court to have the interpreter replaced.

(2) The court may also of its own motion, point out an interpretation which is not true and
faithful and shall proceed to replace the interpreter after having heard the parties.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 356:

The Registrar in attendance, the parties or the witnesses, shall not, even with
the consent of the accused, perform the functions of the interpreter.

Section 357:

Where an accused is deal and dumb and does not know how to write, the
Presiding Magistrate shall of his own motion appoint as interpreter a person who can
communicate with him. In this case, the provisions of sections 354 and 355 shall apply.

Section 358:

If an accused deaf and dumb or has an infirmity which prevents him from being
understood but is able to write, the registrar shall reduce into writing the questions or
observations to be put to him. They shall hand to the accused who shall reply in writing. The
registrar shall read out both the questions and the answers.

SUB-CHAPTER III – THE TRIAL

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 359:

(1) at the commencement of the trial, the Presiding Magistrate shall, after having complied with
the provisions of section 338, cause the charge to be read out to be accused and shall ask him
whether he pleads guilty or not guilty.

(2) An accused who pleads guilty may, where the court finds him guilty, benefit from the
provisions of sections 90 and 91 of the Penal Code.

Section 360:

If the accused pleads guilty:

(a) the court shall record his plea;
(b) the Legal Department shall present the facts of the case, give the statement of offence
and state the provisions of the law application;
(c) the civil party shall be called upon to address the court on the facts presented by the
Legal Department;
(d) the accused shall be given the right of audience to make any statement l1e deems fit;
(e) (e) the court shall rule on the plea of guilty.

Section 361:

(1) If the court accepts the plea of guilty, it shall give the right of audience to the civil party or
his counsel to apply for damages and the prosecution shall then produce the criminal record of
the accused and make its submissions on the applicable penalty, and where necessary on the
damages. The court shall then proceed to hear counsel for the accused, if he has one, and
thereafter the accused shall be called upon to make his final statement.

(2) After the prosecution’s submissions, the addresses of counsel and the final statement of
the accused, the court shall declare the hearing closed and shall proceed as provided for in
section 388.

Section 362:

(1) if the court finds that the facts of case as presented by the prosecution sustain a different
offence, it shall amend the charge and inform the accused accordingly.

(2)

(a) Where the new charge is within the competence of the court, it shall ask the accused to
plead to it and shall proceed, as the case may be, as provided for under section 361 or
section 365.
(b) The court may either or its own motion or at the request of one of the parties, adjourn the
case to a later date.

(3)

(a) Where the new charge is not within its competence, the court shall decline jurisdiction.
(b) The provisions of section 394 shall apply.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 363:

If in the course of the hearing, new facts emerge against the accused, the
Presiding Magistrate shall amend or after the charge in that respect and proceed as provided
for in section 362 (1), (2) and (3).

Section 364:

If the court does not accept the accused plea of guilty, it shall proceed with the
case in accordance with the provisions of section 365.

Section 365:

(1) Where the accused pleads not guilty, the court shall hear the witnesses for the prosecution
and for the civil party in compliance with provisions of sections328 and 330.

(2) At this stage, notwithstanding the provisions of section 361, the Legal Department shall not
make any reference to the criminal record of the accused or to any information concerning his
character.

(3) If after hearing the witnesses, the submissions of the Legal Department and, where
necessary, the observations of the civil party, the court finds that the evidence adduced does
not sustain the offence or that the fact do not constitute any offence, it shall discharge the
accused.

Section 366:

(1) if the court finds that there is evidence to warrant the accused to be put to his defence, it
shall put the following three options to him:

(a) that he may make a statement in his defence not on oath;
(b) that he may say nothing; or
(c) that he may give evidence on oath as a witness.

(2) The Presiding Magistrate shall inform the accused that where he opts to say nothing or to
give evidence not on oath, he shall not be asked any questions, and that where he opts to give
evidence on oath, the prosecution, the civil party and the court may ask him questions.

(3) The Presiding Magistrate shall further Worm the accused that evidence given on oath shall
have more probative value.

(4) The Presiding Magistrate shall ask the accused whether he has witnesses he wants to call
or other evidence to adduce.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 367:

Failure to comply with the provisions of section 366 shall render the trial and the
judgment null and void.

Section 368:

it the accused pleads not guilty to some counts of the charge but guilty to others,
the court shall proceed as if he had pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

Section 369:

The accused who pleads not guilty may at any stage of the trial, change his mind
and plead guilty. In this case, the court shall proceed in accordance with the provisions of
sections 361 (1) and 362.

Section 370:

If the accused refuses to plead, the court shall record this fact and proceed as
provided under section365.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 371:

(1) If it appears to the court that the accused is of unsound mind, it shall, by an interlocutory
decision, order an expert to produce a medical report and shall adjourn the hearing to a later
date.

(2) If it can be deduced from the report that the accused is of sound mind, the proceedings
shall continue in accordance with the provisions of section 365.

(3) If it is found that the accused is of unsound mind, the court shall order his confinement in a
health institution and stay the proceedings. The provisions of sections 44 (2) of the Penal
Code and 68 (3) (b) of this Code shall be applicable.

Section 372:

No particular number of witnesses shall be required to prove any fact..

Section 373:

(1) After a witness has testified, the Presiding Magistrate shall ask the adverse party if he
wants to cross-examine the witness, and thereafter the party calling the witness if he wants to
re-examine him.

(2) The Presiding Magistrate or any member of the court where it is sitting as a collegiate
bench, may finally put questions to the witness.

Section 374:

Where there are several accused persons each of them may be cross-examined
by each of the other accused persons and in that case, such cross-examination shall take
place before cross-examination by the civil party and by the prosecution.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 375:

Where there are several accused persons each of them may cross-examine a
witness called by the civil party and the prosecution. Re-examination of such a witness shall
proceed only after ail the cross-examinations on the said witness have taken place.

Section 376:

The Presiding Magistrate shall show the exhibits to the witnesses and to the
other parties and shall, where necessary, record their observations thereon.

Section 377:

(1) The Legal Department, the other parties and their counsel shall have the right of
examination-in-chief and re-examination subject to provision of section 379.

(2) They shall have the right to cross-examine the witnesses of the other parties.

(3) The parties may, with leave of the Presiding Magistrate, proceed 10 cross-examine their
own witnesses in accordance with the conditions laid down in section 330 (4).

Section 378:

A witness may withdraw after giving evidence, unless the Presiding Magistrate
decides otherwise.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 379:

(1) the Presiding Magistrate may disallow any question which is:

(a) indecent, offensive, scandalous, or leading;
(b) related to facts so remote in time that verifying them will be impossible; c) of such a nature
as to prolong the proceedings unnecessarily.

(2) The question and the decision of the Presiding Magistrate shall have be written in the
record book.

Section 380:

(1) Ally question suggesting the answer which the person putting it wishes or expects to
receive shall be known as a leading question.

(2) Leading questions shall not, if objected to by the adverse party, be asked during
examination-in-chief or in re-examination, except with leave of the Presiding Magistrate.

(3) The Presiding Magistrate may permit leading questions as to matter which are undisputed
or which have been already sufficiently proved.

(4) leading questions may be asked in cross-examination.

Section 381:

(1) The record of proceedings shall be taken down in the record book by the Presiding
Magistrate.

(2) The record of proceedings taken down in every trial shall be signed by the presiding
Magistrate and, in the case of a collegiate bench, by all the other members of the panel.

(3) The record of proceedings shall be presumed to be the authentic record of the trial.

(4) In case of appeal, a copy of the record of proceedings shall be included in the case file.

Section 382:

(1) The prosecution shall during the hearing make any oral or written submission in
compliance with the provisions of section 128 (3).

(2) The other parties may also make oral written submissions.

(3) The court shall, in the same judgment, decide first on subsidiary issue and objections, and
then on the merits of the case.

(4) It shall, by a separate decision, rule on any objection taken on grounds of publics policy.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 383:

(1)

(a) If the testimony of a witness appears to be false, the Presiding Magistrate may, either of his
own motion, or on the application of le Legal Department or of one of the parties, draw the
attention of the witness to his false statement and inform him that the may withdraw it.
(b) If the witness persists, the Presiding Magistrate may order him to remain in the court hall
and, if need be, under the supervision of the forces of the law and order.

(2) In such a case, the provisions of sections 164 of the Penal Code and 305 (2) if this code
shall be applicable.

Section 384:

(1) In the hearing cannot be finished in one sitting, the Presiding Magistrate shall adjourn it
and announce the clay and hour when it shall resume.

(2) The parties and witnesses who were not heard or those who had been invited to remain at
the disposal of the court shall appear without a fresh summons on the date to which the case
is adjourned.

SUB-CHAPTER VI – CLAIM BY A CIVIL PARTY

Section 385:

(1) Anyone who alleges that he suffered injury as a result of the commission of an offence may
make an oral or written application for damages in court.

(2) The civil party shall indicate the damages which he is claiming

(3) Where the victim of an offence has not make an application for damages, the Presiding
Magistrate shall ask him if he intends to do so.

(4) The application for damages by a civil party shall be made before the end of the
proceedings otherwise it shall be inadmissible.

(5) When a person has applied for damages as a civil party, mention of this fact shall be made
in the judgment.

(6) Where the victim of an offence summoned as a civil party does not appear to indicate his
claim for damages, the court shall decide on the criminal action only.

In this case, the victim shall retain his right to bring a civil action.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 386:

The withdraw by a civil party of his claim for damages during a criminal trial shall
not bar his right to claim damages before a civil court

CHAPTER V – JUDGMENT

SUB-CHAPTER I – NATURE AND DELIVERY OF JUDGMENTS

Section 387:

(1) in respect of each of the parties, a judgment shall either be considered as having been
delivered after full hearing or in default.

(2) A judgment is always said to be delivered after full hearing in respect of the Legal
Department.

Section 388:

(1) Judgment shall either be delivered immediately or in the ext fifteen (15) days after the
hearing dosed. When the matter is adjourn for judgment, the Presiding Magistrate shall inform
the parties of the day when it shall be delivered.

(2) If he finds it necessary, he may reopen the hearing before passing the judgment.

(3) The verdict of the court as described in sub-section 389 (5) and (6) shall written in the
record book.

cameroon criminal procedure code

SUB-CHAPTER II – ESSENTIAL PARTS OF A JUDGMENT

Section 389:

(1) Every judgment shall consist of three parts: the hearing, the reasons and the verdict.

(2) The part of the judgment comprising the hearing shall include:

a) date of the verdict;
b) name of the court;
c) full names of the members of the court;
d) full names and age of the interpreter;
e) mention of the oath taken by the interpreter;
f) full names and age of the accused and the full names of his counsel, if any;
g) full names of the other parties and their counsel, if any;
h) full names of witnesses.

(3) The part of the judgment comprising the reasons shall set forth the facts and the law on
which the judgment is based. The reasons shall relate to the criminal action, and where
applicable, to the civil claim.

The court shall in its reasoned judgment, deal with each count and reply to the submissions
made on it.

(4) The part of the judgement known as the verdict shall indicate the nature of the judgment,
the level of the court, and whether the accused is guilty or not.

If guilty, it shall state the offence for which he has been found guilty, the relevant sections of
the law applied, the sentence pronounced and where necessary, the civil award.

If not guilty, the provisions of sections 395 and 400 of this code shall be applicable

The verdict shall furthermore tax and make an order as to the payment of the costs, and also
mention the warning provided for in section 399.

(5) In case of a collegiate bench, the member of that bench who holds a minority opinion may
write his dissenting judgment and insert it in the case file.

(6) The Presiding Magistrate shall read the judgment in open court.

(7) The non compliance of the formalities prescribed in this section shall render judgment null
and void.

SUB-CHAPTER III – DECISION OF THE COURT OF FIRST INSTANCE

Section 390:

(1)

(a) If the court consider that there is need for additional inquiry, it shall by an interlocutory
ruling order such inquiry and shall commission either a magistrate or a judicial police
officer to carry it out.
(b) The authority so commissioned shall have the power defined in sections 191 to 195.

(2) The additional inquiry shall be carried out in accordance with the rules laid down in
sections 167 to 176.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 391:

(1) Where the court finds an accused guilty of a simple offence or of a misdemeanour, it shall
sentence him to the penalties provided by law. It shall, where applicable, decide on the civil
claim.

In addition, the court shall order the convict to pay costs.

(2) If the court acquits some of the co-accused, it shal1 by a reasoned ruling determine the
amount of cost to be paid by those convicted.

(3) The court shall order the reimbursement of ums of money deposited by the civil party.

Section 392:

(1) If the court is not yet in a position to assess the quantum of damages due to the civil party,
it may, subject to the conditions provided by law, make an award to him which should be
enforced notwithstanding any object or appeal.

(2) In case of non-payment, the award shall bear interest at the legal rates in force as from the
date of the judgment.

Section 393:

(1)

(a) With the exception of civil awards, fines and costs shall be paid immediately by depositing
the said sums of money at the court registry.
(b) The convict shall, if he fails to pay immediately by serve a term of imprisonment in default
of payment in accordance, with the provisions of sections 564 and following of this code.

(2) If on appeal the decision is reversed in favour of the convict, the sums deposited shall be
totally or partially reimbursed as the case may be.

Section 394:

(1) If the court finds that the facts alleged against the accused constitute a felony, it shall
decline jurisdiction and shall order the case me to be forwarded to the Legal Department.

(2) The accused under detention shall so remain until otherwise decided.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 395:

(1)

(a) Where the fact do not constitute an offence, the court shall acquit the accused and declare
itself incompetent to proceed with the civil claim.
(b) The same shall apply where facts have not been proved or where the facts though proved
do not implicate the accused.

(2) In case of doubt, the accused shall be acquitted. Mention of the benefit of doubt shall be
made in the judgment.

(3) Anyone finally acquitted or convicted of an offence shall not be retried on the same facts
even under a different statement of offence.

Section 396:

(1)

(a) Any accused person who is detained but finally acquitted or whose imprisonment or fine is
finally suspended shall, without prejudice to the application of the provisions of section 393
as regards costs, be immediately set free unless the detention is for some other reason.
(b) The same shall apply where he is sentenced to a term of imprisonment which is equal to or
less than the period of remand.

(2) In case of fine which is not suspended, the provisions of section 393 shall apply.

Section 397:

(1) When the court pronounces a sentence of loss of liberty, it shall issue an imprisonment
warrant or a warrant of arrest against the convict.

However, when the convict has indicated his intention to lodge an appeal and if his term of
imprisonment does not exceed one year , the court may on the application of the verdict, grant
him bail until the time for appeal has expired, if he fulfils one of the conditions provided for in
section 246 (g)

(2) Where the verdict released in accordance with the preceding sub-section does not
eventually me an appeal, the Presiding Magistrate shall issue a warrant of arrest against him.

Section 398:

An accused who has been acquitted may proceed against the civil party who
institute the criminal action as provided for under section 162.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 399:

The Presiding Magistrate shall, after passing judgment inform the parties that
they have a right to lodge an appeal within the time -limit provided for under sections 434 and
following.

Section 400:

(1) An Accused who is acquitted shall not be required to pay costs.

(2) Such costs shall be defrayed by the public treasury where the prosecution was initiated by
the Legal Department.

(3) They shall be borne by the civil party where prosecution was initiated by him.

(4) However, the court may by a reasoned judgment, exempt the civil party who acted in good
faith from the payment of ail or part of the cost.

Section 401:

(1) The costs shall be taxed and the set out in the judgment.

(2) In case of difficulty in enforcing the order for payment of costs, the court that dealt with the
matter may be moved by any party concerned.

Section 402:

The court may of its own motion or at the request of any party, order the
restitution of any exhibits or articles seized.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 403:

(1) Any person other than the parties to the proceedings who claims to have a right to the
exhibits or any other articles seized may apply to the court for restitution.

(2) The cost shall rule on the application by a separate order, without costs, after hearing all
the parties concerned.

(3) Even if the court grants restitution, it may only effectively take place after the expiry of the
time-limit within which to appeal.

Section 404:

(1) Perishable articles seized shall be sold by public auction at the instance of the State
Counsel.

(2) The proceeds of the sale shall be placed under seal and deposited with the registry of the
court.

Section 405:

The judgment shall be typed. The original shall be signed by the Presiding
Magistrate and the other magistrates in case of a collegiate bench and the Registrar. Il shall
be kept at the registry of the court.

Section 406:

The judgment shall be numbered and recorded in a special register kept at the
registry of the court for judgments delivered.

cameroon criminal procedure code

PART II – THE HIGH COURT

CHAPTER I – JURISDICTION AND INSTITUTION OF PROCEEDINGS IN THE HIGH COURT

Section 407:

(1) The High Court shall have jurisdiction to try felonies, and where applicable, related
misdemeanours and simple offences.

(2) It shall have jurisdiction to try all accused persons referred to it.

Section 408:

The rules territorial jurisdiction applicable to the High Court shall be those
provided for under section 294 of this code.

Section 409:

Proceedings in the High Court shall be instituted either by a communal order
signed by an Examining Magistrate, by the judgment of the Inquiry Control Chamber or by the
procedure application to offences committed flagrante delicto, where the law so provides.

cameroon criminal procedure code

CHAPTER II – PROCEDURE BEFORE THE HEARING

SUB-CHAPTER I – GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 410:

(1) An accused in detention shall be notified of the committal order by the Examining
Magistrate or the committal judgment of the Inquiry Control Chamber in accordance with the
provision of section 39 of this code.

(2) The notice shall be served on him personally.

(3) Where the accused is not detained or is under judicial supervision or is at large, he shall be
served in accordance with the provisions of section 57.

Section 411:

As soon as the accused person under detention is notified of the committa1
order or judgment, he shall be transferred to the place where the trial will take place.

Section 412:

When the case is not tried at the seat of the Court of First Instance, the case file
and the exhibits shall be forwarded to be registry of the High Court where the sitting will take
place.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 413:

(1) Where the accused has Ii briefed counsel or the presiding Judge of his own motion has
assigned one to him, s the counsel may at any time obtain information from any document in
the case file.

(2) Any document deposited in the case file between the close of the preliminary inquiry and
the end of the hearing shall be brought to the knowledge of the counsel for the accused who
may if he deems it necessary, ask for an adjournment.

(3) The decision dismissing an application for an adjournment shall be supported with reasons.

Section 414:

(1) The prosecution and the civil party shall inform the accused and the person vicariously
liable as well as the insurer of the list of their witnesses at least five (5) days before the
hearing begins.

(2) The accused, the person vicariously liable and the insurer shall also inform the prosecution
and the civil party of the list of their witnesses within the time-limit prescribed in sub-section
(1).

(3) Where the formalities referred to in sub-sections (1) and (2) have not been complied with,
the witnesses shall be barred from being heard. However, the court may, with the consent of
the parties and of the Legal Department proceed to hear them mention of such consent shall
be made in the judgment.

SUB-CHAPTER II – POWERS OF THE PRESIDING JUDGE

Section 415:

(1) The Presiding Judge shall, at least ten (10) days before the trial, cause the accused person
under detention to be brought before him.

(2) He shall check his identity and ensure that he has been notified of or served with the
committal order or judgment.

(3) He shall inform him of the date of the trial fixed in accordance with the provisions of section
291 of this code.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 416:

If the accused is not present, the Presiding Judge shall issue a bench warrant
against him if he is not found, he shall be tried in absentia

Section 417:

(1) The Presiding Judge shall ascertain whether the accused bas briefed counsel for his
defence

(2) Where the accused is being prosecuted for a felony punishable with death or loss of liberty
for life and he has no counsel, the Presiding Judge shall of his own motion assign one to him.

(3) The Presiding Judge may of his own motion assign only counsel accused person where
their interest do not conflict.

Section 418:

(1) The Presiding Judge shall, at least ten (I0) days before the trial summon an accused who
is not in detention to appear before him.

(2) He shall proceed as laid down in sections 415 (2) and (3) and 417.

CHAPTER III – PROCEDURE AT THE HEARING AND JUDGMENT

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 419:

The provisions of sections 303 and 306 relating to the maintenance of order
shall be applicable before the High Court.

Section 420:

The procedure before the High Court shall be that before the Court of First
Instance as laid down in sections 307 to 389.

Section 421:

(1) Where for the same felony, several committal orders have been made against different
accused persons, the court may, of its own motion or at the request of the prosecution, order a
joint trial, by an interlocutory ruling.

(2) The court may also order a joint trial where more than one committal order have been
made against the same accused person for different offences.

Section 422:

The provisions of sections 387 and following shall also be applicable to
judgments of the High Court.

cameroon criminal procedure code

PART III – JUDGMENT IN DEFAULT

SINGLE CHAPTER
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 423:

(1) Judgment in default shall be given in the cases referred to in sections 351 and 416.

(2) Applications to set aside judgments in default shall be entertained.

Section 424:

(1)

(a) Any accused person tried in absentia in accordance with sections 351 and 416 shall be
presumed to have pleaded not guilty. In this case the procedure shall be that laid down
in section 368.

(b) He shall not be represented by counsel.

(2) The judgment pronounced in default shall be served in accordance with the provisions of
sections 56 and following of this code.

Section 425:

(1) The absence of an accused person shall, in no case suspend the hearing or delay the trial
of the other accused persons who are present.

(2) After the trial of the accused persons present, the court may order the restitution of the
exhibits in accordance with the provisions of sections 402 and 403. The person to whom the
exhibits are returned shall sign for them in a register kept for that purpose.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 426:

(1) Where, by a judgment in default, a convict is sentenced to term of imprisonment without
suspension or to death, the court shall issue a warrant of arrest against him.

(2) If before the prescription of the sentence the convict appears on his own, or is brought
before the Legal Department, the latter shall make a report of his appearance and shall
immediately cause him to be brought before the president of the competent trial who shall fix a
date for his trial if he applies to set aside the judgment, and shall accordingly remand him in
custody.

(3) The Presiding Magistrate or judge shall in addition warn the verdict that in case of escape
he shall not be allowed to object to the execution of the judgment to be delivered.

(4) The procedure applicable in case of an application to set aside a judgment in default shall
be that laid down in sections 432 and following.

END OF BOOK THREE

BOOK IV – SETTING ASIDE OF JUDGMENT IN DEFAULT, APPALS AND REVIEW

PART I – SETTING ASIDE OF JUDGMENTS IN DEFAULT

CHAPTER I – CONDITIONS FOR AND EFFECTS OF SETTING ASIDE OF JUDGMENTS IN DEFAULT

Section 427:

With the exception of the Legal Department, any party to the case may file an
application for the setting aside of a judgment in default.

However, if a civil party has been duly served but does not appear in court or does not submit
or is not represented at the trial and does not sufficiently excuse his absence, he shall be
considered as having abandoned his civil action. In such a case, he shall not be allowed to
apply for the setting aside of the judgment delivered. If prosecution was commenced by the
defaulting civil party, the court shall limit itself to the criminal proceedings after the
submissions of the Legal Department.

Section 428:

(1) In case of any application to set aside a judgment in default, the execution to the judgment
shall stayed.

However, the warrant issued by the court or the award granted in accordance with the
provisions of section 392 shall remain enforceable.

(2) The application to set aside a judgment in default may be limited to the criminal or civil
aspect of the judgment.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 429:

(1) In case of an application to set aside a judgment in default, the court that delivered the
judgment shall have jurisdiction to try the matter de novo.

(2) If the convict has been arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by the trial court that
delivered the judgment in default, the matter shall be listed for the next hearing or at the latest
within seven (7) days of the application to set aside the judgment, failing which he shall be
released on bail, if he fulfils one of the conditions provided for in section 246 (g)

Section 430:

(1) The time-limit for applying to set aside a judgment shall be ten (10) days from the day
following the date of personal service of the judgment on a convict who resides in Cameroon.

(2) It shall be three (3) months as from the day following the date of personal service of the
judgment on a convict who resides abroad.

(3) If service of the judgment was made in accordance with section 57, the time-limit for the
application shall be ten (10) days with effect from the day following service.

(4) In the case of referred to in sub-section 3, if it is not proven that the party concerned dad
personal knowledge of the service, the application shall remain admissible up to the expiration
of the period of prescription of the sentence as provided for in section 67 of the Penal Code.

Section 431:

The date of arrest of a convict abroad in pursuance of an extradition order shall
mark the commencement of the three (3) months time-limit for the application as provided for
in section 430 (2).

CHAPTER II – PROCEDURE AND JUDGMENT IN CASE OF AN APPLICATION TO SET ASIDE A JUDGMENT IN DEFAULT

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 432:

(1) The court process by which the judgment delivered in default is served shall expressly
state that the party has been informed of his right to apply for the setting aside of the judgment
or to appeal, and that if he appeals, he shall be barred from applying to set aside the very
judgment.

(2) An application to set aside a judgment shall be made in any of the following ways:

a) by a declaration recorded in the court process if it is personal service;
b) by the statement filed at the registry of the court which delivered the judgment;
c) by telegram against receipt or by a registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt
addressed to the Registrar-in-Chief of the court which delivered the judgment; or
d) by any other means with written proof and precise date.

(3) In the case provided for in sub-section (2) (b), the Registrar-in-Chief shall up a report of the
of the statement and shall send a copy thereof to the Legal Department and to the other
parties.

(4) In the case of provided for in sub-section (2) (c) the following special formalities shall be
observed:

(a) as soon as the Registrar-in-Chief receives the registered letter or telegram or application
by any other means with written proof and precise date, he shall draw up a report
mentioning such date or where applicable the date of despatch as indicated by the
postmark and such date shall be considered as the date of the application;
(b) the Registrar-in-Chief shall forward a copy of the report to the Legal Department and to the
other parties.

Section 433:

(1) The president of the court shall cause the Legal Department, the parties and the witnesses
to be notified of the case on which the matter shall be retried.

(2) The notice shall expressly state that if the party applying does not appear at the hearing on
the said date, his application shall be null and void and he shall be stopped from objecting to
the enforcement of the judgment.

Section 434:

When the party in default has not applied to have the judgment set aside within
the prescribed time-limit he may file an appeal in the forms and time-limit provided for in
sections 437 to 444 herein.

Section 435:

(1) Where within the prescribed time-limit there is an application to set aside a judgment in
default and appeal against the same judgment, the application to set aside the judgment shall
be dealt with before referring the matter to the Court of Appeal.

(2) If, however, the Court of Appeal has begun hearing the appeal before the ruling is made on
the application to set aside the judgment, any interested party may draw the court’s attention
to the existence of such application. In such a case, the court shall stay the hearing of the ap-
peal until the application in dealt with.

cameroon criminal procedure code

PART II – APPEALS TO THE COURT OF APPEAL

CHAPTER I – GENERAL PROVISIONS

SUB-CHAPTER I – JUDGMENTS SUBJECT TO APPEAL

Section 436:

Every judgment including that delivered by a Military Court, shall be subject to
appeal, unless otherwise provided by law.

Section 437:

(1) When the court delivers an interlocutory ruling determining a procedural issue, any appeal
against that ruling shall be admissible. The time-limit and form of the appeal shall be as
provided for under sections 271 and following, and 441 and following.

(2) The Court of Appeal shall give its decision within seven (7) days with effect from the date
following the date of receipt of the appeal file.

(3) As soon as the Court of Appeal has been given its decision, the parties shall be e notified
thereof and the case file returned to the registry of the trial court.

Section 438:

Any interlocutory ruling ordering an investigation shall be immediately
enforceable. It shall not be subject to appeal.

cameroon criminal procedure code

SUB-CHAPTER II – CONDITIONS OF APPEAL

Section 439:

The following persons shall have the right to appeal:

a) the convict;
b) the person vicariously liable;
c) the insurer, if he has been a party to the proceedings;
d) the civil party;
e) the State Counsel;
f) the Procureur General at the Court of Appeal;
g) the government department which commenced the prosecution as provided for in
section 60 of this code.

Section 440:

(1) The time-limit allowed for filling an appeal shall be ten (l 0) days with effect from the day
following the date the judgement after full hearing was delivered, for ail the parties, including
the legal Department.

(2) The time-limit for filing a cross appeal shall be five (5) days from the day following the date
other parties were notified of the main appeal in accordance with the provision of section 443.

(3) If the judgement was delivered in default, the time-limit for appeal shall star! to run from the
day following the expiry of the time-limit allowed for the application to set aside the judgment in
default.

cameroon criminal procedure code

SUB-CHAPTER III – INSTITUTING APPEALS

Section 441:

(1) To be admissible, an appeal shall be lodged at the registry of the Court that delivered the
judgment either by a notice filed therein, or by ordinary mail or by registered letter with
acknowledgment of receipt, or by telegram against receipt or by any other means with a
written proof and precise date addressed to the Registrar-in-Chief of that court.

(2)

(a) In the case of an appeal made by telegram, by ordinary mail or by registered letter, the
date of the appeal shall be that on the stamp of the post-office of despatch.
(b) In case of an appeal lodged by any other means with written proof, the date of appeal
shall.
(c) The notice of appeal, telegram, registered letter ordinary mail or any means , with a written
proof and a precise date, shall be filed in a chronological order in special registrar kept in
the registry of the court referred to in sub-section (1).

Any party to the case shall, on his application be entitled to a copy.

Section 442:

(1) The notice of appeal shall be filed either by the party concerned in person or by his counsel
or by his representative having a duly authenticated power of attorney.

(2)

(a) The notice of appeal be signed by the registrar and the appellant or by his representative.

(b) Where the declarant can not sign, he shall thump-print on the declaration.
(c) Where the declaring can neither sign nor thump-print, this fact shall be l mentioned by the
registrar on the declaration.

(3) The power of attorney of the representative shall be annexed to the report referred to in
section 443.

(4) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-section (1), the notice of appeal filed by a
representative who has not got a duly authenticated power of attorney, shall be valid if
afterwards, the appellant personally regularizes his appeal by producing the memorandum
provided for in section 443.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 443:

(1) The registrar who receives the notice of appeal shall immediately make a report thereof
and shall with written proof or by a writ of the bailiff, request the appellant to file his
memorandum of grounds of appeal, as well as all supporting documents within fifteen (15)
days from the day following the date of registration of the appeal, otherwise the appeal shall
be inadmissible. Mention of such notice shall be made on the report.

(2) If the appeal is lodged by telegram, by ordinary mail, by registered mail, or by any other
means with written proof, the Registrar-in-Chief shall inform the appellant by a registered letter
with acknowledgment of receipt of his obligation to file the memorandum referred to in sub-
section (1) the time-limit for the production of this memorandum shall commence from the day
following the receipt of the letter from the Registrar-in-Chief, a copy of the report or the notice
of appeal.

Section 444:

(1) Where the appellant is detained, his appeal may also be made by a declaration to the
registry of the Court of First Instance or of the High Court of the place of detention, or by a
letter addressed through the Superintendent of the prison.

(2) In case of declaration to the registry of the court, the prison Superintendent shall be bound
to bring the appellant in detention before the Registrar-in-Chief of the court.

(3) In case of appeal by letter, the superintendent of the prison through whom it is forwarded
shall:

(a) record it in special register kept for that purpose. The register shall be dated, signed by the
Superintendent and countersigned by the appellant;

(b) establish in three copies a receipt mentioning the date of delivery of the letter and its
subject matter.

(c) immediately give a copy of the receipt to the appellant, keep the second copy in the prison
file of the person concerned and attach the third to the letter of appeal;

(d) forward this letter and third copy of the receipt within forty-eight (48) hours, by any means
with written proof, to the Registrar-in-Chief of the court which delivered the judgement
appealed against.

(4) upon receipt of the documents prescribed in sub-section (3) (c) above, the Registrar-in-
Chief shall proceed as indicated in section 443 and 445.

Section 445:

(1) The Registrar-in-Chief shall immediately forward to the State Counsel and to the other
parties, a copy of the report or the notice of appeal by registered mail with acknowledgment of
receipt or by any means with a written proof in the appeal file.

(2) Upon the expiry of the time-limit for the production of the memorandum prescribed in
section 443, the Registrar-in-Chief shall prepare the record of appeal of the proceedings which
shall in particular comprise:

– the notice of appeal the power of attorney, if any;
– the report prescribed in sub-section (1);
– the record of appeal of the police investigation; court processes; the submissions and
memoranda produced by the parties before the court; the record of proceedings; all the
interlocutory rulings given by the court; a copy of the judgment being appealed against.

(3) The appeal file shall immediately be forwarded to the Registrar-in-Chief of the Court of
Appeal.

Section 446:

Upon receipt of the record of appeal, the Registrar-in-Chief shall forward to the
president of the court who shall, after consultation with the Procureur General, fix a date fro
hearing.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 447:

(1) The president shall forward the record of appeal to the Procureur General for summoning
the parties and the witnesses.

(2) When the matter is of an urgent nature, the president may except otherwise requested by
the Procureur general, reduce by two- fifths the time-limit for summoning the parties and
witness, as provided for in section 52.

Section 448:

After the formalities referred to in section 447, the Procureur general shall return
the record of appeal to the registry of the court.

Section 449:

(1) The procedure before the Court of Appeal shall be the same as that before the Courts of
First Instance and High Courts.

However, the court may, with the written consent of the convicts detained outside the seat of
the court, hear the appeal in their absence. In this case, the court shall rely solely on the
records of proceedings and the judgement delivered shall be deemed to have been delivered
after full hearing, even if the convict was not represented by counsel. The judgment may only
be enforced after the convict has been served with it.

(2) If the court deems it necessary, it may order the personal appearance of the parties.

(3) The appellant and the other parties may make oral submissions based on their grounds of
appeal before the court.

Section 450:

(1) The parties shall be heard in the following order:

– the appellant;

– the cross appellant or respondent;

– the Legal Department.

(2) In every case, the convict shall have the last word.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 451:

The court shall not be bound to rehear the witnesses who had testified before
the lower court.

However, where an application is made for nay of those witnesses to testify, the court shall,
where the application is not granted, give a ruling, justifying the refusal.

Section 452:

(1) If the court considers that the appeal is time-barred or improperly filed, it shall declare it
inadmissible and order the appellant to pay costs.

(2) Where the court considers that the appeal, even though admissible is not founded, it shall
uphold the judgment appealed against and order the appellant to pay costs.

(3) Where after hearing the appeal, the court considers that the appeal, is founded, it shall
quash and reverse the judgement appealed against and order the public treasury or the
respondent to bear the costs, as the case may be.

(4) Where an appeal by the Legal Department is dismissed, the costs shall be defrayed by the
public treasury.

(5) If the court considers that the appeal is only partly founded, it shall proceed in accordance
with the provisions of sub-sections (2) and (3) and may either apportion the costs between the
appellant and the respondent or have them defrayed by the public treasury.

SUB-CHAPTER IV – EFFECTS OF APPEAL

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 453:

All appeal shall stay the enforcement of the judgment.

However, all custody warrants shall remain enforceable and the provisional awards made to a
civil party in accordance with the provisions of section 392 (1) shall be paid to him.

Section 454:

(1) Subject to the provisions of section 455, the Court of Appeal shall decide only on the
issues raised at the trial Court.

(2) It may amend the statement of offence upheld in the judgment appealed against.

Section 455:

(1) The victim of the offence shall not file a civil claim for the first time before the Court of
Appeal.

(2) The civil party, whether appellant or respondent, shall not make a new claim before the
Court of Appeal. However, an application for an increase in damages for fresh injury suffered
after the delivery of the decision appealed against and which is directly connected to the
offence may be filed. Such application shall not constitute a new claim.

(3) Where an appeal is made by the Legal Department, the civil party who is not an appellant
may, in accordance with sub-section (2), file an application for increase in damages.

Section 456:

(1) Where only the civil party appeals, the Court of Appeal shall only decide on the civil claim.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 455, if the judgment appealed against acquitted
the accused, the court shall be bound to verify whether or not the judgment is founded. If the
court finds that an offence has been committed, it shall reverse the judgment appealed
against, find the accused guilty and state that no sentence may be pronounced against him in
the absence of an appeal by the Legal Department, and award to the civil party damages in
compensation for the injuries suffered.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 457:

In the absence of a cross appeal by the Legal Department, the Court of Appeal
shall not reverse the decision of the lower court in a manner prejudicial to the appellant, except
in the cases provided for in section 456.

Section 458:

Where the Legal Department appeals, the Court of Appeal may, either uphold or
reverse wholly or partially the judgment of the trial court in a manner favourable or
unfavourable to the accused.

Section 459:

(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 457, where a lower court has passed a sentence
lower than the minimum prescribed by law, the Court of Appeal shall, where it upholds the
conviction of the accused, substitute the sentence with the legal minimum.

(2) Where the sentence passed is higher than the legal maximum, the Court of Appeal may, if
satisfied with the conviction of the accused, pass a sentence at most equal to the maximum
provided by law.

CHAPTER II – JUDGMENTS OF THE COURT OF APPEAL IN MISDEMEANOURS AND SIMPLE OFFENCES

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 460:

(1) The Court of Appeal may, in an appeal by the Legal Department, pass a sentence against
an accused acquitted by the Court of First Instance, or by a Military Court, increase or reduce
the sentence passed on conviction or acquit the accused.

(2) It may uphold or reverse ail or part of the other points of the judgment appealed against.

Section 461:

When the court finds that the facts constitute a felony, it shall declare the Court
of First Instance as having no jurisdiction, nullify the judgment of the lower court, and refer the
case to the Legal Department to take appropriate action. In this case, the Legal Department
having been heard, the court may in the same decision issue a remand warrant or a warrant of
arrest against the accused.

Section 462:

If the court finds that the facts do not constitute a misdemeanour but a simple
offence, it shall amend the statement of offence and decide on the matter.

Section 463:

Where in accordance with the provisions of section 3 (1) of this code, the court
annuls the judgment appealed against, it shall review the evidence and decide the case on the
merits.

cameroon criminal procedure code

CHAPTER III – JUDGMENTS OF THE COURT OF APPEAL IN CASES OF FELONY

SUB-CHAPTER I – PROCEDURE PRIOR TO HEARING

Section 464:

The provisions of sections 410 to 416 shall apply before the Court of Appeal
sitting in cases of felony.

SUB-CHAPTER II – PROCEDURE AT THE HEARING

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 465:

(1) The Court of Appeal shall sit on the day, at the place and at the hour fixed for hearing and
the Presiding Judge shall cause all the parties to be called.

(2) The provisions of sections 417 to 422 shall apply to the Court of Appeal.

Section 466:

The Presiding Judge shall question the convict on his identity and make sure
that the formalities of section 415 (1) are fulfilled.

Section 467:

The procedure before the Court of Appeal sitting in cases of felony shall be that
of the High Court.

Section 468:

At the end of the trial, the Presiding Judge shall declare the hearing closed and
may adjourn for deliberation and fix a date for judgment.

cameroon criminal procedure code

SUB-CHAPTER III – JUDGMENT

Section 469:

In the case of an adjournment as provided for in section 468, the deliberations
shall take place in a room of the Court which guarantees discretion.

Section 470:

(1) Only the judges and the assessors who heard the case shall participate in the
deliberations; the Legal Department shall not take part.

(2) At the end of the deliberations, the members of the court shall vote and the majority opinion
shall be the judgment of the court.

(3) No member of the court shall abstain from voting.

(4) Where there is a dissenting judgment, it hall be put in the case me.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 471:

(1) On the date fid for judgment, the presiding Judge shall cause the parties to appear and, he
or any other member of the bench shall deliver the judgment in open court.

After the deliberations and after the judgment has been written and signed, the judgment
delivered shall be valid even if one of the members who heard the case is unavoidably absent.

(2) In case of a conviction, the Presiding Judge shall inform the convict of his right to appeal to
the Supreme Court and of the time-limit for appeal; this fact shall be stated in the judgment.

PART III – APPEALS TO THE SUPREME COURT

CHAPTER I – CONDITIONS OF APPEAL

SUB-CHAPTER I – DECISIONS SUBJECT TO APPEAL

Section 472:

Judgments delivered by Courts of Appeal may be appealed against to the
Supreme Court.

Section 473:

An appeal against an interlocutory ruling shall be admissible only if it is brought
at the same time as the substantive appeal.

However, where the interlocutory ruling orders measures which are illegal or might obstruct
the normal course of justice, it may be appealed against to the Supreme Court before
judgment on the merits under the conditions laid down in section 474.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 474:

(1) In the cases of illegal measures or obstruction of the normal course of justice referred to in
section 473, the appellant shall file his petition to the la President of the Supreme Court and

shall specify the violation of the law on which it is based. The petition shall be filed at the
registry of the Court of Appeal for transmission.

(2) The Registrar-Chief of the Court of Appeal shall within ten (10) days, forward to the
Registrar-in-Chief of the Supreme Court the case me together with the notice of appeal, the
petition of the appellant and a copy of the interlocutory ruling.

(3) The case file shall immediately be forwarded to the Procureur General at the Supreme
Court for his submissions. It shall be returned to the registry of the said court within ten (10)
days.

(4) The Supreme Court shall give a ruling in chambers not later than ten (10) days after the
return of the case file and 1 shall order its decision to be notified to the President of the Court
of Appeal, the Procureur General of the said court and the parties or their counsel.

(5) The case me shall be returned to the Registrar-in-Chief of the Court of Appeal within fifteen
(15) days, with effect from the date of judgment of the supreme Court.

Section 475:

In the case of an appeal la the Supreme Court and until its decision, the
interlocutory ruling appealed against shall not be enforceable and the Court of Appeal shall not
deliver judgment on the merits.

SUB-CHAPTER II – DECISIONS NOT SUBJECT TO APPEAL TO THE SUPREME COURT

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 476:

Judgments delivered in default shall not be appealed against to the Supreme
Court until the time-limit for an application to set aside the judgment has expired.

CHAPTER II – TIME-LIMIT FOR APPEALS TO THE SUPREME COURT

Section 477:

Any person who has been a party to the proceedings as well as the Procureur
General of the Court of Appeal may appeal to the Supreme Court within the time-limits
prescribed under sections 478 and 479.

Section 478:

(1) The time-limit for appeal to the Supreme Court against a judgment on the merits shall be
ten (10) days. It shall be seven (7) days for interlocutory rulings referred to in section 473.

(2) The time-limits for appeal to the Supreme Court shall begin to run from the day following
the date on which the judgment was delivered, if such judgment is deemed to have been
delivered after full hearing.

However, such time-limits shall only being to run from the day following the date of service of
the decision in the following cases:

(a) where a party after a full hearing was neither present nor represented in court on the day
the judgment was delivered and where it is not evident from the judgment that the
Presiding Judge after having adjourned the hearing for deliberation, had expressly
informed the parties of the date on which the judgment was to be delivered;
(b) where the accused had applied to be tried in absence as provided for in section 350 (1).

(3) The time-limit for appeal against a judgment in default shall be thirty (30) days. This period
shall, in respect of the appellant, run as from the day following the date of expiry of the time-
limit for applying to have the judgment set aside.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 479:

(1) The time-limit for lodging an appeal against a ruling of the Inquiry Control Chamber shall be
five (5) days with effect from the date of service of the said ruling on the Legal Department and
on the parties or their counsel.

(2) The appellant shall address to the President of the Supreme Court an application setting
out and arguing the grounds of appeal. The application shall be filed at the registry of the
Inquiry Control Chamber for onward transmission.

(3) The Registrar of the Inquiry Control Chamber shall, within ten (10) days, forward the case
file, together with the notice of appeal, the application of the appellant and a copy of the
decision appealed against to the Registrar-Chief of the Supreme Court.

(4) The provisions of section 474 (3), (4) and (5) shall apply.

CHAPTER III – FORMS OF APPEAL TO THE SUPREME COURT

Section 480:

(1) To be admissible, an appeal to the Supreme Court shall be lodged either by the party in
person or by his counsel or by his representative having a duly authenticated power of
attorney. Il shall be made by a notice med at the registry of the Supreme Court or that of the
Court of Appeal that delivered the judgment or by telegram against receipt, or by registered
letter with acknowledgment of receipt or by any other means with written proof and precise
date. Il shall be forwarded to the Registrar-in-Chief of either court.

(2) In the case of an appeal by telegram, registered letter, or by any other means with written
proof, the date of appeal shall be that of the date stamp of the post-office or the date of
despatch in the case of any other means.

(3) The notice of appeal, telegram, registered letter or any other means with written proof, shall
be entered in a special register kept in the registry of the court to that effect.

(4) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-section (1), the notice of appeal filed by a
representative without a duly authenticated power of Attorney shall be valid if the appellant
later personally regularizes the appeal; in particular, by briefing counsel to represent him or by
applying for legal aid within the time-limit provided for in section 482.

Section 481:

(1) When the appellant is in custody, he way also file an appeal to the Supreme Court either
by a declaration to the registry of the Court of First Instance of the place of detention, or by a
letter addressed through the Superintendent of the Prison where he is detained.

(2) In case of declaration to the registry of the court, the Superintendent of Prison shall be
bound to bring the appellant in detention before the Registrar-Chief of the court.

(3) In case of appeal by letter, the Superintendent through whom it is addressed shall:

(a) record it in a special register kept for that purpose; the register shall be dated, signed by
the Superintendent and countersigned by the appellant;
(b) issue in three copies a receipt mentioning the date when the notice of appeal was
submitted;
(c) give a copy of the receipt to the appellant, keep the second copy in the prison file of the
appellant and attach the third copy to the notice of appeal to the Supreme Court;
(d) forward this notice of appeal and the third copy of the receipt within forty-eight (48) hours
to the Registrar-in-Chief of the court which delivered the judgment appealed against, by
any means with written proof.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 482:

When the Registrar-in-Chief of the Court of Appeal receives the notice of appeal,
he shall notify the appellant in writing that he has under pain of foreclosure, a time-limit of thirty
(30) days, within which to provide the Registrar-in-Chief of the Supreme Court with the name
of his counsel, or to apply for legal aid if he considers himself qualified for it. In this case, the
application for legal aid, shall have as annextures a certificate of lack of means issued by the
Mayor of the council of his place of residence, a tax certificate or a certificate of his fiscal
situation, issued by the competent authority, otherwise it shall be inadmissible.

Section 483:

(1) The Registrar-in-Chief who receives the notice of appeal shall notify the Legal Department
of the Court of Appeal and the other parties by registered letter with acknowledgment of
receipt or by any other means leaving written proof in the case file. He shall make a report in
respect thereof.

(2) The report drawn up in four copies shall, in addition to mentioning the notice of appeal, also
mention the notification provided for in section 479 (1).

(3) A copy of the report shall be addressed to the appellant and to the Registrar-in-Chief of the
Supreme Court who shall open a case file upon receiving it.

(4) Where the notice of appeal was received by the Registrar-in-Chief of the Supreme Court,
he shall address a copy of the report to the Registrar-in-Chief of the Court of Appeal, the
judgment of which has been appealed against. The latter shall mention the fact of the appeal
on the margin of the said judgment.

Section 484:

(1) The Registrar-in-Chief of the Court of Appeal shall prepare the case file which shall
comprise in particular the following documents:

– the notice of appeal;
– the report referred to in section 483;
– the submissions and memoranda produced by the parties before the trial court and the
Court of Appeal;
– the record of proceedings of the trial court and the Court of Appeal;
– all the interlocutory rulings delivered by the trial court and the Court of Appeal;
– a copy of the judgment appealed against and a copy of the judgment of the trial court.

(2) This case file shall be forwarded to the Registrar-in-Chief of the Supreme Court.

CHAPTER IV – GROUNDS OF APPEAL TO THE SUPREME COURT

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 485:

(1) The grounds of appeal to the Supreme Court shall include:

(a) want of jurisdiction;
(b) misrepresentation of the facts of the case or of the documents of the proceedings;
(c) absence, or contradictions or insufficiency of reasons;
(d) failure to reply to the submissions of the parties or of the Legal Department;
(e) procedural irregularity, in particular: where, subject to the provisions of section 470 (1), the
decision appealed against was not delivered by the number of judges prescribed by law or
was delivered by judges who had not participated in the entire hearing; where the Legal
Department was not given the right to be heard or it was not represented at the hearing;
where subject to the exceptions provided for by law, the rule pertaining to public hearing
was not observed;
(f) ultra vires;
(g) violation of the law;
(h) violation of a general principle of law;
(i) failure to fol1ow precedents of a joint section of the Bench of the Supreme Court or a joint
session of the Benches of the Supreme Court.

(2) The Supreme Court may of its own motion raise any of the grounds of appeal referred to in
sub-section (1) above.

Section 486:

(1) An error in stating the offence charged or in citing the applicable section of the law shall not
constitute a ground of appeal where the sentence provided for the offence charged is the
same as that for the offence which was in fact committed, provided that the offences are of a
similar nature.

(2) Except in cases of absolute nullity provided for by the law, the appel1ant shal1 not be
allowed to raise as a ground of appeal to the Supreme Court, any irregularity committed by a
trial court if he did not raise the point before the Court of Appeal.

CHAPTER V – PROCESSING OF AN APPEAL IN THE SUPREME COURT

Section 487:

The Registrar-in-Chief of the Supreme Court shall register the case file as soon
as he receives it and shall forward the same to the President of the Supreme Court who, after
having had it produced in five (5) copies, shall forward it to the competent section.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 488:

(1) The Registrar-in-Chief shall forward a copy of the documents specified in section 482 to
the appellant’s counsel or the Procureur General, where he is appellant, and shall inform him
at the same time by any means with written proof, or by writ of a bailiff that he has a time-limit
of thirty (30) days within which to file a memorandum of submissions in support of the appeal
at the registry, otherwise the appeal will be foreclosed.

(2) The time-limit fixed in the preceding subsection may be reduced by half, by an order of the
President of the section seized.

Section 489:

(1) Where the appellant has applied for legal aid, the Registrar-Chief shall inform the
Procureur General of this fact and shall prepare the file for legal aid and submit it to the
commission for legal aid at the Supreme Court.

(2) On the delivery of the decision granting legal aid to the appellant, the President of the
Supreme Court shall assign counsel for his defence and the Registrar-in-Chief shall issue
notices as provided for in section 483.

(3) Where the application for legal aid is rejected, the Registrar-in-Chief shall notify the
applicant by any means with written proof or serve it by writ of a bailiff on the appellant and
shall invite him to forward the name of his counsel within a time-limit of fifteen (5) days, under
pain of forfeiture of his right to appeal.

Such time-limit shall run from the day following the date of notification or service.

Section 490:

Where an appellant sentenced to life imprisonment or to death has not briefed
counsel, the President of the Supreme Court shall of his own motion, assign one to him a soon
as the application for appeal is received in the registry of the said court.

Section 491:

(1) During the whole hearing before the Supreme Court, the appellant shall be presumed to
have elected his address for service at the chambers of the counsel he briefed or of the one
assigned to him officially.

(2) Where he has several advocates, notification or service on one of them shall be deemed
sufficient unless he elected the chambers of the advocate to which all notifications and
services should be addressed.

(3) However, where he has asked for legal aid, it shall be considered that his address for
service shall be the address on his application for legal aid. If this address is not specified, the
notification referred in section 483 shall be sent to the Mayor’s office of the place of residence
of the appellant, or to his place of work or to the registry of the Court of Appeal.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 492:

The memorandum of submissions in support of the appeal shall, under pain of
foreclosure, be filed in the registry within the prescribed time-limit. Mention of this fact shall be
made in a special register which shall be dated and signed by the Registrar-in-Chief and
countersigned by the person who filed the memorandum. A receipt shall be issued to him.
Non-compliance with the prescribed time-limit shall constitute not only a professional fault, but
also a fault liable to give rise to an award of damages against the defaulting counsel.

Section 493:

The memorandum of submissions in support of the appeal shall, under pain of
the appeal being declared inadmissible, cite the provision of the law violated and argue the
legal grounds of the appeal. It shall be produced in as many copies as there are parties plus
five (5) other copies.

Section 494:

(1) As soon as the Registrar-in-Chief receives the memorandum of submissions in support of
the appeal, he shall notify the respondents by any means with written proof or by the writ of a
bailiff.

(2) The respondent shall within the time-limit of thirty (30) days with effect from the said notice,
under pain of foreclosure, personally or through his counsel, forward his submissions to the
Registrar-in-Chief of the Supreme Court in as many copies as there are parties plus five (5)
other copies.

Section 495:

(1) As soon as the written submissions of the respondent are received, the Registrar-in-Chief
shall ensure that the appellant is notified by any means with written proof or by the writ of a
bailiff.

(2) The appellant may, if he deems it necessary, within fifteen (15) days with effect from with
effect from the date of notification or personal service, send a rejoinder in reply through his
counsel to the Registrar-in-Chief of the Supreme Court. The respondent shall file a reply to the
rejoinder within fifteen (15) days of service, if he deems it necessary.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 496:

The case file shall be deemed 10 be ready if on the expiry of the time-limit of
fifteen (15) days, the respondent has not filed his written submissions in reply or if after fifteen
(15) days of service of the written submissions of the respondent. the appellant has not filed a
rejoinder.

Section 497:

When the case file is ready. the Registrar-in-Chief shall forward it to the
President of the section in order to appoint a rapporteur.

Section 498:

(1) The rapporteur may of his own motion raise grounds of appeal. He shall propose precise
solution to the case.

(2) The rapporteur shall return the case file to the registry within a maximum period of thirty
(30) days without annexing his report thereto.

(3) The rapporteur shall forward, under confidential cover, his report in six (6) copies to the
President of the Supreme Court who shall in turn forward a copy thereof under confidential
cover to the Procureur General and the other copies to the President of the section concerned.

Section 499:

When the case file is returned to the Registrar-in-Chief, he shall forward it
immediately to the Procureur General.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 500:

(1) The Procureur General may of his own motion raise grounds of appeal.

(2) The Procureur General shall in his submissions propose a precise solution to the case.

(3) The Procureur General shall transmit his submissions within thirty (30) days, under
confidential cover to the President of the Supreme Court, who shall forward them to the
President of the section concerned. He shall return the case file to the registry thereafter.

Section 501:

As soon as the Procureur General returns the case me to the Registrar-in-Chief,
the latter shall submit it to the President of the section to fix the date for hearing.

The date shall be notified to the Procureur General and to the members of the section by the
Registrar-in-Chief who shall also serve the parties through their chosen place of service a’1d
post the cause list on the notice board of the court.

Section 502:

The President of the section may, at any time, by an order made at the request
of the Procureur General or of the appellant, reduce to half the time-limit provided for in
sections 488 (1),494, 495 (2), and 496.

The decision of reduction of the time-limit shall be notified to the parties by the Registrar-in-
Chief of the Supreme Court.

CHAPTER IV – EFFECTS OF APPEALS TO THE SUPREME COURT

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 503:

(1) An appeal to the Supreme Court shall not stay the execution of a judgment; in particular:

(a) any warrant either issued or upheld by the Court of Appeal shall continue to produce its
effects;
(b) measures of judicial supervision ordered or confirmed by the Court of Appeal shall continue
to produce their effects;
(c) where there is an acquittal or suspended sentence or a fine by the Court of Appeal or
where the term of imprisonment is less or equal to the time spent in detention, the
appellant in detention shall be immediately released, subject to the provisions of section
393.

(2) However, the accused may apply to the Supreme Court for suspension of the measures of
judicial supervision, or the cancellation of the warrant.

Section 504:

Notwithstanding the provisions of section 503, appeals to the Supreme Court in
matters of interlocutory proceedings provided for in section 473 and in matters of conflict of
jurisdiction referred to in sections 601 and 602, shall stay the proceedings of the lower courts.

Section 505:

(1) The laws in force relating to stay of execution of civil awards shall be applicable before the
Supreme Court.

(2) The President of the Supreme Court or the President of the section that he delegates for
this purpose, shall decide alone on the application for stay of execution of civil awards referred
to in sub-section (1) after receiving the submissions of the Procureur General.

CHAPTER VII – PROCEDURE BEFORE THE SUPREME COURT

SUB-CHAPTER I – PROCEDURE AT THE HEARING

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 506:

The provisions of sections 302 to 305, 446 and following relating to public
hearing, maintenance of order and to the procedure at the trial shall be applicable before the
Supreme Court.

Section 507:

(1) Before the date fixed for hearing, the members of the court who are to sit shall receive the
documents referred to in sections 482, 484, 493 and 495.

(2) At the hearing, counsel for the appellant shall be heard first, followed by counsel for the
respondent and finally by the Procureur General, if he is not the appellant.

Section 508:

(1) At the hearing, the rapporteur shall read his report, the advocates of the parties and the
Procureur General shall present their arguments basing same on their memoranda and
submissions.

(2) No adjournment shall be granted unless the court deems it necessary.

(3) However:

a) when the solutions proposed by the Procureur General and the rapporteur are different,
the case shall be adjourned for deliberation;
b) any member of the court who, before the hearing, had neither had knowledge of the report
nor the contrary submissions of the Procureur General, may request to have knowledge
thereof before he gives an opinion. In such a case, the matter shall be adjourned for
deliberation to a later date.

Section 509:

Where the appeal is groundless and where the court of its own motion cannot
raise any grounds, the appeal shall be dismissed.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 510:

Where the grounds of appeal filed by the parties or raised by the court of its own
motion are founded, the Judicial Bench of the Supreme Court shall quash and annul the
decision appealed against.

In this case, it shall examine and determine the matter on the merits.

SUB-CHAPTER II – JUDGMENTS OF THE SUPREME COURT

Section 511:

(1) Before the Supreme Court hears an appeal on the merits, it shall ascertain whether the
appeal has been properly filed.

(2) If it finds that certain formalities required by law have not been satisfied, it shall, as the
case may be, deliver a judgment of inadmissibility.

(3) If the appeal is without merits, the court shall dismiss it.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 512:

(1) The decision of the court shall be that of the majority:

(2) The provisions of section 389 (5) shall apply.

Section 513:

The decision shall be delivered either immediately or on an adjourned date not
later than fifteen (15) days after deliberations.

Section 514:

(1) The President of the Supreme Court may, where he considers that a case is complicated,
order that be heard in a plenary session of ail the sections of a Bench.

(2) The criminal section of the Judicial Bench of the Supreme Court, sitting with three
members may, by majority decision, transfer a case to a plenary session of ail the sections of
the Bench.

Section 515:

Where an appeal before the Supreme Court is based on the admissibility of the
appeal before the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court quashes the judgment appealed
against by declaring the appeal admissible, it shall remit the case to the same Court of Appeal
which shall be differently constituted, for a decision to be taken on the merits.

It shall be likewise where the Court decides on an appeal against an interlocutory ruling.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 516:

(1) The Supreme Court may entertain an application for bail by a convict only if all the
following conditions are satisfied:

(a) the convict has appealed against the judgment on the merits delivered by the Court of
Appeal;

(b) the appeal is admissible.

(2) Counsel for the convict shall be bound to me a reasoned application for bail.

Section 517:

The order of the Supreme Court granting bail may prescribe any measure of
judicial supervision. It shall be executed forthwith.

Section 518:

(1) The appellant’s right of appeal is forfeited in the following cases:

(a) failure to brief counsel;
(b) failure by counsel to me a memorandum of submissions in support of the appeal;
(c) where counsel files the memorandum of submissions in support of the appeal out of time.

(2) The forfeiture is declared by a ruling of the President of the Supreme Court.

(3) The Registrar-in-Chief shall notify the parties or their counsel of the decision of forfeiture by
registered letter or by any means with written proof.

Section 519:

The Supreme Court may set aside any order of forfeiture, upon a reasoned
application by the appellant or his counsel and after the submissions of the Procureur General.

The application shall, subject to being declared inadmissible; be med within thirty (30) day with
effect from the day following the day of notification of the decision of forfeiture.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 520:

The setting aside of an order of forfeiture shall be as of right when the forfeiture
results from the failure to file or from filling out of time of the memorandum of submissions in
support of the appeal by the Procureur General at a Court of t Appeal

Section 521:

(1) Where the forfeiture results from the failure to me or from filing out of time of the
memorandum of submissions in support of the appeal by counsel holding state brief, the
President of the Supreme Court may, after the submissions of the Procureur General either
appoint another counsel of his own motion or admit the memorandum of submissions in
support of the appeal med out of time.

(2) The costs of the order of forfeiture as well as the order to set aside shall be borne by the
defaulting counsel.

Section 522:

(1) With the exception of the Legal Department, any party to the proceedings may withdraw his
appeal. In such a case, the file shall be immediately forwarded to the President of the section
for the matter to be listed for the nearest hearing date.

(2) Where the civil party or the party vicariously liable withdraws his appeal, the Supreme
Court shall deliver a decision granting the withdrawal.

(3) The costs of the withdrawal shall be borne by the party withdrawing the appeal.

Section 523:

(1) The withdrawal by the insurer shall only be admissible if it is unconditional. It shall have no
effect on the criminal action.

(2) The decision appealed against shall be considered as never having been appealed
against.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 524:

(1) The withdrawal by the convict shall take effect from the day of the notice of appeal.

(2) Where the withdrawal by the convict appears regular, the Supreme Court shall accept it
and order him to pay costs.

(3) The provisions of section 526 shall be applicable, notwithstanding the withdrawal of the
convict’s appeal.

Section 525:

If during the appeal, a less severe law is promulgated, the Supreme Court shall
apply it.

Section 526:

(1) Subject to the provisions of section 521 (2), the appellant shall be liable to pay the costs of
the proceedings at the Supreme Court when the court delivers a judgment of inadmissibility,
forfeiture, withdrawal or of dismissal. However the appellant may be exonerated from paying
part or all of the costs.

(2) In case of inadmissibility or dismissal of an appeal filed by the prosecution, the costs shall
be borne by the Public Treasury.

Section 527:

(1) The Supreme Court may quash a decision in part or in whole.

(2) Where the whole judgment is quashed, the case and the parties shall be placed in the
same position in which they were before the judgment so quashed was delivered. In this case,
the Supreme Court shall examine and determine the whole matter on the merits.

(3) Where the judgment appealed against is partially quashed, the Supreme Court shall decide
only on the issues quashed.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 528:

A copy of the quashed decision shall be forwarded by the Registrar-in-Chief of
the Supreme Court to the Legal Department and to the competent Registrar-in-Chief to be
recorded in the registry of the Court of Appeal from which the decision quashed emanated.

Section 529:

Judgments of the Supreme Court shall contain:

(a) the composition of the court;
(b) the names and rank of the representative of Legal Department;
(c) the full name, occupation and address of the parties and of their counsel;
(d) a summary of the facts and the procedure;
(e) an analysis of the grounds of appeal argued or those raised by the court of its own
motion;
(f) the reasons and the verdict;
(g) the signature of the judges who delivered the judgment and that of the clerk of court.

Section 530:

The Registrar-in-Chief of the Supreme Court shall forward to the President and
the Procureur General of the Court of Appeal whose judgment was appealed against, a copy
of the decision delivered by the Supreme Court to be entered in the registers of the Court of
Appeal and of the Legal Department.

Section 531:

(1) When an appeal is dismissed or when a judgment is quashed, the Registrar-in-Chief of the
Supreme Court shall return the case file containing the decision of the Supreme Court to the
Registrar-in-Chief of the Court of Appeal the decision of which was appealed against.

(2) A copy of the decision of the Supreme Court shall be forwarded to the Legal Department of
the court the decision of which was appealed against.

(3) The Registrar-in-Chief of the Supreme Court shall also notify the parties of the decision of
the Supreme Court by registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 532:

The Registrar-in-Chief of the Supreme Court shall forward a copy of ail decision
of the Supreme Court to the Procureur General of the said court without delay.

CHAPTER VIII – APPEAL IN THE INTEREST OF THE LAW

Section 533:

(1) Any court decision which violates the law and which has not been appealed against in the
form and within the prescribed time-limit provided by law, may be appealed against to the
Supreme Court by the Procureur General at the said court in the following circumstances:

(a) in the sole interest of the law and on the initiative of he Procureur General; in this case, the
parties may not take advantage of the ruling of the Supreme Court;
(b) on the instructions of the Minister in charge of Justice; in this case, the decision of the
Supreme Court shall be binding on ail the parties.

(2) The appeals referred to in subsection shall not be subject to nay time-limit.

Section 534:

(1) Where the Supreme Court is seized of one of the appeals mentioned in section 533, it shall
state the applicable legal provisions and, in the case where the decision in question is
quashed, determine the matter by taking any one of the following measures:

(a) by cancelling anything illegal in the sentence; or;
(b) of its own motion, by passing on the convict the minimum legal sentence provided by law;
or;

(c) of its own motion, by ordering any accessory penalty or preventive measure which ought to
have been ordered.

(2) Where the Supreme Court, of its own motion, passes a minimum sentence of loss of liberty
on the convict as provided for by law, it shall issue a warrant of arrest against him.

(3) The judgment that is quashed on an appeal made in the interest of the law by the
Procureur General of the Supreme Court shall continue to be binding on all the parties.

The decision of the Supreme Court quashing that of the lower court shall be entered in the
register of the registry of the court that delivered it.

cameroon criminal procedure code

PART IV – REVIEW OF CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS

CHAPTER I – APPLICATION FOR REVIEW

Section 535:

(1) A review of criminal proceedings may be applied for in favour of any person convicted of a
felony or misdemeanour in the following circumstances

(a) when, after a conviction for murder fresh evidence is adduced to prove that the alleged
victim is still alive;
(b) when it is found, after conviction, that the person convicted was innocent even if he was
responsible for the error that misled the court;
(c) when a person other than the person ; convicted admits before credible witnesses that he
committed the felony or misdemeanour and confirms such admission before a judicial
police officer;
(d) when, after a conviction, new documents or facts have come to light and are of such a
nature as to establish the innocence of the person convicted.

(2) An application for review shall be admissible only when the judgment has become final.

Section 536:

The enactment of a new law shall not constitute a ground for review.

Section 537:

(1) The right to apply for review shall be exercised by:

(a) the Minister in charge of Justice;
(b) the convict or, in the event of his disability, his legal representative;

(c) any person interested in doing so, in the event of the death of the convict or his having
been judicially declared absent.

(2) The application for review shall not be subject to a time-limit.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 538:

The application for review together with a copy of the judgment appealed against
and any other supporting document shall be submitted to the Procureur General of the
Supreme Court, who shall prepare the case file and submit it to the court.

CHAPTER II – REVIEW PROCEDURE

Section 539:

In considering an application for review, the Judicial Bench of the Supreme
Court shall sit in a joint session of ail its sections.

Section 540:

If the application is not admissible, the court shall so declare it.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 541:

(1) Where the application is admissible and the case is ready for hearing, the court shall:

(a) dismiss it where it finds that the application is baseless;

(b) quash the judgment appealed against and acquit the convict, if it finds the application
justified.

(2) When the court finds that the application is admissible but is not ready hearing, it shall, by
an interlocutory ruling, order all necessary measures of inquiry. In such a case, if the sentence
has not bee executed, its enforcement shall be stayed or suspended.

Section 542:

(1) Where the application for review is not admissible or is dismissed, the applicant other than
the Minister in charge of Justice shall be liable to pay costs.

(2) Where the court acquits the applicant, or where the application has been made by the
Minister in charge of Justice, the costs shall be borne by the Public Treasury.

Section 543:

(1) If the applicant so requests, the judgment of acquittal shall be:

(a) posted at any council office of his choice;

(b) published in extract form in any of the national newspapers indicated by the Supreme
Court in its judgment.

(2) If the application for publication is made after the judgment of acquittal has been delivered,
the publication shall be made by an order of the President of the Supreme Court.

(3) The costs of publication shall be borne by the Public Treasury.

Section 544:

(1) The decision of acquittal may serve as the basis for an application for compensation before
the competent commission provided for in section 237 above.

(2) Where the victim of a miscarriage of justice is deceased, the right to claim damages under
the same conditions shall be open to ail his heirs.

END OF BOOK FOUR

cameroon criminal procedure code

BOOK V – EXECUTION OF JUDGMENTS

PART I – GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 545:

(1) The Presidents of all courts shall ensure that the orders and judgments of their courts are
enforced.

(2) A bench or remand warrant or a decision granting bail or any other court order shall be
immediately executed at the instance of the Legal Department, which shall forward them
directly to the authorities responsible for their execution.

(3) The prosecution and the parties shall each in their own sphere, follow up the execution of a
judgment that has become final.

Section 546:

A register for the execution of court decisions shall be established in the registry
and in the Legal Department of each court.

Section 547:

Subject to the provisions of section 545 (2) and of section 22 of the Penal Code,
a decision shall be enforceable when it can no longer be set aside or appealed against, except
otherwise provided for by law.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 548:

Whenever there is an error which does not affect the substance of a judgment
but hinders its execution, the court that delivered the judgment shall be called upon to rectify it.

Section 549:

(1) When a party considers that an aspect of a decision delivered in a criminal case is obscure
or ambiguous, he may, by an application request the President of the said court to interpret it.

(2) The court seized shall proceed with this interpretation by referring particularly to the
reasons it gave in support of the decision.

(3) The right of interpretation shall not permit the court to change its decision.

Section 550:

The applications for rectification or interpretation provided for in sections 548
and 549 shall not be allowed when the judgment delivered has been challenged.

PART II – IMPRISONMENT

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 551:

Any person detained by virtue of a judicial warrant shall be confined in a prison.

Section 552:

The execution of an order of transfer or of a production warrant, in respect of
detainees, shall be carried out by the police, gendarmerie or by prison authorities.

Section 553:

(1) Accused persons on remand shall be confined in special quarters separated from those of
persons already convicted and shall, as far as possible, be kept in individual cells. They shall if
they so desire be engaged in maintenance work at the prison.

(2) Detainees shall keep their personal effects in their custody, unless otherwise decided by
the prison authority for the maintenance of order, security or cleanliness or by the judicial
authority in the interest of preliminary inquiry.

Section 554:

Remand shall be transformed into imprisonment as soon as the judgment
becomes final.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 555:

(1) Persons convicted and sentenced to a term of imprisonment shall be placed in various
categories of prisons.

(2) The conditions of the execution of prison sentences shall be defined by a special
enactment in such a manner as to reconcile the requirement of discipline with the needs of
social rehabilitation of the convict. They shall take into account the nature of the offence, the
length of the term to be served, the sex, the age, the mental and physical health and the
behaviour of the convict.

PART III – PECUNIARY SENTENCES

CHAPTER I – PAYMENT OF PECUNIARY AWARDS

Section 556:

(1) Fines and costs shall be paid 10 the Registrar-in-Chief of the court that delivered the
judgment.

(2)

(a) Before payment, the Registrar-in-Chief shall issue to the convict without costs, a copy of
the judgment containing a break-down of the pecuniary sentence which he has to pay as
provided for in section 558 (2) a).
(b) After payment, the Registrar-in-Chief shall:

(i) issue to the convict a receipt from a receipt book with counterfoil and when the
decision becomes final a copy thereof without costs;

(ii) forward to the Legal Department a copy of the receipt and an extract of the judgment
when it becomes final.

(3) Civil awards shall be recovered at the instance of the party concerned from the date
following the day on which the decision becomes final.

CHAPTER II – IMPRISONMENT IN DEFAULT OF PAYMENT

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 557:

Imprisonment in default of payment shall be a procedure which aims at
compelling a convict to execute a pecuniary sentence pronounced against him or make
restitution ordered by a court in a criminal case.

It shall be applicable without prior notice at the instance of the Legal Department in the event
of non-execution of a pecuniary sentence or non-restitution of property.

If shall consist of a term of imprisonment during which the debtor shall be obliged to work.

Section 558:

(1) Where imprisonment in default of payment is ordered against a prisoner, it shall be
enforced on expiry of the previous imprisonment unless he furnishes sufficient sureties to
guarantee the payment of the pecuniary sentence within a period of two (2) months from the
date of recognizance.

(2)

(a) The judgment shall fix the breakdown of the pecuniary sentence to be paid to the state or
to the civil party, as well as the duration of imprisonment in default in accordance with the
provisions of section 564 above.
(b) Where the pecuniary award is made to the state, an imprisonment warrant shall
immediately be prepared and signed at the lime of delivery of the judgment and forwarded
for execution to the Legal Department.
(c) Where the award is for the civil party and the judgment has become final, an imprisonment
warrant shall issue at the instance of the civil party who has not been satisfied.

Section 559:

Any person who is not detained and against whom an imprisonment warrant has
been issued for non-payment of the pecuniary sentence may either forestall or terminate the
execution of the said warrant by payment of the pecuniary sentence.

Section 560:

(1) After the execution of the imprisonment warrant, the convict may request its suspension by
furnishing a surety guaranteeing payment of the pecuniary sentence within a period of two (2)
months from the day following the signature of the recognizance by the surety.

(2) Where at the time of his arrest, the convict has furnished a surety, the judicial police officer
charged with the execution of the warrant shall hear the surety and include his statement in
the report.

(3) A copy of the file of the arrest shall be forwarded to the President of the court and another
to the Legal Department of the court that issued the imprisonment warrant.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 561:

(1)

(a) The President of the Court of First Instance of the place of execution of the warrant shall
rule in chambers on the application, after hearing the convict and the proposed surety.
(b) Such a ruling shall not be subject to appeal.

(2)

(a) Where the application is granted, the President shall explain to the surety the
consequences of his recognizance and shall request him to sign a document by which he
shall undertake to pay the debt or failing that, to be subjected to imprisonment in default in
place of the convict on expiry of the time limit provided for in section 560;
(b) After the surety has read and signed the recognizance, the President shall cause the
debtor to be released forthwith;
(c) The provisions of section 185 (1) (b) above are applicable if the surety cannot read and
write.
(d) Notice of the ruling shall be served forthwith on the Superintendent of Prison and a copy
each shall be forwarded to the President and the Legal Department of the court that issued
the imprisonment warrant.

(3) Where a surety is not accepted, the convict may make new proposals as many times as he
wishes.

(4) Imprisonment resulting from failure of the surety to abide by his obligation, shall be
terminated before the expiry of the prescribed period, only when total payment has been
made.

Section 562:

In case of part payment of the debt, the duration of imprisonment in default shall
depend only on the balance due.

Section 563:

(1) The period of remand served by an accused sentenced only to a fine shall be deducted
from the duration of imprisonment in default. This deduction shall be made by the President of
the court at the time he signs the imprisonment warrant.

(2) The provisions of sub-section (1) shall apply only to fines and costs.

Section 564:

(1) In matters of fines and costs, the duration of imprisonment in default shall be fixed as
follows:

(a) twenty (20) days for amounts not exceeding 10.000 francs;
(b) forty (40) days, for amounts higher than 10.000 francs but not exceeding 20.000 francs;
(c) three (3) months, for amounts higher than 20.000 francs but not exceeding 40.000
francs;
(d) six (6) months, for amounts higher than 40.000 francs but not exceeding 100.000 francs;
(e) nine (9) months, for amounts higher than 100.000 francs but not exceeding 200.000
francs;
(f) twelve (12) months, for amounts higher than 200.000 francs but not exceeding 400.000
francs;
(g) eighteen (18) months, for amounts higher than 400.000 francs but not exceeding
1.000.000 francs;
(h) two (2) years, for amounts higher than 1.000.000 francs but not exceeding 5.000.000
francs;
(i) five (5) years, for amounts exceeding 5.000.000 francs.

(2) In matters of damages to the civil party, the periods provided for in sub-section (1) shall be
reduced by hall

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 565:

An order of imprisonment in default of payment shall not be passed against a
person less than eighteen (18) years of age or more than sixty (60) years old, or against
pregnant women at the time of its execution.

Section 566:

An order of imprisonment in default shall not be executed simultaneously against
husband and wife even for the recovery of sums relating to different sentences.

Section 567:

On the expiry of the time limit for prescription of the sentence, no imprisonment
warrant shall be issued any longer for the recovery of fines and costs.

Section 568:

(1) No imprisonment warrant for the recovery of damages or for restitution may be issued ten
(10) years from the date following the date when the judgment became final.

(2) The execution of an imprisonment warrant issued before the expiry of the period of ten (10)
years shall be enforceable until the prescription of the debt

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 569:

Imprisonment in default shall not be pronounced against:

(a) persons declared vicariously liable;

(b) insurers.

CHAPTER III – EFFECTS OF IMPRISONMENT IN DEFAULT

Section 570:

Any person imprisoned by virtue of an order of imprisonment in default shall be
subject to the same prison regulations as those convicted under the ordinary law.

Section 571:

(1)

(a) A convict who has been subjected to imprisonment in defau1t shall not be absolved from
payment of fines, costs and damages, or from making restitution for which imprisonment in
default has been executed.
(b) The Legal Department or the civil party may at any time attach movable or immovable
property of the convict up to the amount of the debt in accordance with the Procedure for
the enforcement of civil judgments.

(2) The time limit for taking of the action provided for under subsection (1) (b) above shall be
thirty (30) years, to run from the day after the imprisonment in default has ended.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 572:

When the duration of imprisonment in default has been served no other order of
imprisonment shall be made for the same debt.

PART IV – CRIMINAL RECORD

CHAPTER I – CRIMINAL RECORD CARDS

Section 573:

(1) A criminal record shall be established:

(a) at the registry of each Court of First Instance;

(b) at the Ministry in charge of Justice,

(2) The criminal record established at the registry of the Court of First Instance and known as
district index card shall concern persons born within the t jurisdiction of the said court.

(3) The criminal record kept at the Ministry in charge of Justice, and known as the central
index card shall centralize particularly:

(a) the index cards of the criminal records of persons of Cameroonian or foreign nationality
born abroad;
(b) the index cards of the criminal records of persons of foreign nationality born in Cameroon
whose birth has not been declared at the Cameroonian civil status registry and who reside
in Cameroon;
(c) the index cards of the criminal records of persons of Cameroonian or foreign nationality
whose place of birth is unknown or who have doubtful nationalities.

Section 574:

Where a Cameroonian court in a criminal case passes a sentence or preventive
measure, the Registrar-in-Chief of the said court shall transcribe the verdict of the judgment on
an index card known as «the criminal record index card», which he shall establish in five (5)
copies. Two (2) copies of this index card shall be forwarded to the registry of the Court of First
Instance of the place of birth of the convict for filing in his criminal record. Two (2) copies of
this index card shall be forwarded to the central criminal record office where they shall be filed
alphabetically and according to their finger prints.

The fifth copy shall be inserted in the case file.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 575:

(1) Copies of index cards sent to the sub-divisional and central card indexes shall bear, if
necessary, mention of an appeal.

(2) Where an appeal has been lodged after the distribution of these copies, the Registrar-in-
Chief of the court that delivered the decision shall forward a copy of the notice of appeal to the
offices where the different index cards are filed, in order that mention thereof be made as
provided for in the preceding sub-section.

Section 576:

The criminal records of each person shall contain as many index cards as there
are convictions or preventive measures separately pronounced against him by a Cameroonian
or a foreign court.

Section 577:

The index card of a criminal record shall contain:

(a) information on identity, photograph, finger prints, anthropomorphic and morphological
marks;
(b) sentences and preventive measures pronounced by national or foreign courts;
(c) sentences for simple offences;
(d) the special measures pronounced in application of sections 46, 48 and 49 of the Penal
Code;
(e) notices of wanted persons;
(f) judgments declaring bankruptcy or ordering winding up;
(g) pardons;

(h) rehabilitation orders.

Section 578:

(1) Index cards shall be withdrawn from criminal records where the sentences or preventive
measures recorded therein have been nullified by a judgment of acquittal which has become
final.

(2) The same shall apply to sentences that are:

(a) nullified as a result to review proceedings;
(b) expunged by amnesty or rehabilitation.

(3) Index cards withdrawn in accordance with the provisions of sub-sections (1) and (2) above
shall be filed in the archives of the criminal records and no information shall be obtained there
from without the written authorization of the Legal Department.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 579:

(1) Where a sentence or a preventive measure has been modified as a result of an appeal,
mention of such modification shall be made on the corresponding index card of the criminal
records.

(2) Where after a modification only an accessory penalty or a preventive measure subsists, a
new index card shall be made stating such penalty or measure. The original index card shall
be withdrawn and filed in the archives of the criminal records.

(3) Where as a result of an amnesty or rehabilitation order, an accessory penalty or preventive
measure subsists, the original card index shall be withdrawn and filed in the archives of the
criminal records.

Section 580:

(1) The information taken from the index card known as «extract of the criminal record» shall
be issued on application to administrative and judicial authorities or to the person concerned in
the form of a criminal record bulletin.

(2)

(a) The bulletin issued by the Registrar-in-Chief of the Court of First Instance shall be signed
by the State Counsel.
(b) The bulletin issued by the central criminal record office shall be signed by the Minister in
charge of Justice or his representative.

CHAPTER II – CRIMINAL RECORD BULLETINS

Section 581:

(1) There exists three types of criminal record bulletins, namely: bulletin n° 1, bulletin n° 2 and
bulletin n° 3:

(a) bulletin n° 1 shall be a complete statement of the index card concerning a given person. It
shall be an extract of all sentences, preventive measures and expulsion orders issued
against a given person;
(b) bulletin n° 02 shall be an extract which is less complete than bulletin n° 1. It shall not
mention decisions expunged by amnesty and rehabilitation;
(c) bulletin n° 03 shall be delivered only to the owner of the criminal record. It shall mention
only sentences to loss of liberty not expunged by amnesty or rehabilitation. It shall in
addition, for foreigners, mention all penalties relating to traffic offences.
Bulletin n° 1 and 2 shall be delivered to administrative and judicial authorities at their request.

(2) Where the criminal record is blank or where the index cards have not become final, the
bulletin delivered shall bear the mark «nil».

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 582:

(1) Any person who wishes to rectify any fact on his criminal record shall make an application
in two copies to the President of the court that delivered the judgment.

(2) The Legal Department shall have the right to act of its own motion in the same manner in
rectifying any facts on the criminal record.

(3) The President shall decide in chambers after having heard the applicant, the Legal
Department and any other person whose evidence he deems necessary.

(4) Where an application is dismissed, the applicant shall pay the costs.

(5) If the application is granted, the Public Treasury shall bear the costs.

(6) The decision ordering the rectification shall be mentioned on the criminal record.

Section 583:

The provisions of section 582 shall apply in the event of any litigation in respect
of rehabilitation as of right or by application of the law on amnesty.

END OF BOOK FIVE

BOOK VI – SPECIAL PROCEDURE

Section 584:

(1) The President of the High Court of the place of arrest or detention of a person or any other
judge of the said court shall have jurisdiction to hear applications for immediate release based
on grounds of illegality of arrest or detention or failure to observe the formalities as provided by
law.

(2) He shall also have jurisdiction to deal with applications filed against administrative remand
measures.

(3) The application shall be filed either by the person arrested or detained or detained or on his
behalf by anyone else. Such application shall be unstamped.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 585:

(1) An application for habeas corpus shall be supported by an affidavit and shall state:

(a) the identity of the applicant and where necessary, that of the person arrested or detained;

(b) the place of arrest or detention;

(c) a precise summary of the facts constituting the alleged illegality.

(2) The application shall be addressed in four (4) copies to the President of the High Court and
filed in the registry of the said court.

(3) The President seized of the application shall order the custodian of the person detained to
produce him on the day and hour mentioned in the order with the documents authorizing the
arrest or detention.

He shall forward a copy of the application and the order to the Legal Department for its
submissions.

(4) Where the arrest or detention appears to be illegal, the President shall order the immediate
release of the person detained.

(5) In case of non appearance of the detainee, the President or such other judge appointed
shall consider the reasons for his non-appearance and decide on the basis of the documents
produced before him in compliance with the foregoing sub-section.

Section 586:

(1) When the President gives an interlocutory ruling on a preliminary issue, such ruling shall
not be subject to appeal.

(2) When he gives a judgment on the merits on the application for habeas corpus, that
judgment shall be subject to appeal. However, that decision shall be enforced immediately
notwithstanding an appeal.

(3)

(a) The time-limit within which to appeal shall be five (5) days with effect from the date
following the day on which the decision was given.

(b) The appeal shall be lodged in accordance with the provisions of section 274.

Section 587:

(1) Where an appeal is lodged, the case me shall be forwarded to the President of the Court of
Appeal within five (5) days following the notice of appeal.

(2) The President of the Court of Appeal or any other judge of that court appointed by him shall
hear and determine the appeal within the time-limit of ten (10) days provided for under section
275 (2) above.

Section 588:

The procedure of habeas corpus shall also be applicable to measures of
deprivation of liberty taken against any person who has been acquitted, discharged or
released by an ordinary court of law or by a special tribunal.

cameroon criminal procedure code

PART II – EVIDENCE BY MEMBERS OF GOVERNMENT AND REPRESENTATIVES OF DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS

Section 589:

Members of Government and representatives of diplomatic missions may be
summoned to give evidence in court. They may, at their request or at the request of the Legal
Department be heard in camera. Except as otherwise provided by law, their evidence shall be
received in the manner prescribed in this Code.

Section 590:

(1) Evidence given by a representative of a diplomatic mission shall be in conformity with the
principles of international conventions ratified by the Republic of Cameroon.

(2) The letter inviting a representative of a diplomatic mission to testify shall be addressed to
him through the Minister in charge of External Relations.

(3) Where the representative of a diplomatic mission accepts to give evidence but is unable to
appear due to unavoidable circumstances, a questionnaire shall be addressed to him by the
magistrate through the Minister in chare of External Relations.

(4) The reply of the representative of a diplomatic mission who takes oath in writing shall be
returned in a sealed envelope to the magistrate through the Minister in charge of External
Relations who shall forward same without taking cognisance of its contents.

PART III – CHALLENGE AGAINST A MAGISTRATE OF THE BENCH OR A JUDGE

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 591:

Any Magistrate of the bench or a Judge may be challenged for any of the
following reasons:

(a) where he or his spouse is a relative, guardian or relative by marriage up to the degree of
uncle, nephew, first cousin or the child of the first cousin of one of the parties;
(b) where he or his spouse is employer, employee, next of kin, donnee, creditor, debtor,
companion of one of the parties, or director of an enterprise or company involved in the
case;
(c) where he has previously taken part il1 the proceedings or if he has been an arbitrator or
counsel or witness;
(d) where he or his spouse is a party in a case which shall be tried by one of the parties;
(e) where he or his spouse is involved in any incident tending to show friendship or hatred
toward any of the parties and likely to cast a doubt on his impartiality.

Section 592:

Any magistrate of the bench who thinks that he could be challenged 1 for any of
the reasons provided for under 5 section 591 above, or who has good reasons to abstain from
hearing and determining a case shall inform his superior.

In such a case the provisions of sections 593 to 598 hereinafter shall apply.

Section 593:

A Magistrate of the Legal Department may not be challenged.

Section 594:

(1) The application stating the challenge shall be in writing and shall be forwarded in two (2)
copies:

(a) to the President of the Court of Appeal if it is directed at a judge of the Court of Appeal
other than the president, or a magistrate of a lower court;
(b) to the President of the Supreme Court if it is directed at the President of a Court of Appeal
or a member of the Supreme Court other than its president.

(2) A copy of the application shall also be forwarded by the applicant to the magistrate
concerned.

(3) The application shall, under pain of being inadmissible, state the names of the magistrate
or magistrates concerned and the grounds thereof, together with supporting evidence;

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 595:

(1) The President of the Supreme Court or the President of the Court of Appeal, as the case
may be, shall after receiving the explanation of the magistrate concerned and the submissions
of the Legal Department, give a ruling without costs.

(2) The ruling of the President of the Court of Appeal on an application challenging a
magistrate or a judge shall not be subject to appeal.

Section 596:

(1) If the application is directed at the President of the Supreme Court, it shall be filed at the
registry of the said court.

(2) A reasoned ruling on the application shall be made in chambers by a joint session of the
Benches of the Supreme Court without the participation of the President, and it shall be
notified to the parties and the Legal Department.

Section 597:

No person may challenge more than a third of the members of the Supreme
Court.

Section 598:

As soon as the magistrate receives a copy of the application in conformity with
section 594 (2) the proceedings shall be stayed until a ruling is given on the application.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 599:

(1) Where the application is granted, the magistrate shall no longer hear the case.

(2) Where the application is dismissed, the applicant may, without prejudice to the award of
damages, where necessary, be ordered to pay a civil fine of from 100.000 to 500.000 francs.

(3) Such ruling shall be notified to the applicant and to the magistrate concerned.

PART IV – SETTLEMENT OF CONFLICTS OF JURISDICTION

Section 600:

(1) Where two Examining Magistrate within the jurisdiction of the same Court of Appeal are
seized of the same offence and the assume or decline jurisdiction, the conflict thus created
shall be resolved by the Court of Appeal

(2) Where two different Courts of First Instance or two High Courts of the jurisdiction of the
same Court of Appeal, assume or decline jurisdiction, the conflict thus created shall be
resolved by the Court of Appeal.

Section 601:

Where two Examining Magistrates or two Courts of First Instance or two High
Courts within the jurisdictions of two different Courts of Appeal are seized of the same offence
and they assume or decline jurisdiction, the conflict thus created shall be resolved by the
Supreme Court.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 602:

(1) The Supreme Court shall have jurisdiction to deal with conflicts of jurisdiction resulting from
two final judgments delivered respectively by an ordinary court and a special court, the
judgments of which undermine the normal course of justice.

It shall be likewise where the final judgments are delivered by two ordinary or special courts.

(2) The Supreme Court shall be seized of the matter by way of a reasoned application at the
instance of the Legal Department or of any other party.

Section 603:

The decision settling the conflict shal1 be notified to the Legal Department and
to the other parties at the instance of the Registrar-in-Chief of the court that delivered the
decision. It shall not be subject to appeal.

PART V – TRANSFER OF A CASE FROM ONE COURT TO ANOTHER

Section 604:

(1) The Supreme Court may, on the ground of suspicion or in the interest of public policy,
withdraw a case from any court and transfer it for trial to another court of the same jurisdiction
or appoint magistrates within the jurisdiction of a different Court of Appeal to hear and
determine the matter.

(2) The application for transfer may be made by the Legal Department or by any other party.
However, only the Legal Department may base its application on grounds of public policy.

(3) The filing of an application shall not, on its own, stay the hearing of a case. However, the
President of the Supreme Court may order the president of the court seized of the matter to
stay the hearing of the matter.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 605:

The Registrar-in-Chief of the Supreme Court shall cause all rulings on an
application for transfer to be notified to the court concerned and to the parties.

PART VI – FIXED FINES

CHAPTER I – GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 606:

(1) A fixed fine shall be a pecuniary sentence application to simple offences, the quantum of
which is determined in advance by law.

(2) A fixed fine shall no the application where:

a) the simple offence caused bodily or material injury;
b) the simple offence is related to a felony or misdemeanour;
c) the simple offence is related to the management or the operation of a liquor premises;
d) a legal provision imposes on a person vested with the powers to charge an offender an
obligation to take an administrative measure such as the impounding of a vehicle or the
withdrawal of a driving licence or any other document;
e) the person who committed the simple offence is in a state of manifest drunkenness in a
public place.

Section 607:

(1) Judicial police officers shall be competent to collect fixed fines.

(2) Agents of the judicial police and public servants vested with the powers of the judicial
police shall only collect such fixed fines where they are duly empowered to do so.

(3) The authority provided for in sub-section (2) shall be general or special in relation to certain
simple offences.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 608:

Agents authorized to charge persons with simple offences and to collect fixed
shall act under the supervision of the Legal Department to which they shall send their reports
in accordance with section 89 (2).

Section 609:

Agents authorized to charge persons with simple offences and receive fixed
fines shall first take the oath before the Court of First Instance within the jurisdiction of which
they are to carry our their duties.

Section 610:

Before performing his duty, the officer shall first disclose his identity to the
offender by producing either his professional card or any other document empowering him in
that regard.

Section 611:

(1) Ally person empowered to collect fixed fines shall be in possession of a special counterfoil
receipt book numbered and initialled by the competent Legal Department.

(2) For every fixed fine collected, a report shall be made and a receipt issued on the spot from
the said counterfoil receipt book.

(3) Ally person who collects fixed fines without issuing a receipt in conformity with sub-sections
(1) and (2) above shall be liable to the penalties provided under section 142 of the Penal
Code.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 612:

The rate for fixed shall be fixed according to the class of the simple offence as
follows:

(a) 1.000 francs for the first class;
(b) 2.400 francs for the second class;
(c) 3.600 francs for the third class;
(d) 25.000 francs for the fourth class.

Section 613:

The payment of fixed fines shall be optional and the person preferring the charge
shall so Worm the offender.

Mention of this fact shall be made in the report.

Section 614:

(1)

a) Any vexatious or intimidating measures against any person who has committed a simple
offence and who is not willing to pay the fixed fine shall be liable to the penalties
provided for under section 140 of the Penal Code.
b) The following, in particular, shall constitute vexatious or intimidating measures; illegal
seizure of property belonging to the offender; the impounding of a vehicle for refusal to
immediately pay for the simple offence or the refusal to report at the office of the person
authorized to prefer a charge.
c) Where the charge is preferred in the absence of the offender, a copy there shall be sent
to him, and he shall be invited to pay the fixed fines due in the office of the person
authorized to prefer the said charge.

Section 615:

The report indicating the t commission of a simple offence shall be drawn up in
accordance with the provisions of section 90 above. It shall also state the amount of the fixed
fine to be paid, specifying whether it has been paid or not and, where it has been paid, the
number of the receipt is issued.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 616:

(1) Monies collected as fixed fines shall be paid forthwith into the Public Treasury.

(2) A copy of the payment voucher, signed by the treasurer or by any other authorized person
of the treasury and the person who preferred the charge, shall be forwarded by the latter to the
competent State Counsel.

CHAPTER II – ANNULMENT OF FIXED FINES

Section 617:

Where the State Counsel finds that a fixed fine is illegal having regard to
sections 611 and 612 he shall proceed as provided for in sections 619 and 620.

Section 618:

Where the provisions of section 614 (1) have been violated, the annulment of the
fixed fine may only be ordered at the request of the offender.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 619:

Where the amount of the fixed fine collected by the person preferring the charge
is either higher or lower than the legal rate, the State Counsel shall redress the situation by an
order. The offender shall be notified of such order.

Section 620:

(1) Where the readjustment results in an increase of the fixed fine and the offender refuses 10
pay the difference, the Stale Counsel shall proceed as provided for under section 623 (2).

(2) Any assessment of the fixed fine lower than the amount prescribed, shall constitute a
simple offence of the 41h class.

CHAPTER III – PAYMENT OF FIXED FINE

Section 621:

The payment of a fixed fine shall put an end to prosecution subject to the
provisions of sections 617 10 620.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 622:

(1) Where a fixed fine ought not to have been paid or where the amount paid was higher than
the legal rate. The Public Treasury shall refund the amount paid or the difference, as the case
may be.

(2) The refund shall be made on the presentation of either an extract of a judgment or of an
order issued by the Stale Counsel without costs.

PART VII – TRIAL OF SIMPLE OFFENCES

Section 623:

(1) In the cases provided under sections 606 (2) and 620 or in the event of non-payment of the
fixed fines, the State Counsel may, as soon as he receives the report, commence prosecution.

(2) The Court of First Instance seized of the matter shall decide in accordance with section
362 of the Penal Code.

PART VIII – OFFENCES COMMITTED DURING A COURT SESSION

Section 624:

Offences committed during court sessions shall be tried in accordance with the
following provisions:

(a) Where the offence committed is a simple offence, the Presiding Magistrate shall
immediately prefer a charge based on the facts, hear the offender, the witnesses, the
Legal Department, and deliver judgment;
(b) Where the offence committed is a misdemeanour, the court shall proceed as provided for
in paragraph (a) above;
(c) Where the offence committed in court is a felony, the Presiding Magistrate or judge shall
order the offender’s arrest, record his statement and direct that he be taken to the State
Counsel who shall proceed as provided by law.

cameroon criminal procedure code

PART IX – RECONSTITUTION OF DOCUMENTS

Section 625:

When the original of a judgment has been lost, it shall be reconstituted in
conformity with the provisions of sections 626 to 628.

Section 626:

(1)

(a) Where there is a certified true copy of a lost or destroyed judgment, it shall become the
original.
(b) On the orders of the President of the court which delivered the judgment, its custodian
shall hand over the copy to the registry of the court.

(2) From the original so reconstituted, the registrar shall deliver a copy of the judgment to the
original holder without costs.

Section 627:

Where there is no certified true copy of a lost or destroyed judgment, the original
shall be reconstituted from the record book by the court that delivered it.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 628:

Where a document in a case file or the whole case file is missing, the President
of the court seized of the matter or any party shall cause the said document or case file be
reconstituted.

PART X – PRIVILEGED PROCEEDINGS

Section 629:

(1) Where a judicial or legal officer is likely to be charged with committing an offence, the
competent Procureur General shall request the President of the Supreme Court to appoint an
investigating magistrate as well as three other magistrates of a grade at least equal to that of
the magistrate incriminated and they shall, if necessary, hear and determine the matter at first
instance.

(2) The President of the Supreme Court shall in addition indicate the town wherein the case
shall be heard.

Section 630:

The provisions of section 629 shall also apply where the aggrieved party files a
complaint embodying a civil claim before the President of the Supreme Court against a
magistrate.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 631:

The magistrate appointed shall personally conduct the preliminary inquiry and
his jurisdiction shall extend throughout the national territory.

Section 632:

In the event of an appeal, the matter shall be heard by the judges of the
Supreme Court appointed by the President of the said court and sitting as a collegiate bench.

Section 633:

When the magistrate prosecuted is the most senior in the highest grade, his
case shall be heard by a joint session of the Benches of the Supreme Court.

Section 634:

(1) Where a Governor of a province has committed a felony or a misdemeanour, within or
outside the performance of his duties, the Procureur General at the competent Court of Appeal
shall address a report to the President of the Supreme Court who shall transfer the matter to a
competent court in accordance with the provisions of sub-sections (2) and (3) of this section.

(2) Where a senior Divisional Officer or any other head of administrative unit or a judicial police
officer has committed a felony or a misdemeanour even if unconnected with the exercise of his
duties, the State Counsel shall transmit the case file to the competent Procureur General who
shall seize the President of the competent Court of Appeal. The latter shall in turn designate
both the Legal Department in charge of instituting prosecution and the competent trial court to
hear and determine the matter.

(3) In the cases referred to in the preceding sub-sections, prosecution, investigation and trial
shall be assigned to jurisdictions other than those of the province, division, sub-division, or
district where the accused performs his duties.

cameroon criminal procedure code

PART XI – EXTRADITION

CHAPTER I – GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 635:

Extradition shall be an act whereby requested state hands over a foreigner found
in its territory to a requesting State in order that he be prosecuted for one or more specified
offences of ordinary law or to subject him to a term of imprisonment passed against him after a
criminal trial for an offence of ordinary law.

Section 636:

Whoever is found in the national territory to be an accomplice to a felony or
misdemeanour committed abroad may be tried in Cameroon according to the foreign law and
Cameroonian law on condition that the principal act has been established by a final decision
emanating from a competent foreign court.

Section 637:

Cameroonian courts shall also have jurisdiction to try any one who while abroad,
is an accomplice to a felony or misdemeanour committed in Cameroon.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 638:

Any proceedings brought under sections 636 and 637 shall be null and void to all
intents and purposes if:

(a) prosecution is commenced by any person other than the Legal Department which in
cases of misdemeanour under Cameroonian law Can only act, if a complaint is brought
to it by the injured party or if it receives an official information from the competent
authority of the place of commission of the principal act;
(b) the defendant shows that he has been tried abroad for the same acts and final judgment
passed, and that if sentenced, he has either served his sentence or has been absolved
of it by prescription or by pardon;
(c) the prosecution is barred by amnesty. or by any other cause, according to the law of the
state where the acts were committed, or would be so barred according to the laws of
Cameroon if the acts had been committed in Cameroon.

Section 639:

Prosecution may be commenced against the accused either before the court of
the place of residence of the accused, or of the place where he was arrested or of his last
known place of abode in Cameroon.

However, the Supreme Court may, on application of the Procureur General at the said court
and in the interest of justice, order the transfer of the case to another court.

Section 640:

For the purposes of this law, an offence shall be deemed to have been
committed in Cameroon if:

(a) an ingredient of the offence was perpetrated in Cameroon;
(b) it consists of counterfeiting or of altering the official seal of the Republic of Cameroon or
the currency being legal tender in its territory;
(c) it is against the security of the Republic of Cameroon. However this paragraph shall not
apply to a foreigner unless he has been arrested in Cameroon or extradited to
Cameroon.

CHAPTER II – EXTRADITION REQUESTED BY A FOREIGN GOVERNMENT

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 641:

(1) The President of the Republic may, by decree order the extradition to a foreign government
applying for it, of any foreigner charged with or convicted of an offence, in the requesting
State.

(2) The President of the Republic may, by decree, on an application made through diplomatic
channels permit, the despatch to any foreign authorities of exhibits or documents in the
possession of a Cameroonian authority on condition that, in the case of originals, they shall be
returned without delay.

(3) The status of foreigner shall be determined as at the date of the commission of the offence.

(4) No request for appearance as a witness in a foreign court of a person in detention inlay be
granted even if he is serving a term of imprisonment in default of payment except on the
express condition of his return without delay to Cameroon and of all expenses being borne by
the requesting State.

SUB-CHAPTER I – CONDITIONS OF EXTRADITION

Section 642:

(1) Any act serving as a ground for extradition shall:

(a) by the laws of the requesting State and of Cameroon, either constitute an offence
punishable with a minimum sentence of loss of liberty of not less than two (2) years for
which prosecution is not barred by prescription, amnesty or otherwise; or consist of a term
of loss of liberty which is still legally enforceable within six (6) months at least
notwithstanding imprisonment in default of payment;
(b) by Cameroon law, constitute an ordinary law offence;
(c) from the circumstance show that extradition is not requested for political, religious or racial
reasons, or based on the nationality of the person concerned.

(2)

(a) Felonies and misdemeanours which are not directed against any kind of government shall
be considered as common law offences and may justify extradition.
(b) Offences of universal jurisdiction provided by international conventions and ratified by
Cameroon shall be considered as ordinary law offences.

Section 643:

(1)

(a) Felonies and misdemeanours directed against the Constitution, the sovereignty of the
State and Public Authorities shall be considered as political offences, for which extradition
shall not be granted.
(b) The assessment of the political, religious or racial nature or reasons, or racial nature or
reasons or of the grounds for citizenship, for the application shall lie with the government to
which the application is made;
(c) Where the offence is in itself political, religious or racial or based on citizenship, it shall be
left to the requesting State to prove the contrary.

(2) The following shall also be considered as basis for which extradition may no the granted.

(a) offences committed by a foreigner outside the territory of the requesting State though
punishable in Cameroon, if the laws of the state where the acts were committed do not
consider the said acts as an offence;
(b) offences that are related to political, religious and racial offences, or based on citizenship;
(c) offences which have been amnestied in any of the countries referred to above;
(d) mistake of identity of the person whose extradition is requested.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 644:

Except where otherwise provided by law, no Cameroonian citizen may be
extradited.

Section 645:

Extradition shall not be applicable:

(a) to the temporary transfer of detainees for the purpose of hearing or questioning them;
(b) in respect of simple summonses by virtue of which, on the basis of an international
convention, certain individuals detained may be brought for trial in Cameroon;

(c) to deportation operations which neither relate to the punishment of an offence or the
enforcement of a sentence or preventive measure pronounced by a foreign court;
(d) where there are reasons for the country requested to believe that the person concerned
shall be subjected to torture and other punishment or treatment which is cruel, inhuman
and humiliating, in the requesting country.

SUB-CHAPTER II – PROCEDURE FOR EXTRADITION

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 646:

Where a foreigner is subject to prosecution or to the execution of a sentence, he
may be extradited to appear before the courts of the requesting State only after judgment has
been delivered on the merits or after the execution of an imprisonment sentence.

Section 647:

The provisions of section 646 shall apply to a foreigner who is incarcerated as a
result of imprisonment in default of payment of fine.

Section 648:

Where extradition is requested concurrently by more than one state for the same
offence, preference shall be given to the state against whose interest the offence was
committed or on whose territory it was committed.

Section 649:

An application for extradition shall be dismissed when:

(a) the offences for which it is requested were committed in Cameroon;
(b) the prescription of the offence is established or the sentence passed is expunged
according to Cameroonian law or that of the State requesting extradition at the time the
application is received;
(c) the offences in question have already been heard and determined by Cameroonian
courts.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 650:

(1) Subject to international conventions, any request for extradition shall be made through
diplomatic channels. To this application shall be attached, as the case may be:

(a) a copy of the judgment, even if the person was convicted it absentia;
(b) a document ordering that the accused be brought before a court for preliminary inquiry
or for trial;
(c) a warrant of arrest or any other document having the same effect and issuing from the
competent foreign authority. However, the said document shall specify the offence on
which it is founded and its date.

(2) The judgment carrying a conviction and the document mentioned in sub-section (1) b)
above shall be the original or a duly certified copy thereof.

(3) The requesting Government shall at the same time attach a copy of the law applicable to
the offence charged, and an account of the facts of the case.

(4) In the case of a judgment in default, the requesting government shall, in 1 addition, furnish
evidence that the person concerned had knowledge of the trial, and sufficient legal means for
his defence.

Section 651:

The me containing the application for extradition shall, after the documents have
been checked by the Minister in charge of External Relations be forwarded to the Minister in
charge of Justice who, after ascertaining that the procedure is in order, shall further seize the
Legal Department of the foreigner’s place of residence for enforcement.

Section 652:

In case of emergency, notwithstanding the provisions sections 641 and 642
above, the Legal Department shall have the power to order the arrest of a foreigner, on the
direct application from the foreign judicial authorities and on simple notice with written proof of
the existence of any one of the documents mentioned in section 641.

The request of the foreign authorities shall, without delay, be regularized in accordance with
the provisions of section 641 above.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 653:

(1) Within twenty-four (24) hours of arrest, a magistrate of the Legal Department of the Court
of First Instance shall proceed, in necessary with the aid of an interpreter, to examine the
foreigner as to his identity, serve on him the document supporting his arrest and record any
statements he may make after warning him that he is not bound to make any, and informing
him of his right to brief counsel.

(2) A report shall be drawn up of the proceedings and shall be signed by the magistrate, the
interpreter if any, and by the foreigner, or shall bear a note, where necessary, that the
foreigner refuses or is unable to sign.

Section 654:

The foreigner shall without delay be transferred to the prison at the seat of the
Court of Appeal within the jurisdiction of which he was arrested.

Section 655:

The Procureur General may, at any time, examine or cause a magistrate of his
department, to examine the foreigner afresh in accordance with section 653 above in the
presence of his counsel duly summoned, if any.

Section 656:

As soon as the file mentioned in section 651 is received, the Procureur General
shall, after having ascertained that die formalities provided in sections 653 and 654 have been
fulfilled, forward it together with his submissions to the President of the Court of Appeal who
shall list the case for hearing and notify the foreigner and, where necessary, his counsel.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 657:

(1) The court shall examine the application for extradition in chambers in the presence of the
Legal Department and of the foreigner, and if need be, of his counsel and of an interpreter. It
shall ascertain whether the documents provided under section 650 have been duly produced,
and shall examine all the evidence adduced.

(2) During the inquiry, the court may accept as valid evidence all the statements and other
documents obtained under oath by the competent authorities of the requesting State, as well
as all warrants, attestations, authenticated documents or copies thereof mentioning the
sentence.

Section 658:

Upon examination of the application for extradition, the court may, after hearing
the Procureur General, grant bail to the foreigner if he fulfils one of the conditions provided for
in section 246 (g).

Section 659:

(1) Where the foreigner renounces the right to benefit from Cameroonian legislation on
extradition and formally accepts to be handed over to the requesting State, the court shall rule
accordingly.

(2) The decision made in chambers shall be forwarded without delay by the Procureur General
10 the Minister in charge of Justice who shall submit same in the form of a draft decree
ordering the extradition, to the President of the Republic for signature.

(3) The decree referred to the subsection (2) above shall be notified without delay to the
foreigner and the State requesting extradition. It shall not be subject to appeal.

Section 660:

The court shall give a reasoned ruling in chambers on the request for extradition.
Only the Procureur General may appeal against this decision before the Supreme Court.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 661:

(1) Where the application is dismissed, either because the evidence adduced is deemed
insufficient, or because the legal conditions are not fulfilled, or because there is a mistake of
identity of the person whose extradition is requested, the court shall order the immediate
release of . the person if there are no other occasions for detaining him.

(2) The ruling shall be forwarded by the Procureur General without delay to the Minister in
charge of Justice who shall transmit same in the form of a draft decree rejecting the
extradition, to the President of the Republic for the signature.

Section 662:

Where the application for extradition is dismissed, the foreigner may not later 00
be the subject of extradition to the same country for the same offence.

Section 663:

Where the application is granted, the ruling of the court shall be forwarded to the
Procureur General. He shall proceed as provided in section 659 (2) and (3).

Section 664:

The case file shall in all cases provided in sections 661 and 662, be transmitted
by the Procureur General to the Minister in charge of Justice without delay in order to be
returned to he requesting State;

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 665:

The court shall have jurisdiction to authorize the forwarding to the requesting
Government of the whole or part of any document, securities or objects seized from the
foreigner, notwithstanding the fact that the application for extradition is dismissed or can no
longer be reopened for any reason whatsoever.

It shall order the restitution of documents, securities or objects seized not relevant to the
offence with which the foreigner is charged, and shall decide by order, not subject to appeal on
any claim to them by third parties.

It Section 666 The foreigner shall be released and his extradition may no longer be requested
by the same State for the same offence, if three (3) months elapse after the communication 10
the requesting State of the decree of extradition, without delivery of the prisoner having been
requested by the representative of the requesting State.

Any dispute on the application of this section shall be brought before the competent Court of
Appeal which shall, within eight (8) days, and after the submissions of the Legal Department,
determine the issue. The decision of the Court of Appeal shall be subject to appeal before the
Supreme Court. Only the Legal Department or the foreigner may appeal to the Supreme
Court. The provisions of sections 657 and following of this code shall be applicable.

SUB-CHAPTER III – EFFECTS OF EXTRADITION

Section 667:

(1) The decree granting extradition shall be subject 10 the condition that the person extradited
may not, without the special consent of the Government of Cameroon, be prosecuted or
punished in the requesting country for any offence committed before his being handed over,
other than that for which he was extradited.

(2) However, a foreigner extradited by Cameroon, who has had thirty (30) days after his final
release during which he was to leave the territory of the requesting State, shall no longer be
subjected to subsection (1).

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 668:

(1) Where after extradition, the requesting Government seeks permission to prosecute the
person extradited for an earlier offence, such permission may not be granted until the court
before which he had earlier appeared has given its opinion, but the said opinion may be given
merely on the documents forwarded in support of the new application.

(2) The foreign Government shall also forward to the court for submission the remarks of the
person extradited, or his declaration that he has none to make. The foreigner may also hand in
written submissions, and if he so desires, be represented by counsel of his choice.

Section 669:

(1) After extradition bas been granted in favour of Cameroon, an application to nullify same
shall be filed at the Court of Appeal within whose jurisdiction the person extradited is in
custody, if there is a violation of any of the conditions laid down in sections 643 and 644.
Application for a declaration of nullity under the foregoing subsection may be made by the
person extradited at any time up to the expiry of his sentence.

(2) The courts having the aforesaid jurisdiction may also determine the nature of the offence
for which the application for extradition was made.

Section 670:

Where an extradition has been declared null and void the person extradited is
not claimed back by the Government from which extradition was requested, he shall be
released and may not be prosecuted or punished either for the offence in respect of which
extradition was obtained or for any earlier offence, unless he was arrested in Cameroon more
than thirty (30) days after the date on which it was lawfully possible for him to leave the
national territory.

Section 671:

(1) A person of any nationality extradited by any foreign State to another State may transit
through Cameroonian territory, including a Cameroonian vessel or aircraft only on the
authorization granted by the Minister in charge of External Relations on a simple application
through diplomatic channels supported by documents showing that the offence is neither
political, religious, racial nor based on the citizenship of the person concerned or is not a
purely military offence.

(2) Such transit shall, if necessary, be effected under the close supervision of Cameroonian
agents at the expense of the requesting State.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 672:

The costs of the proceedings, custody and of extraditing the person, shall be
paid by the Cameroon Public Treasury and reimbursed by the requesting State.

CHAPTER IV – EXTRADITION REQUESTED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF CAMEROON

Section 673:

In addition to the provisions of this chapter, sections 637 to 640 shall apply to
extradition requested by the Cameroon Government.

Section 674:

The procedure for extradition requested by the Government of Cameroon shall
be as follows:

(a) the State Counsel shall transmit a file to the Procureur General of the Court of Appeal
containing, as the case may be, the following documents:

– a copy of the judgment or a warrant of imprisonment;

– warrant of arrest issued by the Examining Magistrate or by the Inquiry Control
Chamber or the court which delivered the judgment;

– a committal order issued by the Examining Magistrate or a committal order issued
by the Inquiry Control Chamber if the person is an accused;

– if necessary, a copy of the legal provisions relating to accessories, attempt, joinder
of charges and prescription;

– an extract of bulletin n °2 of the criminal record;

(b) The Procureur General shall transmit the case file to the Minister in charge of Justice
accompanied by a report stating the facts which warrant extradition and the date of
commission of the offence;
(c) Subject to international conventions, the Minister in charge of Justice shall transmit the
file thus prepared to the Minister in charge of External Relations who shall forward it
through diplomatic channels to the requesting State.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 675:

No foreigner extradited to Cameroon on request may be extradited by Cameroon
to a third State without the consent of the first State. Provided that such consent shall be
required only if the request by the third State is based on .acts committed before the
extradition to Cameroon.

Provided further that the said consent shall not be necessary if the person extradited had thirty
(30) days after his final release in Cameroon within which he was able to leave the national
territory.

PART XII – REHABILITATION

Section 676:

(1) Rehabilitation is a measure which, unless otherwise provided by law, expunges a
conviction for felony or misdemeanour. It puts an end to any accessory penalty and any
preventive measure except to confinement in a health institution and closure of an
establishment.

(2) Where a person has been convicted more than once, rehabilitation shall apply to all the
convictions.

Section 667:

Rehabilitation shall be as of right or by the judgment of a court.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 678:

Any convict may apply to the court for rehabilitation from a conviction.

In the case of death of the convict, the application may be followed up or even filed by his
spouse, his ascendants or his descendants.

In the case of the death of the applicant, any application for rehabilitation already filed may be
continued by the Legal Department.

Section 679:

(1) Rehabilitation may only be applied for after five (5) years in the case of a conviction for
felony and after three (3) years in the case of a conviction for misdemeanour. These time-
limits shall run from the date following the day of his release in the case of a sentence to loss
of liberty, or payment in the case of a fine.

(2) The time-limit prescribed in this section shall be doubled in the case of persons with a
previous conviction.

Section 680:

(1) An offender who has not had any further sentence of imprisonment for felony or
misdemeanour shall as of right be rehabilitated on the expiry of the following periods:

– five (5) years, for a sentence of fine;
– ten (10) years for a single sentence of imprisonment of up to six (6) months;
– fifteen (15) years for a single sentence of up to two (2) years;
– twenty (20) years for a single sentence of up to five (5) years.

(2) The period shall be fifteen (15) years for an aggregate sentence of more than one (1) year
but not more than two (2) years.

(3) Sentences ordered to run concurrently shall be counted as a single sentence.

(4) The said periods shall run, in the case of a sentence of fine, from the date of payment or of
prescription, and in the case of loss of liberty, from the date of expiry of the sentence, taking
into consideration any remission or prescription.

(5) The partial or total remission of a sentence shall amount to its partial or total execution.

Section 681:

Any person who has been rehabilitated and who has been convicted again shall
not be allowed to apply for rehabilitation except after the expiry of fifteen (15) years.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 682:

(1) In order to be rehabilitated a convict shall show proof that he has paid all costs and
damages or of any reduction thereof granted to him. In the absence of such proof, he shall
prove that he served imprisonment in default of payment.

(2) Where he is convicted of fraudulent bankruptcy, he shall prove the discharge of his
liabilities relating to capital, interest and expenses or prove that a reduction was granted to
him.

(3) Where the civil party cannot be found, the monies due to him shall either be paid to his
representative or in default, into the deposit account.

(4) Where the convict claims that the civil party has refused to accept the money due to him,
he shall show proof of such refusal and pay the said money into the deposit account:

(5) The prescriptive time-limit of four (4) years shall not be applicable in this matter.

Section 683:

The Court of Appeal of the place of residence of the convict shall have
jurisdiction in matters of rehabilitation.

Section 684:

(1) The convict shall address his application for rehabilitation to the State Counsel of his place
of residence and shall indicate therein where he has lived since his release.

(2) To the application shall be annexed:

– a copy of the judgment convicting him;

– an extract of his criminal record;

– Any other necessary documents, showing that he has paid fines, costs and damages.

Section 685:

In order to process the application for rehabilitation, the State Counsel shall
ensure that he is given:

– a copy of the judgment convicting the accused;

– an extract from the punishment register of the prison where the sentence was served,
attesting to the conduct of the convict;

– an extract of bulletin n° 1 of the criminal record of the convict.

He shall forward the file with his opinion to the Procureur General of the Court of Appeal.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 686:

The Procureur General shall seize the Court of Appeal of the application for
rehabilitation. The court shall, in a public session, give a ruling within two (2) months from the
date it was seized of the matter, after duly hearing the Procureur General, the convict and/or
his counsel.

Section 687:

Where an application is dismissed, a new one may not the filed before the expiry
of three (3) years unless the reason for dismissing the first one is that it was made in disregard
of the time-limit provided for in section 680.

Section 688:

(1) Where the application is granted, a note thereof shall be made on the various index cards
of the criminal record. In this case, the extract of the criminal record shall no longer mention
the expunged conviction.

(2) The person rehabilitated may obtain, without cos15, a copy of the rehabilitation order.

(3) An extract of the order of rehabilitation shall at the instance of the Procureur General at the
Court of Appeal be recorded in the margin of the decision convicting or upholding the
conviction of the appellant.

Section 689:

(1)

a) Rehabilitation shall j not as of right restore any decoration nor j automatically reintegrate
the person rehabilitated in any orders forfeited. Police supervisory and security measures
against the convict shall remain enforceable.
b) Amounts paid in satisfaction of pecuniary fines and confiscations from the person
rehabilitated shall remain with the Public Treasury and not be refundable.

(2) Rehabilitation shall not as of right reinstate anyone in the public service or employment,
rank, public or ministerial offices nor shall it give rise to any reconstitution of his career.

However, the person rehabilitated shall recover the rights which were forfeited such as
parental authority, guardianship, electoral rights and the right to appear as a witness in court.

(3) Rehabilitation shall not bar an application for review of judgment with a view to establishing
innocent.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 690:

The judgment of the Court of Appeal may be appealed against the Supreme
Court in the prescribed manner and within the prescribed time-limit.

PART XIII – RELEASE ON LICENCE

CHAPTER I – GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 691:

(1) Release on licence shall mean the premature release of a person sentenced to loss of
liberty or subjected to a security measure of the same nature by the court decision. Both grant
and revocation of such licence shall be by decree.

(2) The general conditions and detailed procedure for grand and revocation of release on
licence shall be prescribed by decree.

(3) Release on licence not revoked shall become final on expiry of the term of imprisonment.

CHAPTER II – SUSPENSION OF MEASURES

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 692:

The decree granting release on licence may also suspend enforcement of any
order of confinement in a special health establishment or of preventive confinement, or of post-
penal supervision and assistance, or of banned occupation which would follow on release from
the principal penalty. Such suspension shall become final five (5) years after the expiry of the
principal penalty.

CHAPTER III – CONDITIONS FOR GRANT

Section 693:

(1) Release on licence from a principal penalty may not be granted before service of half of the
sentence, or the aggregate of consecutive sentences, regard being had to remissions, if any.
Where there are previous convictions, the convict may not be released before service of two
thirds of the sentence or sentences.

(2) Release on licence from preventive confinement may not be granted before service of five
(5) years of the sentence.

CHAPTER IV – REVOCATION

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 694:

(1) Release on licence may be revoked on conviction for felony or misdemeanour later
committed or for breach of any of the general or special conditions of the licence.

(2) In case of revocation the period of liberty shall not be counted in the duration of the
sentence.

PART XIV – FELONIES AND MISDEMEANOURS COMMITTED ABROAD

Section 695:

(1)

(a) Cameroonian courts shall have jurisdiction to try any Cameroonian national or any resident
who either as a principal or accessory, has committed abroad any offence considered to
be a felony or misdemeanour, by the laws of Cameroon on condition that it is punishable
by the law of the place of commission.

(b) However criminal proceedings shall be instituted only by the Legal Department and only
after a complaint by the victim or an official request to the Government of the Republic of
Cameroon by the Government of the place of commission of the offence.

(2) This section shall apply to persons of Cameroon nationality who acquired their citizenship
after the alleged offence.

Section 696:

(1) Any person in Cameroon who commits a felony or a misdemeanour abroad or has been an
accessory to such an offence or attempted to commit it, may be prosecuted and tried in
Cameroon in accordance with the laws of Cameroon, if the principal offence is punishable both
by Cameroon law and by the law of the place of commission, and on condition that the
existence of the principal offence has been established by a final decision emanating from a
competent foreign court.

(2) Any person who has been an accessory abroad to any felony or misdemeanour committed
in the Republic of Cameroon may be prosecuted in Cameroon.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 697:

Any proceedings instituted in pursuance of the provisions of sections 695 and
696 above shall be null and void where:

(a) the conditions of section 695 (1) b) are not fulfilled;
(b) the defendant is able to show that he was tried for the same offence abroad and that the
judgment of the court was final and further more that any sentence passed on him was
served or time-bared or that he was granted a pardon;
(c) prosecution is time-barred or bas been expunged by amnesty or by other means pursuant
to the laws to the country where the offence was committed or would have been prescribed
or expunged in accordance with the laws of Cameroon, had the offence been committed in
Cameroon.

Section 698:

Action may be taken either before the competent court in the place where the
accused resides, or before the competent court in his last known place of abode in Cameroon.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Supreme Court, acting on the request of the Procureur
General, may order the case be transferred to another jurisdiction in the interest of justice.

Section 699:

An offence shall be considered as having been committed in Cameroon:

(a) where one of the ingredients of the offence was committed in the Republic of Cameroon;
(b) where it is an offence of fraudulently changing the seal of the Republic of Cameroon or
any counterfeiting of currency being legal tender in Cameroon;
(c) where it is an offence against the law relating to narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances
and precursors;
(d) where it is an offence against the law relating to toxic wastes;
(e) where it is an offence against the law relating to terrorism;
(f) where it is an offence against the law relating to money laundering.

PART XV – PROSECUTION AND TRIAL OF JUVENILES

CHAPTER I – INSTITUTION OF PROSECUTION

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 700:

(1) A preliminary inquiry shall be compulsory for a felony or a misdemeanour committed by
minors aged less than eighteen (18) years.

(2) Where a minor aged less than eighteen (18) years in accused of committing a felony or
misdemeanour, preliminary inquiry shall be carried out in accordance with the rules of ordinary
law subject to the provisions of this part:

(3) Except in the case of a simple offence, an infant shall not be prosecuted by direct
summons.

(4) The State Counsel or the Examining Magistrate shall inform the parents, guardian or
custodian of the infant that proceedings have been instituted against the minor.

Section 701:

(1) The Examining Magistrate shall carry out all measures of investigation necessary of reveal
the personality of the minor.

(2)

(a) He may, in particular, order a social investigation into the material and moral situation of
the family of the minor, his character and antecedents, his attendance at school and
general behaviour, and the conditions of his up-bringing.
(b) He shall entrust the investigation to the social welfare service or failing this, to any other
qualified person.

(3) The Examining Magistrate may order a medical examination and any psychiatric tests, if
need be.

(4) He may, by a reasoned ruling, decide to place 1he minor in a welfare reception centre or in
an observation centre.

Section 702:

(1) The Examining Magistrate may entrust the custody of a minor to:

(a) his parents, guardian, custodian or any other trustworthy person;
(b) a welfare centre or an observation home;

(c) any specialized institution;
(d) a vocational training or health centre.

(2) Any order to place a minor in one of the institutions mentioned in sub-section (1) shall
always state the reasons for the custody and shall specify the du ration thereof not to exceed
the date when judgment is delivered.

(3) Measures of custody of a minor shall be taken in the best interest of the minor, and may be
cancelled or changed at any time.

Section 703:

(1) In the absence of a birth certificate of the infant, his age shall be determined by a medical
officer who shall issue a medical certificate of apparent age.

(2) Where only the year of birth of a person is known, he shall be presumed to have been born
on the 31 si day of December of that year.

cameroon criminal procedure code

CHAPTER II – TEMPORARY DETENTION OF JUVENILES

Section 704:

A minor of twelve (12) to fourteen (14) years of age shall not be remanded in
custody, except when he is accused of capital murder or of assault occasioning death.

Section 705:

A minor aged between fourteen (14) and eighteen (18) may be remanded in
custody only if this measure is considered indispensable.

Section 706:

(1) Infants shall be detained only in:

– a Borstal institution;

– a special section of a prison meant for the detention of minors.

(2) Where there is no Borstal institution or special section of a prison, the infant may be
detained in a prison for adults but must be separated from them.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 707:

Where minors are being transferred, or when they are brought before an
Examining Magistrate or before the court, steps shall be taken to prevent any contact with
adult detainees, or with the public.

Section 708:

When an infant is released on bail, the Examining Magistrate or the court
require:

– a written undertaking binding him over to be of good behaviour and to appear at any time
when he is required to do so;

– a recognizance entered into by his father, mother, guardian or custodian to guarantee his
appearance in court when so required;

– an oral engagement by any person worthy of trust, guaranteeing the minor’s appearance
in Court.

CHAPTER III – COMPOSITION OF THE COURT OF FIRST INSTANCE SITTING IN CASES OF JUVENILE DELINQUENCY

Section 709:

(1) The Court of First Instance sitting in cases of juvenile delinquency shall comprise:

– a magistrate of the bench, President;
– two Assessors, members;
– a Representative of the Legal Department;
– a Registrar.

(2) Assessors and alternate assessors shall be appointed for a term of two (2) years by a joint
decision of the Ministers in charge of Justice and of Social Affairs. They shall be chosen from
among persons of both sexes of Cameroonian nationality aged thirty (30) years at least, and
who are known for the interest they take in matters affecting juveniles or for their competence
in that field.

(3) Prior to assuming their duties, they shall take oath before the Court of First Instance to be
true and loyal in the discharge of their duties and scrupulously keep the secrets of
deliberations.

(4) A report on the oath-taking shall be made.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 710:

Assessors shall have the right to deliberate and vote on the sentences and
measures to be taken against the infant.

They shall be consulted on all other issues.

Section 711:

Where the assessors who are duly summoned fail to be present, the President
shall, after ascertaining their absence, sit alone and mention of this fact shall be made in the
judgment.

Section 712:

A special register shall be kept in the registry containing all decisions relating to
infants of less than eighteen (18) years.

CHAPTER IV – JURIDICTION

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 713:

The Court of First Instance sitting in cases of juvenile delinquency shall have
jurisdiction to try all felonies, misdemeanours and simple offences committed by minors aged
more than ten (10) years but less than eighteen (18) years of age. However, where there are
accomplices or co-offenders who are adults, only the ordinary law courts shall have jurisdiction
to hear the case.

Section 714:

The following courts shall have jurisdiction to try minors:

– the court of the place where the offence is committed;

– the court of the place of residence of his parents, custodian or guardian;

– the court of the place where the minor has been found;

– the court of the place where the minor has been placed permanently or provisionally.

Section 715:

The provisions of section 59 above shall be applicable in cases of prosecution of
minors.

Section 716:

Where an infant is involved in the same case as one or more adults, the
preliminary inquiry shall be carried out in conformity with the rules of ordinary law, subject to
the provisions of sections 701 and following of this code.

cameroon criminal procedure code

CHAPTER V – TRIAL

Section 717:

The court shall take cognizance of the social welfare report drawn up in
accordance with section 702 (2) only after the infant has been found guilty.

Section 718:

(1) The Presiding Magistrate shall explain to the minor in simple language the nature of the
charges brought against him. Then, he shall enquire whether he admits the commission of the
offence either as a principal or accessory.

(2) Irrespective of the infant’s reply, the court shall:

– hear the testimonies of witnesses; enable the minor or his representatives to put
relevant questions to the witnesses;
– hear any statement the minor himself may wish to make, in which case the Presiding
Magistrate shall put questions to the witnesses, or to the minor as he deems fit.

SUB-CHAPTER I – FULL TRIAL

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 719:

(1) The Court of First Instance sitting in cases of juvenile delinquency shall apply the
procedure applicable in ordinary courts subject to the provisions of sections 721 and following.

(2) A minor shall be assisted by counsel or by any other person who is a specialist in the
protection of children’s rights.

(3) Where the minor has no counsel, the court shall, of its own motion, assign one to him.

(4) Where the minor’s counsel, who has been summoned by ail means with written pro of,
does not attend two consecutive court sessions, the court shall assign another counsel.
Mention of this fact shall be made in the record book and in the judgment.

Section 720:

(1) Under pain of the trial being declared a nullity, the hearing of any matter in which a juvenile
is implicated shall be in camera.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1), the only persons entitled to attend the
hearing shall be the parents, the infant’s custodian or guardian as well as the witnesses,
counsel, the representatives of services or institutions dealing with problems relating to
children and probation officers.

However the Presiding Magistrate may:

(a) authorize the presence of the representatives of organizations responsible for the
protection of human rights and the right of the child at the hearing;
(b) read out the statement of the social welfare officer drawn up pursuant to section 701 and
put any question relevant to this information either to the infant himself or to his parents or
guardian.

(3) The Presiding Magistrate may, at any lime, request the infant to withdraw during ail or part
of the rest of the hearing. He way likewise order the witnesses to withdraw after giving
evidence.

Section 721:

(1) The court shall not stay the trial except in the following cases:

(a) where the minor’s age cannot be ascertained;
(b) where it is deemed necessary to proceed to a further medical examination, medico
psychological or further inquiry;
(c) if it is deemed necessary to fix an observation period.

(2) Judgment shall be pronounced at a public hearing in the presence of the minor and may be
published provided that no mention be made of the minor’s name or initials and that no
personal or family particu1ars be disclosed concerning him, under pain of the penalties
provided for in section 198 of the Penal Code.

Section 722:

The court may also order the restitution of any goods or chattels impounded by
law.

cameroon criminal procedure code

SUB-CHAPTER II – JUDGMENT IN DEFAULT

Section 723:

(1) Where a minor has absconded or disappeared, the court may order any measures which it
deems necessary to ensure the appearance of the infant in court It may in particular, by a
reasoned decision, order that the infant be brought and detained in a prison subject to the
conditions provided for in this section.

(2) The minor shall appear at the earliest possible date before the court which made the
decision referred 10 in sub-section (1).

(3) Where the minor cannot be found and the interest to third parties requires that the matter
be adjudicated upon, the minor shall be tried in absentia.

CHAPTER VI – APPLICATION MEASURES AND PENALTIES

Section 724:

If a minor aged fourteen (14) years or less is found guilty, the court shall
admonish him before ordering one of the following measures :

(a) entrusting the infant to the custody of his parents, guardian, custodian or to any
trustworthy person;
(b) placing him on probation;
(c) placing him in a vocational or health centre;
(d) placement in a specialised institution;
(e) requiring him to enter into a preventive recognizance.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 725:

(1) Where a minor aged more than fourteen (14) years but less than eighteen (18) years is
found guilty, the court shall, by a reasoned decision:

(a) pass sentence in accordance with the provisions of sections 80 (3) and 87 of the Penal
Code;

(b) order one of the measures provided under section 724 above.

(2)

(a) In the case of a non-suspended term of imprisonment, only probation may be ordered in
addition.

(b) The probation order shall take effect after the term of imprisonment has been served.

Section 726:

(1) When one of the measures provided for in sections 724 and 725 has been decided upon,
the judgment delivered shall place the infant in custody until the end of his education, until he
attains civil majority.

(2) Any minor placed in an authorized institution or granted leave of absence by the director
thereof, shall be deemed to be in a state of legal detention and shall be arrested by warrant in
the event of escape and sent back to the institution.

(3) The court may, before a decision on the merits, order provisional probation for a particular
length of time as an observation period.

Section 727:

All judgments delivered by courts sitting in cases of juvenile delinquency shall be
exempted from stamp duty and shall be registered free of charge.

Section 728:

The methods for the reimbursement of maintenance, re-education and
supervisory expenses for minors entrusted to persons, institutions or services shall be laid
down by statutory instruments.

cameroon criminal procedure code

CHAPTER VII – SIMPLE OFFENCES

Section 729:

(1) Where a minor aged fourteen (14) to eighteen (18) years is found guilty of a simple
offence, the court shall reprimand the minor as well as his parents, guardian or custodian and
shall warn them of the consequences of its re-commission. This reprimand is entered into a
special register.

(2) Where the minor fails to appear in court, the reprimand which is destined for him shall be
served on his parents, guardian or custodian, as the case may be, by registered letter. The
letter shall also contain a warning of the consequences of its re-commission.

(3) In case of a previous conviction, the measures and penalties provided for under sections
725 and 726 shall be applicable to the minor.

(4) If the court deems it necessary to apply a measure of judicial supervision, it shall order that
the infant be placed on probation.

CHAPTER VIII – PROBATION OF THE JUVENILE

Section 730:

The probation of a juvenile shall be a measure whereby an infant is entrusted to
his parents, guardian or custodian and is supervised by specially trained persons known as
probation officers. Probation shall consist of means of support, protection, supervision and
education.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 731:

(1) The re-education of infants placed on probation shall be entrusted to regular and voluntary
probation officers acting under the authority of the President of the Court of First Instance.

(2) Regular probation officers shall be appointed by a joint order of the Minister in charge of
Justice and Minister in charge of Social Affairs. They shall be responsible for directing and
coordinating the action of voluntary probation officers and for re-educating infants specially
entrusted to their care by the court.

Section 732:

A voluntary probation officer shall be designated either in the judgment or by
order of the President of the Court of First Instance. He shall submit a report to the President
of the court on his mission according to the calendar fixed in the judgment or order and each
time the circumstance so warrants.

Section 733:

The parents, guardian or custodian of an infant placed on probation shall be
bound to:

(a) supervise, protect, educate and support the minor;
(b) abstain form any act whatsoever likely to impede the work of the probation officer;
(c) present the minor to the President of the court according to the calendar fixed in the
judgment or order.

Section 734:

In the event of death, serious illness, change of address or unauthorized
absence of the minor, his parents, guardian or custodian shall inform the probation officer
without delay.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 735:

(1) In the event of infringement of one of the obligations provided for under section 733, the
President of the court may, after receiving the opinion of the Legal Department, order the
parents, guardian or custodian of the infant, to enter into a recognizance, and, if necessary,
with viable sureties, to pay an amount of money in case of a fresh infringement. The said
amount shall be fixed taking into consideration the financial situation of the parent, guardian,
custodian or sureties.

(2) The sum thus fixed shall be paid to the Registrar-in-Chief of the Court of First Instance.

Section 736:

The provisions of sections 557 and following, of this code relating to
imprisonment in default of payment shall not apply to infants.

CHAPTER IX – REVIEW OF PROBATION MEASURES

Section 737:

(1) An measures taken against juveniles by virtue of the provisions of section 724 may be
reviewed at any time at he request of the Legal Department, the infant himself, his parents,
guardian, custodian or the probation officer.

(2) The following shall have jurisdiction to entertain an application for review:

(a) the court which pronounced the initial decision ; and

(b) the court of the place where the parents, guardian or custodian of the infant reside.

cameroon criminal procedure code

CHAPTER X – SETTING ASIDE OF JUDGMENTS IN DEFAULT AND APPEALS

Section 738:

(1) A judgment of the Court of First Instance sitting in cases of juvenile delinquency is subject
to an application to set aside, or to an appeal to the Court of Appeal or to the Supreme Court
in the manner and within the time-limits provided in this code.

However, appeals shall not stay the execution of any measures pronounced against a minor.

(2) Ordinary law procedure in respect of applications to set aside and of appeals shall be
applicable to judgments passed against minors.

(3) Appeals may be lodged by the parents, the guardian, custodian, counsel or probation
officer without any power of attorney.

CHAPTER XI – COURT OF APPEAL SITTING ON CASES OF JUVENILE DELINQUENCY

Section 739:

Appeals against judgments of the Court of First Instance shall be brought before
the Court of Appeal sitting on cases of juvenile delinquency.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 740:

(1) The Court of Appeal sitting in cases of juvenile delinquency, shall be composed of:

– a President, who shall be a magistrate of the bench;

– two Assessors, members;

– a representative of the Legal Department; and

– a Registrar.

(2) The provisions of sections 710 to 712 shall be applicable before the Court of Appeal.

CHAPTER XII – CRIMINAL RECORD IN RESPECT OF JUVENILES

Section 741:

(1) All judgments delivered against minors pursuant to sections 725 and 726 shall be entered
in the criminal record.

(2) The provisions of sections 573 to 583 shall be applicable. However, mention of the
judgment passed against minors shall be made only on extracts of criminal record issued to
magistrates and public services.

CHAPTER XIII – COSTS ARISING FROM MEASURES FOR’ THE PROTECTION OF JUVENILES

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 742:

(1) The travelling expenses incurred by regular and voluntary probation officers in the course
of their assignment shall be refunded in accordance with the general rules and regulations for
the reimbursement of expenses incurred in criminal matters.

(2) The fees of counsel assigned by the court of its own motion shall also be paid as expenses
incurred in criminal matters.

Section 743:

Whenever a minor has been entrusted to the permanent or temporary custody of
a person other than his father, mother, guardian or the person to whose custody he had been
previously entrusted, or to some institution, the decision shall specify that a portion of the
monthly maintenance and travelling expenses be charged to the family. Such expenses shall
be recovered as court fees in criminal matters for payment into the Public Treasury.

PART XVI – COURT FEES IN CRIMINAL MATTERS

Section 774:

A special instrument shall fix court fees in respect of felonies, misdemeanours
and simple offences by specifying the amount to be paid, the conditions of payment and
recovery.

cameroon criminal procedure code

Section 745:

Costs incurred by the Legal Department for commencing and carrying out
criminal prosecutions and preliminary inquiries as well as the execution of judgments shall be
advanced by the Public Treasury. The cost shall be borne by the party who fails except in
cases where the court in its reasoned decision rules otherwise.

PART XVII – MISCELLANEOUS AND FINAL PROVISIONS

Section 746:

(1) All previous provisions repugnant to this law are hereby repealed, in particular:

a) The « ordonnance du 14 Février 1838 portant Code d’Instruction Criminelle »;
b) The « loi du 20 Mai 1863 sur l’instruction des flagrants délits» ;
c) The « loi du 22 Juillet 1867 relative à la contrainte par corps» ;
d) The«décret du 30 Novembre 1928 irlstituant les juridictions spéciales pour les mineurs»;
e) The « décret du 26 Février 1931 sur l’instruction préalable» ;
f) The« décret du 02 Septembre 1954 relatif au casier judiciaire» ;
g) The« arrêté du 20 Août 1955 fixant le taux de consignation d’aliments sur l’exécution de
la contrainte par corps» ;
h) The« loi n° 581203 du 26 Décembre 1958 portant adaptation et simplification de,la
procédure pénale» ;
i) The« n° 641LF/13 du 26 Juin 1964 fixant le régime de l’extradition» ;
j) The decree n° 66/DF/512 of 15 October 1966 to codify the rules in force in East
Cameroon concerning the prosecution of offences ;
k) The provisions of the Criminal Procedure Ordinance (Cap 43 of the Laws of Nigeria
1958);
l) The Evidence Ordinance (Cap. 62 of the Laws of Nigeria 1958) as regards criminal
trials;
m) The Children and Young Persons Ordinance (Cap 32 of the Laws of Nigeria 1958);
n) The Prisons Ordinance, (Cap 159 of the Laws of Nigeria 1958);
o) The provisions of the Southern Cameroon High Court Law 1955 as regards criminal
trials;

p) The provisions of The Magistrates Courts (Southern Cameroons) Law 1955;
q) Ordinance n° 72/6 of 26′” August 1972 to fix the organisation of the Supreme Court, as
regards criminal trials;
r) Law n° 90/45 of 19th December 1990 to simplify criminal procedure in respect of some
offences;
s) Law n° 75/16 of 8th December 1975 fixing the procedure and functioning of the Supreme
Court with regard to criminal matters;
t) The Prevention of Crimes Ordinance (Cap. 157 of the Laws of Nigeria, 1958);
u) The provisions of the Federal Supreme Court Ordinance 1960 parts IV, V and VI as
regards criminal trials;
v) The provisions of the Federal Supreme Court Rules 1961 Orders VIII and IX as regards
Criminal trials.

(2) All references made in this law, to the repealed provisions of local law shall be deemed to
refer to those which replaced them.

Section 747:

This law, which shall come into force on the first day of the thirteenth month
following that of its promulgation, shall be registered and published in the Official Gazette in
English and French.

CAMEROON CRIMINAL PROCEDURE CODE

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En savoir plus sur le code penal camerounais.

CAMEROON PENAL CODE

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March 15, 2021

The Cameroon penal code is one of the laws that define the crime and punishment of offenses committed in the territory of Cameroon.

CAMEROON PENAL CODE

LAW N0, 2016/007 of 12/07/2016 RELATING TO THE PENAL CODE

The Parliament deliberated and adopted, the President of the Republic hereby enacts the Jaw set out below:

PART I

BOOK I

CRIMINAL LAW

APPLICATION OF CRIMINAL LAW

CHAPTER I – PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS

SECTION 1: Content

The penal code is composed of:

a) book I comprising Sections 1 to 101;
b) book II comprising Sections 102 to 361 ;
c) the decree relating to regulatory provisions of the Penal Code which
define offences, comprising Sections 362 to 370;
d) sections 371 and 372, which lay down the transitional and final
provisions.

cameroon penal code (criminal law)

SECTION 1-1 : No exemption

All persons shall be subject to the criminal law.

Related Cameroon Criminal Laws

Cameroon Criminal Procedure Code
Cameroon Cybersecurity and Cybercriminality law

SECTION 2: General and special application

(1) This Code and every provision of criminal law shall be subject to the
rules of international law and to all treaties duly promulgated and published.

(2) Book I of this Code shall govern all other criminal law, unless special
provision has been made, even before the entry into force of this book,
concerning particularly the exclusion of suspension and the exclusion or
limitation of mitigating circumstances by a law or by regulations possessing
force of law. This Subsection shall apply actively from the 1st October 1966
inclusive.

(3) Any other general provision shall be subject to any special provision
on the same matter, save as otherwise provided.

CHAPTER 2 – APPLICATION OF CRIMINAL LAW IN TIME

SECTION 3: No retrospection

No criminal law shall apply to acts or omissions committed before its
coming into force or in respect of which judgment has not been delivered
before its repeal or expiry.

SECTION 4 : Less severe law

(1) A new provision of criminal law shall, if less severe, apply to any
offence in respect of which judgment has not been delivered before its
coming into force

(2) Where the new provision is more severe, the old law shall continue
to apply to offences committed before its coming into force.

cameroon penal code (criminal law)

SECTION 5: New preventive measure

A new law authorizing a preventive measure shall apply to any case
where judgment has not become final before its coming into force.

SECTION 6 : Abolition of offence, penalty or measure

Any penalty or preventive measure shall cease to be enforceable:

a) from the moment when the act or omission in respect of which it was
imposed is no longer an offence ;
b) on the abolition of the penalty or measure generally.

CHAPTER III – APPLICATION IN SPACE

SECTION 7: Offence within Territory

( 1) The criminal law of the Republic shall apply to any act done or
omitted within its territory.

(2) The territory of the Republic shall include its territorial waters and
the airspace above the said territory and waters, and all vessels and aircrafts
registered in the Republic.

Provided that no member of the crew of a foreign vessel or aircraft may
be tried for an offence committed against another member of the same crew
on board that vessel or aircraft, though within the territorial waters or airspace
of the Republic, unless the assistance of the local authorities shall have been
invoked or public order shall have been disturbed.

SECTION 8: Offence Partly or Wholly Abroad

The criminal law of the Republic shall apply:

a) to any offence of which any ingredient has taken place within its
territory ;
b) to any offence against the security of the State or of counterfeiting
the Great Seal or the current money of the State wherever
committed.

Provided that no foreigner may be tried for an offence to which the law
of the Republic applies solely by virtue of this Subsection unless he has been
arrested within the territory of the Republic or has been extradited to it.

cameroon penal code (criminal law)

SECTION 9: Abetment, Conspiracy, Attempt

The criminal law of the Republic shall apply:

a) to any act or omission within its territory constituting abetment,
conspiracy or attempt with a view to an offence without that
territory, provided that the said offence be also punishable by the
law of the place of commission ;
b) to any such act or omission without its territory with a view to an
offence within that territory.

SECTION 10: Offence Abroad by Citizen or Resident

(1) The criminal law of the Republic shall apply to any actor omission
abroad by a citizen or resident, which is punishable by the law of the place of
commission and is defined as a felony or as a misdemeanour by the law of
the Republic.

Provided that the sentence passed may not be more severe than that
provided by the foreign law.

(2) No citizen or resident may be tried for a misdemeanor against a
private party to which the law of the Republic applies solely by virtue of this
Section except at the instance of the authority controlling prosecution after

private complaint or after official request to the Government of the Repbublic by the Government of the place of commission.

SECTION 11: International Offences

The criminal law of the Republic shall apply to mercenary, racial
discrimination, piracy, trafficking in persons, slave trade, slavery, trafficking in
narcotics, trafficking In toxic wastes, money laundering, cyber criminality,
corruption and offences of misappropriation of public property committed
even outside the territory of the Republic.

Provided that, no foreigner may be tried in the Republic for such an
offence committed abroad unless he has been arrested in the Republic and
has not been extradited, and except at the instance of the authority controlling
prosecution.

SECTION 12: General Jurisdiction

Subject to the exceptions contained in this chapter, the Courts of the
Republic shall have jurisdiction to try any offence to which its criminal law is
applicable.

CHAPTER IV – FOREIGN CRIMINAL LAW AND JUDGMENTS

cameroon penal code (criminal law)

SECTION 13: Exclusion of Foreign Law

Subject to [wpcmtt id=”405″]Sections 9[/wpcmtt] and [wpcmtt id=”407″]10[/wpcmtt] of this Code and to this chapter, no foreign criminal law shall have any effect in the courts of the Republic.

SECTION 14: Foreign Judgments

No foreign criminal Judgment against any person shall have effect within
the territory of the Republic unless:

– the act or omission in question is defined by the law of the Republic
as a felony or misdemeanour under the ordinary law ;
– the regularity of the judgment, its finality, and its conformity with the
public policy of the Republic shall have been ascertained either by
the Court trying the person in question or by the Court of Appeal of
his residence at the instance of the authority controlling prosecution.

SECTION 15: Effect of Foreign Criminal Judgment

Such Judgment shall:

– be taken into consideration as a previous conviction for the purposes
of aggravation of sentence, of preventive confinement, of suspension
of sentence or revocation of such suspension, of revocation of
release on licence, of rehabilitation, and of amnesty ;
– found a good plea in the courts of the Republic convict or acquit,
provided that in the case of conviction the accused shall have served
his sentence or satisfied It by prescription or pardon.

SECTION 16: Exec ution of Foreign Judgment

(1) Any such judgment as is contemplated by Section 14 and has been
ascertained to conform to that Section, if passed against a citizen or against a
resident, and not enforced elsewhere, shall be capable of enforcement within
the territory of the Republic, unless enforcement shall have been barred by
release on licence, pardon, amnesty or prescription.

(2) Enforcement shall require the order of the court contemplated by
Section 14, which may also, in a fit case, impose the preventive measures
attracted according to the law of the Republic by the offence in question.

PART II – PUNISHMENT AND PREVENTION

CHAPTER I – PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS

SECTION 17: Penalties and Offences to be prescribed

No penalty or measure may be imposed unless provided by law, and
except in respect of an offence lawfully defined.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 18: Principal penalties

The following are principal penalties:

a) for natural persons:
– death penalty ;
– imprisonment ;
– fine.

b) for corporate bodies
• dissolution;
• temporary or final closure ;
• fine

SECTION 18-1: Alternative Penalties

The following are alternative penalties:

– community service ;
– reparatory sentence.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 19: Accessory penalties:

The following are accessory penalties:

a) for natural persons:

– forfeiture ;
– publication of the judgment ;
– closure of an establishment :
– confiscation.

b) for corporate bodies:

– ban, for a specified period of time, on the direct or indirect exercise
of any or all of its activities ;
– placement under judicial supervision for a specified period of time ;
– closure, for a specified period of time, of establishments or branches
having served in the commission of offences :
– publication or media broadcast of the judgment ;
– any other accessory penalties provided for by special instruments.

SECTION 20: Preventive measures

The following are preventive measures:

a) for natural persons:

– ban on exercise of activity ;

– preventive confinement
– post-penal supervision and assistance ,
– confinement in a special health institution
– confiscation

b) for corporate bodies:

– ban on exercise of activity for a specified period of time ;
– confiscation :
– placement under judicial supervision, for a specified period of time.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 21 : Classification of Offences

(1) Offences shall be classified as felonies, misdemeanours and simple
offences according to the principal penalties provided for them, as follows:

– a felony shall mean an offence punishable with death or with loss of
liberty for a maximum of more than 10 (ten) years and fine where the
law so provides :
– a misdemeanour shall mean an offence punishable with loss of
liberty or with fine, where the loss of liberty may be for more than 1O
(ten) days but not for more than 10 (ten) years, and the fine more
than CFAF 25 000 (twenty-five thousand) ;
– a simple offence shall mean an offence punishable with
imprisonment for up to 10 (ten) days or with fine of up to CFAF25
000 (twenty-five thousand).

(2) The nature of the offence shall not be affected by:

– modification of the penalty imposed by reason of an excuse or of
mitigating circumstances;
– aggravation of the penalty imposed under Sections 88 or 89 of this
Code.

CHAPTER II – PRINCIPAL PENALTIES

A – DEATH

SECTION 22: Conditions Precedent to Execution

(1) Every sentence of death shall be submitted to the President of the
Republic for his decision on commutation.
(2) No death sentence may be executed until the President shall have
signified his decision not to commute.
(3) No woman with child may be executed until after her delivery.
(4) No execution may take place on Sunday or on a public holiday.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 23: Execution

(1) Execution of a death sentence shall be by shooting or hanging as
may be ordered by the judgment and shall be public unless otherwise ordered
in the decision not to commute.

(2) The bodies of persons executed shall be returned to their families at
their request, but on condition of a quiet funeral.

(3) Nothing may be published by the press beyond the official record of
the execution and any official communique that may be released.

(4) The detailed application of this Section shall be prescribed by
decree.

B – IMPRISONMENT

SECTION 24: Imprisonment

Imprisonment shall mean loss of liberty during which the offender shall
be obliged to work, subject to any contrary order of the court for reasons to be
recorded in the judgment.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 25: Prisoner’s fund

(1)The proceeds of every prisoner’s work shall be allocated as follows:

– 1/3 to the Treasury ;

– 2/3 to the building up of a reserve fund for the prisoner

(2) The conditions governing the 1mplementation of this Section
particularly those with regard to the management of the fund, shall be laid
down by regulation.

C – FINE

SECTION 25-1: Fine

(1) Fine shall mean a financial penalty by virtue of which a convict,
natural person or corporate body, pays an amount of money, specified by
Law, into the Public Treasury.

(2) The maximum amount of fine applicable to corporate bodies shall be
five times that provided for natural persons.

(3) Where a corporate body is guilty of an offence punishable with
imprisonment only, the fine to be paid shall be from CFAF 1 000 000 (one
million) to CFAF 500 000 000 (five hundred million).

D – DISSOLLUTION

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 25-2 : Dissolution

(1) Dissolution shall mean capital punishment which may be passed
against corporate bodies.

(2) A judgment on dissolution may be passed against a corporate body
that has acted in violation of its object clause.

(3) The judgment on the dissolution of a corporate body shall refer such
corporate body to the competent court for winding up at the instance of the
Legal Department.

E – CLOSURE OF AN ESTABLISHMENT

SECTION 25-3: Closure of an establishment

The penalty of closure of an establishment shall mean the temporary or
final closure of an establishment considered to be a corporate body.

Such penalty shall prohibit the accused corporate bo , rrom carrying
ocit the activity through which the offence was committed

Such temporary closure may not exceed 5 (five) years and may not be
suspended.

F – ALTERNATIVE PENALTIES

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 26: Community service

(1) Community service shall be a sentence passed for offences
punishable with imprisonment of less than two years or with fine only. Such
sentence shall be executed for the benefit of a public corporation, a private
corporation charged with a public service mission or an association entrusted
with performing a community service.

(2) The sentence provided under Sub-section (1) above shall be passed
by the trial court in lieu of imprisonment or fine, after ruling on the plea of
guilty with the prior consent of the accused person.

(3) The court shall fix the period of community service which shall not
be less than two hundred hours or more than 240 (two hundred and forty)
hours and shall not be suspended.

(4) Community service shall be free of charge.

(5) The judgment shall state the period of imprisonment that may be
served by the offender in case of non-performance of community service;
such a period of imprisonment shall not be suspended.

(6) Community service shall be laid down by a separate instrument.

SECTION 26 -1 : Reparatory sentence

(1) Reparatory sentence shall mean a sentence passed for offences
punishable with imprisonment for not more than 2 (two) years or with fine
only.

It entails the obligation, for the offender, to indemnify the victim within
the period and under the conditions laid down by the court.

(2) The sentence provided under Sub-section 1 above shall be
pronounced by the trial court in lieu of imprisonment or fine after ruling on the
plea of guilty and such sentence may not be suspended.

(3) The Judgment shall state the penod of imprisonment that may be
served by the offender in case of non-performance of the reparatory
sentence.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 26-2: Application of alternative penalties

The conditions governing the application of alternative penalties shall
be laid down by a separate instrument.

SECTION 26-3: Persons excluded from alternative penalties

The alternative penalties provided for in Sections 26 and 26-1 above
shall not apply to persons who violate the law on arms, those who commit
sexual offences and those who cause bodily injury as specified in this Code.

G – LOSS OF LIBERTY, COMMON PROVISIONS

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 27: Commencement of sentence

(1) Where the offender has not been remanded in custody or where no
arrest or imprisonment warrant is issued against him at the time of judgment
in the circumstances authorized by the Criminal Procedure Code, no
sentence of loss of liberty may be enforced until it has become final.

(2) No woman who is with child or who has been recently delivered may
begin to serve her sentence until six weeks after delivery.

(3) A woman with child already remanded in custody shall continue to
benefit from the regime of remand in custody until the expiry of the period
referred to in Subsection 2 above.

(4) Where a husband and wife have been sentenced for the same or
different offences to imprisonment for less than a year, and are not in custody
at the time of sentence, and show that they have a fixed common residence
and a child under the age of 18 (eighteen) supported by them and in their
charge, the sentence on one may be suspended until expiry of the sentence
on the other.

SECTION 28: Calculation of Sentence

(1) In a sentence of loss of liberty expressed in days, each day shall
mean 24 (twenty-four) hours.

(2) Sentence of one month shall mean 30 (thirty) days

(3) Sentence expressed in months or years shall be calculated by calendar date

(4) SubJect to Section 53, the duration of the sentence the duration of the sentence shall include and run from:

a) the day on which the offender was taken into custody under that sentence;
b) in a case of concurrent sentences passed on different dates, the day on which he was first taken into custody under any such sentence.

(5) In case of escape, the period of unlawful liberty shall not be counted in the duration of the sentence.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 29: Separation of Minors

An offender under the age of 18 (eighteen) shall serve his sentence in a special establishment, or, failing such establishment, shall be separated from offenders over that age.

CHAPTER III – ACCESSORY PENALTIES

A – FORFEITURES

SECTION 30: Definition

The forfeitures applicable under this Code shall be the following:

(1)removal and exclusion from any public service, employment or or office

(2) incapacity to be a juror, assessor, expert referee or sworn expert
(3) incapacity to be guardian, curator, deputy guardian or committee,
save of the offender’s own children, or member of a family council:

(4) prohibition wearing any decoration;
(5) prohibition on serving in the armed forces;
(6) prohibition on keeping a school, on teaching in
in any educational establishment, and in general on holding any post connected with
the education or care of children.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 31 : Where applicable

(1) A life sentence shall carry with 1t for life the forfeitures prescribed by
the last preceding Section.

(2) Any other senten ce for felony shall carry with it the same forfeitu res
for the duration of the sentence and for the 10 (ten) years following its expiry
or release on licence unrevoked.

(3) The trial court may in any case covered by the last preceding
subsection, for reasons to be recorded in the j udgment, relieve from one or
more of the said forfeitures, or reduce their duration to not less than 2 (two)
years.

(4) To a sentence for misdemeanour, and where so authorized by law
the competent court may, for reasons to be recorded in the judgment, add, for
not more than 5 (five) years, one or more of the forfeitures prescribed by the
last preceding Section.

SECTION 32: Forfeitures and judgment in default

Where j udgment is passed in default, any forfeiture shall take effect as
from the date of publication of the notices prescribed by the Criminal
Procedure Code.

B – OTHER ACCESSORY PENALTIES

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 33: Publication of judgment

(1) Where the competent court may order publication of its j udgment, it
shall be posted in manner to be prescribed by decree for up to 2 (two) months
in the case of felony or misdemeanour or (15) fifteen days for a simple
offence.

(2) In such case, the competent court may order publication of its
judgment in such media as it may indicate.

(3) Any such publication shall be at the expense of the convict.

(4) Posting may be limited to the operative part of the judgment.

(5) The provisions under Sub-sections 1, 2, 3 and 4 above shall also
apply to corporate bodies.

(6) Information through print media …
as well as fair comments shall be allowed:

SECTION 34: Closure of Establishment

Where the competent court orders the closure of a business or
industrial establishment, or of any premises devoted to gainful activity, which
was used for the commission of an offence, such closure shall imply a ban on
the exercise of the same business or industry or activity in the same
premises, whether by the offended or by any other to whom he may sell,
transfer or let the establishment or premises.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 34-1: Placement under judicial supervision

(1) The sentence of placement under court supervision shall be
applicable to corporate bodies found criminally liable and shall consist in the
appointment of a judicial representative whose control mission and period
thereof shall be prescribed by the Court.

(2) The mission referred to under sub-section 1 above shall concern
only the activity in respect of which the offence was committed.

(3) The judicial representative referred to in subsection 1 above shall
render account of his mission as regularly as necessary to the competent
State Counsel.

(4) At the end of the judicial representative’s mission and based on his
report, the competent State Counsel shall seise the Court that ruled on the
placement under court supervision, for the corporate body to be relieved of
the measure.

SECTION 35: Confiscation of “corpus delicti”

(1) On conviction for any felony or misdemeanour, the competent court
may order confiscation of any property, moveable or immoveable, belonging
to the offender and attached, which was used as an instrument of its
commission, or is the proceeds of the offence.

(2) Such confiscation may not be ordered on conviction for a simple
offence unless specially authorized by law.

CHAPTER IV – PREVENTIVE MEASURES

A – BANNED OCCUPATION

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 36: Banned Occupation

(1) Upon conviction for a felony or misdemeanour under the ordinary
law, the court may, for reasons to be recorded in the judgment, forbid the
convict from continuing to follow any occupation found to stand in a direct
relation to the offence, and his continuation in which would give grave reason
to apprehend a repetition.

(2) Subject to any contrary provision of law, the ban may not be for less
than a year nor for more than 5 (five) years, after completion of service of the
principal sentence.

(3) For corporate bodies, the ban referred to in Sub-sections (1) and (2)
above shall correspond to prohibition, for a specified period, from directly or
indirectly undertaking one or several activities contained in its purpose.

(4) In case of subsequent conviction under the conditions provided for
in Sub-section ( 1) above and Section 88 of this Code for felony or
misdemeanour, the ban shall be for life.

B – PREVENTIVE CONFINEMENT

SECTION 37: Definition

(1) Preventive confinement shall mean confinement for from 5 (five) to
20 (twenty) years under a programme of work and social reformation, during
which the offender shall, in default of a separate establishment, be confined
separately from convicts serving a sentence of imprisonment.

(2) The internal working of the establishment, the programme for the
inmates, the details of their work, and the manner of their reformation shall be
prescribed by decree.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 38: Offenders not liable

No sentence of preventive confinement may be passed on a person
who would be aged less than 25 (twenty-five) or more than 60 (sixty) years at
the expiry of his principal sentence

SECTION 39: Where Applicable

(1) Sentence of preventive confinement may be passed on any offender
subject to Section 88 of this Code by reason of the following convictions,
including that accompanying the sentence, within the space of 10 (ten) years
exclusive of any sentence served and any preventive measure involving
personal restraint:

a) two (2) convictions for felony punished with imprisonment or with death
commuted first into imprisonment ; or
b) one such conviction for felony and two for misdemeanour, each
punished with more than 1 (one) year of imprisonment ;
c) four (4) convictions for misdemeanour, each punished with more than 1
(one) year of imprisonment.

(2) The said space of 10 (ten) years shall be counted back from the
date of the latest relevant offence.

(3) To be counted for the purpose of preventive confinement a
conviction must have become final and must have been for an offence
committed after the preceding conviction to be counted has become final.

(4) Previous convictions the sentences which have been commuted,
pardoned or remitted shall be taken into account.

(5) Previous convictions expunged by rehabilitation or by amnesty shall
not be taken into account.

(6) Previous convictions for offences committed by persons under the
age of 18 (eighteen) shall not be taken into account.

C – POST-PENAL SUPERVISION AND ASSISTANCE

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 40: Definition and Duration

(1) Every offender sentenced to loss of liberty for more than a year may
on conviction, where the circumstances warrant and for reasons to be
recorded in the judgment, be subjected by the court for up to 5 (five) years to
post-penal supervision and assistance, consisting of general obligation and in a fit case, of added special obligations.

(2) The offender’s compliance with his obligations shall be
superintended by a Magistrate nominated m that behalf with the assistance of
salaried or honorary supervisors.

Provided that where the conviction is for felony or the offender was sentenced
under Section 88 of this Code for misdemeanour, his compliance shall be
superintended by the police.

(3) The detailed application of this Section shall be prescribed by
decree.

SECTION 41 : General Obligation

The obligations to which the offender shall always be subject shall be:

1. to establish his residence in a given place ;
2. to appear when called by the authority in charge of supervision and
assistance ;
3. to receive visits from the supervisor and give him all information and
papers useful for the verification of his means of support ;
4. to inform the supervisor in advance, and explain the reasons to him, of
any change of employment or residence ;
5. to inform the supervisor in advance of any absence of over 15 (fifteen)
days, and inform him of his return ;
6. to obtain the previous permission of the authority in charge before any
departure abroad.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 42: Special Obligations

In addition to the general obligations prescribed by the last preceding
Section, the Court may impose upon the offender any one or more of the
following special obligations:

1. to take up residence in one or more specified places ;
2. not to be present without special and temporary permission in
specified places ;
3. to remain in employment or follow a course of instruction or
vocational training ;
4. to submit to measures of control or of treatment, including treatment
in hospital, and in particular with a view to curing an addiction to
alcohol or drugs ;

5. to contribute to the family expenses or to pay regularly any
maintenance due from him,
6. to compensate any damage caused by this offence ;
7. not to drive any class of motor vehicle, defined in terms of the
classification in force for the purpose of driving licences ;
8. to avoid specified places, such as bars, race-courses, gaming-
houses ;
9. not to wager ;
10. to abstain from undue consumption of alcohol ;
11. to avoid the company of specified offenders, in particular his co-
offenders of the accessories to the offence ;
12. not to receive or lodge at his residence specified persons.

D – HEALTH INSTITUTION

SECTION 43: Insane Persons

(1) Upon acquittal for insanity on a charge of felony or misdemeanour
punishable wit h 2 (two) years imprisonment or more and where the liberty of
the accused shall have been found by the court to be a public danger, the
court shall order his confinement in a special institution.

(2) Such confinement may be terminated only by the same court upon
evidence by the competent medical authority that the liberty of the confined
person is no longer a public danger.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 44: Addict or partially insane

(1) Where an addict to alcohol or drugs, or a person suffering from
mental sickness is convicted of a felony or misdemeanor punishable with 2
(two) years imprisonment or more and related to his addiction or mental
condition, and where his liberty shall have been found to be a public danger,
the competent court may order his confinement in a special health institut ion.

(2) Such confinement shall not exceed 2 (two) years in the case of an
addict to alcohol or drugs, nor 5 (five) years in the case of the mentally sick.

(2)Such confinement may be earlier terminated by the court upon
evidence by the competent medical authority that the liberty of the
confined person is no longer a public danger.

E – CONFISCATION

SECTION 45: Confiscation

The confiscation of anything whose manufacture, custody, sale or use
is unlawful shall be ordered even if not belonging to the offender, and even if
the prosecution does not result in conviction.

CHAPTER V – RECOGNIZANCE

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 46: Wh ere applicable

(1) Any person who by his conduct or by his utterances shall have
exhibited an unambiguous intention to commit an offence which may disturb
the public peace may be required by the President of the District Court to
enter into a recognizance with or without solvent sureties in such sum as may
be therein fixed to refrain from commission of any offence of the like nature
for the duration of the period therein specified.

(2) The sum shall be fixed having regard to the resources of the person bound over.

SECTION 47: Period

Where the person required to enter into the recognizance is a habitual
offender, the period of the recognizance may extend to 3 (three) years, but
shall not otherwise exceed 1 (one) year.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 48: Recognizance by Parents

Where a person under the age of 18 (eighteen) shall have committed
any act defined as an offence, the President of the District Court may require
his parents, guardian or person responsible under customary law to enter into
the recognizance described by Section 46, to be forfeited if the said person
shall commit any similar act within the space of 1 (one) year, unless the
obligor shall prove that he took all reasonable steps to avoid the minor’s
committing the offence.

SECTION 49: Non-compliance

(1) Where a person required to enter into a recognizance does not do
so, or fails to find the sureties required, he may be immediately taken into
custody until he shall have complied with the order; but such custody may not
exceed the period for which the recognizance was required.

(2) Except under Section 48 the obligations described in Section 42 (1)
and (2) may be substituted for custody.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 50: Breach of Recognizance

(1) Upon conviction of an offence covered by the recognizance the
District Court shall without prejudice to any penalty incurred for the offence
order forfeiture of the sum therein fixed.

(2) Payment of the said sum shall be enforced as against the person
bound over in like manner as if it were a fine, and as against the sureties by
any civil process.

CHAPTER VI – CONCURRENT AND CONSECUTIVE SENTENCES

SECTION 51: Concurrent Sentences the Rule

(1) Where any person is convicted on several charges of felony or
misdemeanour tried jointly, or of simple offence tried with either, only one
sentence may be passed, not exceeding the maximum prescribed for the
most severely punished offence.

(2) Where any person is convicted on several such charges tried
separately, any sentence later passed may be ordered to run concurrently
with, or in the case of fines to be merged in, any earlier sentence; and where
it is not so ordered, the aggregate of the sentences may not exceed the
maximum prescribed for the most severely punished offence.

(3) In the calculation of such aggregate an earlier sentence reduced by
remission shall be counted at its reduced and not at its original length.

(4) No sentence may be ordered to run concurrently with, or to be
merged in, a sentence which had already become final before the act or
omission in respect of which the second sentence is passed.

(5) In respect of simple offences sentences shall not be concurrent or
merged unless the court shall so order.

(6) Subject to any contrary order of the court, several sentences other
than to principal penalties shall be consecutive as between themselves.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 52: Consecutive Sentences

(1) Sentences of loss of liberty shall be enforced in the chronological
order in which the imprisonment warrants were notified to the offender.

(2) Accessory penalties and confinement under Section 43 of this Code
shall run from the date when the sentence becomes final, while other
preventive measures shall commence from the expiry or suspension of the
principal sentence.

(3) Several consecutive preventive measures shall be enforced in the
following order:

a) Confinement in a health institution ;
b) Preventive confinement ;
c) Post-penal supervision and assistance.

(4) Where during the currency of any such measure the offender is
sentenced to loss of liberty for another felony or misdemeanour, the
preventive measure shall be suspended until the new sentence shall have
been served out.

SECTION 53: Remand in custody

(1) Where the offender has been remanded in custody, the duration of
such custody shall be wholly deducted from the computation of loss of liberty.

(2) Where the offender, after having been remanded in custody, is
sentenced with fine only, the Court shall relieve him wholly or in part of the
said fine.

CHAPTER VII – SUSPENSION AND REMISSION OF SENTENCE

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 54: Application and Effect

(1) Subject to any contrary provision of law, upon conviction for felony
or misdemeanour of an offender not previously sentenced to imprisonment, or
where after such sentence his conviction has been expunged, the court may,
for reasons to be recorded in the judgment, suspend for a period of from 3
(three) to 5 (five) years the enforcement of any sentence of imprisonment for
five (5) years or less, or for fine not imposed under Section 92 (2) (1) of this
Code

(2) Such suspension shall not affect any accessory penalty or
preventive measure resulting from the conviction.

(3) Where within the period so fixed, calculated from the date when the
judgment becomes final, the offender commits a further felony or
misdemeanour for which he is sentenced to imprisonment, and where such
sentence is not suspended on probation, both sentences shall be served
consecutively, that which has been suspended under this Section being
served first.

(4) The expiry of the said period shall otherwise produce the effects of
rehabilitation provided for by Section 676 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

B – PROBATION

SECTION 55: Where Applicable

(1) In any case where a sentence of 6 (six) months or more of
imprisonment may be suspended, suspension may be combined with
probation.

(2) When combined with probation suspension may also be granted to
an offender with a previous sentence of imprisonment suspended without
probation or with a previous sentence of imprisonment for less than 6 (six)
months not suspended.

(3) The period of probation may not be less than 3 (three) nor more
than 5 (five) years.

(4) Subject to subsections (1) and (2), Section 54 of this Code shall
apply to suspension on probation.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 56: Meaning of Probation

(1) Probation shall mean the subjection of the offender to general and,
in a fit case, to added special obligations of supervision and assistance.

(2) The offender’s compliance with his obligations shall be
superintended by a Magistrate nominated in that behalf, with the assistance
of salaried or honorary probation officers.

(3) The probation officer shall be chosen and may be replaced by the
Magistrate in charge.

(4) The Magistrate in charge at the offender’s residence may at any
time for reasons to be recorded in writing suspend all or any of the special
obligations or vary them, but not so as to make them more burdensome.

SECTION 57: General Obligati ons

An offender on probation shall always be subject to the general
obligations prescribed by Section 4 1 of this Code, save that for the supervisor
shall be substituted the probation officer.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 58: Special Obligations

In addition to the general obligations prescribed by the last preceding
Section, the judgment may subject the offender to one or more of the special
obligations described by Section 42.

SECTION 59: Duties of Probation Officer

(1) The probation officer shall be bound to satisfy himself that the
offender observes the general and special obligations of his probation, and in
addition to stimulate and encourage the offender’s efforts in the direction of
reform, in particular his family and occupational readaptation.

(2) He shall be bound to afford the offender all moral support in his
power, and it shall be his duty, where the offender is in need of financial
support, to apply to the Magistrate in charge to approach any social
assistance organization with a view to a grant.

(3) He shall report regularly to the said Magistrate on the progress of his
task, and shall refer to him in case of difficulty.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 60: Breach of Obligations

(1) Where during the period of probation the offender shall have broken
any general or special obligation, the court which suspended the sentence
may order its enforcement.

(2) Such order shall not carry with it revocation of any
suspension without probation.

13) Where a suspended sentence has not been revoked under this
Section or Section 54 of this Code, the expiry of the period shall produce the
effects provided for in Section 676 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

C – RELEASE ON LICENCE

SECTION 61: Definition

(1) Release on licence shall mean the premature release of a person
sentenced to loss of liberty, or subjected, by a convicti on decision, to a similar
preventive measure. Such release on licence shall be granted and revoked
by decree.

(2) The general conditions and detailed procedure for grant and
revocation of release on licence shall be prescribed by decree.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 62: Suspension of Measures

(1) The decree granting release on licence also suspends enforcement
of any order of confinement in a special health establishment, or of preventive
confinement, or of post-penal supervision and assistance, or of banned
occupation which would follow on release from the principal penalty.

(2) Such suspension shall become definitive 5 (five) years after the
expiry of the principal penalty.

SECTION 63: Time for Grant

(1) Release on licence from a principal penalty may not be granted
before service of half the sentence, or of the aggregate of consecutive
sentences, regard being had to remissions if any. It may not be granted to a
recidivist before service of two-thirds of the sentence.

(2) A person under preventive confinement may not be granted release
on licence before service of 5 (five) years of the sentence.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 64: Revocation

(1) Release on licence may be revoked on conviction for felony or
misdemeanor later committed or for breach of any of the general or special
conditions of the licence.

(2) In case of revocation the period of liberty shall not be counted in the
duration of the sentence.

D – SUSPENSION OF POST-PENAL MEASURES

SECTION 65: Suspension of Post-penal Measures

(1) On the proposal of the authority contemplated by Section 40 (2), the
court which has ordered post-penal measures, may at any time, for reasons
to be recorded in the order, suspend all or any of the special obligations
imposed, or vary them, but not so as to make them more burdensome.

(2) Such suspension may at any time in like manner be revoked.

(3) The duration of such suspension, whether or not revoked, shall be
counted in the duration of the measures.

E – PARDON – PRESCRIPTION – DEATH

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 66: Pardon

Pardon shall mean the commutation or remission, in whole or in part
and with or without conditions, of a penalty or preventive measure or of the
obligations of a probation order.

SECTION 67: Prescription

(1) Where a principal penalty has remained unenforced for the following
periods after judgment has become final, neither it nor any accessory penalty
or preventive measure accompanying it may any longer be enforced:

a) for felony: 20 (twenty) years ;
b) for misdemeanour and simple offence tried with mi’sdemeanour: 5
(five) years ;
c) for any other simple offence: 2 (two) years.

(2) Prescription shall be suspended while enforcement of the sentence
is prevented by any consideration of law or of fact apart from the offender’s
will.

Time shall begin to run again on the intervention of an enforcement
measure taken before the completion of the period.

A person convicted in default may no longer appear to serve his
sentence after prescription

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 68: Death

The offender’s death shall not prevent enforcement of pecuniary
sentences against his estate or closure of an establishment, or confiscation.

A – REHABILITATION

SECTION 69: Definition and Effect

(1) Rehabilitation is a measure which, unless otherwise provided by
law, expunges a conviction for felony or misdemeanour. It puts an end to any
accessory penalty and to any preventive measure except to confinement in a
health institution and closure of an establishment.

(2) Where a person has been convicted more than once, rehabi litation
shall apply to all the convictions.

(3) Rehabilitation shall be as of right or by court judgment.

(4) a) In order to be rehabilitated, an offender shall show proof of
payment of all costs and damages or of any reduction thereof granted him.
Otherwise, he shall prove that he served an imprisonment term in default of
payment.

b) Where he is convicted of fraudulent bankruptcy, he shall prove
the discharge of his liabilities relating to capital, interest and expenses or
prove that a reduction was granted him.
c) Where the civil party cannot be found, the amount due him shall
either be paid to his representative or, otherwise, into the deposit and
guarantee fund.
d) Where the offender claims that the civil party has refused the
amount due him, he shall show proof of such refusal and pay the said amount
into the deposit and guarantee fund.
e) The four-year prescription shall not be applicable hereto.

(5) a) Rehabilitation shall not as of right restore any decoration forfeited
nor automatically reinstate the person rehabilitated in any orders from which
he would have been debarred;

b) Police supervisory and security measures against the offender
shall remain enforceable,
c) Amounts paid in satisfaction of pecuniary sentences and
confiscations from the person rehabilitated shall remain with the Public
Treasury and shall be non-refundable;
d) Rehabilitation shall not as of right reinstate anyone in public office
or employment, rank, public or ministerial positions nor shall it give rise to any
reconstitution of his career.

However, the person rehabilitated shall regain the rights forfeited such
as parental authority, guardianship, electoral rights and the right to appear as
a witness in court.

e) Rehabilitation shall not bar an application for review of judgment
with a view to establishing innocence.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 70: Rehabilitation as of Right

(1) An offender who has not had any further sentence of imprisonment
for felony or misdemeanour shall as of right be rehabilitated upon expiry of
the following periods:

– Five (5) years, for a sentence of fine ;
– ten (10) years for a single sentence of imprisonment of up to six
months;
– fifteen (15) years for a single sentence of up to two years ;
– twenty (20) years for a single sentence of up to five years.

(2) The period shall be 15 (fifteen) years for an aggregate sentence of
more than1 (one) year but not more than 2 (two) years.

(3) Sentences ordered to run concurrently shall be counted as a single
sentence.

(4) The said periods shall run, in the case of a sentence of fine, from the
date of payment or of prescription, and in the case of loss of liberty, from the
date of expiry of the sentence, taking into consideration any remission or
prescription.

(5) The partial or total remission of a sentence shall amount to its partial or total execution.

SECTION 71 : Rehabilitation by Court

(1) Any offender may apply to the court for rehabilitat,or’

(2) Rehabilitation may only be applied for after 5 (five) years in the case
of a conviction for felony and after 3 (three) years in the case of a conviction
for misdemeanour. These time-limits shall run from the date following the day
of his release in the case of a sentence to loss of liberty, or payment in the
case of a fine.

(3) The time-limit prescribed in Subsection (2) above shall be doubled in
the case of persons with a previous conviction

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 72: Rehabilitation after death

(1) In the case of death of the offender, the application may be followed
up or even filed by his spouse, his ascendants or his descendants.

(2) In the case of death of the applicant, any application for
rehabilitation already filed may be continued by the Legal Department.

B – AMNESTY

SECTION 73: Effects of Amnesty

(1) Without prejudice to any civil right, an amnesty shall expunge a
conviction and shall put an end to the enforcement of all penalties, whether
principal or accessory, and of all preventive measures pronounced in
consequence of the conviction, save confinement in a health institution and
closure of an establishment.

(2) Unless otherwise expressed, an amnesty shall bar the
commencement or continuation of any prosecution.

(3) Unless so expressed, an amnesty shall not relieve of the liability for
any expenses due to the Treasury in respect of a conviction which has
become final.

(4) Unless so expressed, it shall not affect the right of the Treasury to
any sums already collected in satisfaction of expenses, fines or confiscation.

(5) Unless so expressed, it shall by itself neither restore to any
decoration nor restore to any order forfeited.

–
(6) Unless so expressed 1t shall not ot 1tseIf restore to anv 0ublic
service employment or ffice, and shall give no right to restoration on the
positIon In a public service which, but for the convictlon, would have been
attained

(7) It shall be no bar to an application for revision with a view to
establishing innocence in fact

PART III – CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY OF NATURAL PERSONS AND CORPORATE BODIES

CHAPTER I – GENERAL PROVISIONS

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 74: Punishment and Responsibility

(1) No penalty may be imposed except upon a person criminally
responsible.

(2) Criminal responsibility shall lie on him who intentionally commits
each of the ingredient acts or omissions of an offence with the intention of
causing the result which completes it.

(3) Save as otherwise provided by law, no criminal responsibility shall
arise from the result, though intended, of an omission.

(4) Save as otherwise provided by law, there shall be no criminal
responsibility unless subsection (2) of this Section has been satisfied.

Provided that responsibility for a simple offence shall not require any
intention to act or to omit or to cause the result.

SECTION 74-1: Criminal responsibility of corporate bodies.

a) Corporate bodies shall be criminally responsible for offences committed
on their behalf by their organs or representatives.
b) The provisions of the subsection (a) above shall not apply to the State
and its agencies.
c) The criminal responsibility of natural persons who are authors of
reprehensible acts may be compounded with that of corporate bodies.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 75 . Ignorance of Law and Motive

Neither ignorance of the law nor motive shall be material to cnmIna1
responsibility

SECTION 76: Execution of the Law

No act or omission in execution of the law or authorized by law, and
performed in accordance with the conditions prescribed by law, shall
constitute an offence.

CHAPTER II – IRRESPONSIBILITY AND DIMINISHED RESPONSIBILITY

SECTION 77: Accident and Physical Compulsion

No criminal responsibility shall arise from accident or from irresistible physical compulsion.

SECTION 78: Insanity

(1) No criminal responsibility shall arise from the act or omission of a
person suffering from mental illness which deprives him of all will-power or of
the knowledge that what he does is blameworthy.

(2) Mental illness whose consequences are only partial shall diminish
responsibility.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 79: Intoxication

Involuntary intoxication shall have the same effect as mental illness.

SECTION 80: Infancy

(1) No criminal responsibility shall arise from the act or omission of a
person aged less than 10 (ten) years.

(2) An offence committed by a person aged not less than 10 (ten) years
and not less than 14 (fourteen) years may attract only such special measures
as may by law be provided.

(3) For an offence committed by a person aged over 14 (fourteen) and
under 18 (eighteen) years, responsibility shall be diminished.

(4) A person aged 18 (eighteen) years or over shall be responsible as
ar adult

(5) The age relevant to this Section shall be that attained at the date of
commission.

SECTION 81 : Threats

(1) No criminal responsibility shall arise from submission to threats, not
otherwise avoidable, of imminent death or of grievous harm as defined by this
Code.

Provided that where the act committed is defined as an offence
punishable with death or has resulted in death or in grievous harm, the
responsibility of the person committing the act shall be merely diminished.

(2) This Section shall not apply to a person who has voluntarily exposed
himself to the risk of such threats.

SECTION 82: Compulsion

Responsibility shall be diminished for an offence committed:

a) by a person aged less than 18 (eighteen) years under the compulsion
of his parents or of the person having charge of him, or responsible for
him under customary law ;
b) by an employee or subordinate under the compulsion of his employer or
superior.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 83: Obedience to Lawful Authority

(1) No criminal responsibility shall arise from an act performed on the
orders of a competent authority to whom obedience is lawfully due.

(2) This Section shall not apply where the order is manifestly unlawful.

SECTION 84: Lawful Defence

(1) No criminal responsibility shall arise from an act dictated by the
immediate necessity of defence of the person acting or of any other person,
or of any right of himself or of any other, against an unlawful infringement:

Provided that the means of defence be proportionate to the seriousness of
the infringement threatened.

(2) Intentional killing shall be proportionate tc a•· attack causing a
1easonable apprehension of deatt of grievous harm as aefined by this Code
of rape or of sodomy.

SECTION 85: Provocation

(1) Responsibility shall be diminished for an offence immediately
provoked by the unlawful act of another against the offender or, in his
presence, against his spouse, descendant or ascendant, brother or sister,
employer or employee, or a minor or incapable in his charge.

Provided that the reaction be proportionate to the provocation.

(2) Intentional killing or wounding shall be proportionate to a
provocation by violent blows or injuries.

(3) Intentional killing or wounding of a spouse or of his or her lover shall
be proportionate to the provocation of finding them in the act of adultery.

(4) In order to diminish responsibility provocation must be of a kind to
deprive an ordinary person of self-control.

SECTION 86: State of Necessity

No criminal responsibility shall arise from an infringement of a right of
property, not justified as lawful defence under Section 84, but inflicted in order
to protect the person acting or any other person, or his or another’s property,
from a grave and imminent danger not otherwise avoidable. Provided that the
means of protection be proportionate to the harm.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 87: Effect of Diminished Responsibility

(1) Wherever responsibility is by law diminished, the penalty provided for
the offence shall be reduced as follows:

a) The penalty of death or of loss of liberty for life shall be reduced to loss
of liberty for from 2 (two) to 10 (ten) years;
b) Any other penalty for felony shall be reduced to loss of liberty for from 1
(one) to 5 (five) years;
c) The maximum penalty for misdemeanour, whether of loss of liberty or of
fine, shall be reduced by half, and the minimum to that provided by
Section 92 (1) of this Code.

(2) Where responsibility is reduced for more than one reason or where
there are in addition ‘Tiitigating circumstances the minimum shall be that
provided by Section 92 ( 1).

CHAPTER III – AGGRAVATION OF CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITYOF NATURAL PERSONS AND CORPORATE BODIES

SECTION 88: Previous convictions of natural persons and corporate bodies

(1) A recidivist shall be:

a) any natural person or corporate body who, having been convicted for a
felony or misdemeanour, commits another simple offence classified as
felony or misdemeanour within the time-limit running from the date of
final conviction and which expires 5 (five) years after the execution or
expiry of the sentence ;
b) any natural person or corporate body who, having been convicted for a
simple offence commits another simple offence within the time-limit
running from the date of final conviction, which expires 12 (twelve)
months after the execution or expiry of the sentence.

(2) In case of recidivism, the maximum penalty provided for shall be
doubled.

SECTION 89: Public servants

(1) Subject to any special penalties provided for felonies or
misdemeanours committed by national, foreign or international public
servants, national, foreign or international public officers or national, foreign
or international officials, the fact of being a public servant established or
otherwise shall aggravate the responsibility of any such person guilty of any
other felony or misdemeanour against which it is his duty to guard or to take
action.

(2) In case of aggravating circumstances, the maximum penalty
provided for shall be doubled.

CHAPTER IV – MITIGATION AND SELECTION OF SENTENCE

SECTION 90: Mitigation

The benefit of mitigating circumstances may be given, for reasons to be
recorded in the judgment, save where they are by law expressly excluded.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 91: Mitigation in Case of Felony

(1) Upon a finding of mitigating circumstances in favour of any person
convicted of felony, the sentence may be reduced to not less than 10 (ten)
years’ loss of liberty if the offence be punishable with death, to not less than 5
(five) years if it be punishable with loss of liberty for life, and to not less than 1
(one) year in any other case.

(2) Where the penalty is reduced under the last subsection to 10 (ten)
years or less the court may add a fine of up to CFAF 2 000 000 (two million).

SECTION 92: Mitigation in Other Cases

(1) Upon a finding of mitigating circumstances after conviction of
misdemeanour or of a simple offence, the court may reduce to 5 (five) days
any sentence of loss of liberty, and any sentence of fine to CFAF 1 (one), and
may pass sentence of one such penalty only.

(2) Where the offence is by law punishable with loss of liberty only, the
court may substitute a fine of up to CFAF 1 000 000 (one million) for
misdemeanour or up to CFAF 25 000 (twenty-five thousand) for a simple
offence.

SECTION 93: Selection of Sentence

Sentence of penalty or measure shall vary, within such limits as may be
prescribed or authorized by law, according to the circumstances of the
offence, and to the public danger which it may represent, to the
circumstances of the offender and to the likelihood of his reformation, and to
the practical means of carrying it out.

CHAPTER V – ATTEMPT AND CONSPIRACY

SECTION 94: Attempt

(1) An attempt to commit a felony or misdemeanour shall mean the
performance of any act towards its commission unambiguously indicating an
irrevocable intention to commit it, and shall be treated, where execution has
been arrested or has failed solely by reason of circumstances independent of
the offender’s will. as the commission of the felony or misdemeanour
attempted.

(2) An attempt shall be punishable notwithstanding that complete
execution was impossible by reason of a circumstance of fact unknown to the
offender.

(3) Mere preparation shall not constitute an offence.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 95: Conspiracy

(1) Conspiracy shall mean the resolve concerted and determined
between 2 (two) or more persons to commit an offence.

(2) There can be no conspiracy between husband and wife.

(3) Conspiracy to commit a felony or misdemeanour shall be treated,
where execution has failed solely by reason of circumstances independent of
the conspirators’ joint will as the commission of the felony or misdemeanour
resolved.

(4) The responsibility of a conspirator voluntarily withdrawing from the
conspiracy before execution has commenced shall be diminished.

(5) No penalty may be imposed upon a conspirator who prevents the
execution of the offence resolved or who before any attempt at execution
informs the administrative or judicial authorities of the conspiracy.

CHAPTER VI – PARTICIPATION

SECTION 96: Co-offenders

A co-offender shall mean a person who, in agreement with another,
takes part with him in the commission of an offence.

SECTION 97: Accessories

( 1) An accessory shall mean a person who abets the commission of a
felony or misdemeanour, that is:

a) who orders or in any manner causes the commission of an act or
omission so defined; or
b) who aids or facilitates the preparation or the commission of such an
offence.

(2) Attempted abetment shall be treated as abetment.

SECTION 98: Punishment of Co-offenders and Accessories

(1) Subject to any special provision of law, a co-offender and an
accessory shall be punishable in like manner as a sole or principal offender.

(2) Circumstances resu lting in the irresponsibility of any person, or in
his exemption from punishment or reduction or increase of his punishment,
shall, where personal, affect only the person concerned.

(3) Circumstances other than personal shall affect any co-offender or
accessory who could have foreseen them.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 99: Foreseeable Consequences

(1) Any co-offender or accessory to the commIssIon or attempted
commission of a felony or misdemeanour shall also be responsible in respect
of any other offence committed or attempted as a foreseeable consequence
of the agreement or abetment.

(2) Any person habitually frunishing place of refuge or assembly to malefactors of whose felonious conduct he is aware shall also be liable to punishment as their accessory.

SECTION 100: Accessory after the Fact

(1) An accessory after the fact sha mean a person who after the
commission of a felony or misdemeanour shelters an offender or his
accessories from arrest or from Investigation, or who has custody of or
disposes of anything taken, misappropriated or otherwise obtained by means
of the offence.

(2) This Section shall not apply as between husband and wife.

(3) An accessory after the fact shall oe punished under special provisions of law.

PART IV – STATE LAWS

SECTION 101: Breach of State Laws and Others

(1) Where any law of either Federated State expressly so provides, any
breach of such law which is not defined o r punishable under this Code or any
other federated law shall be punished with imprisonment for up to 1 (one)
year or with fine of from CFAF 25 000 (twenty-five thousand) to CFAF
500 000 (five hundred thousand) or with both such imprisonment and fine.

(2) Breach of any order lawfully issued under such law shall constitute a
simple offence.

BOOK II – PARTICULAR CRIMES

PART I – FELONIES AND MISDEMEANOURS AGAINST THE STATE

CHAPTER 1 – THE SECURITY OF THE STATE

A – EXTERNAL SECURITY

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 102: Hostilities against the Fatherland

Any citizen:

a) taking part in hostilities against the Republic;
b) or assisting or offering to assist the said hostilities;
shall be guilty of treason and punished with death.

SECTION 103: Other Felonies Punishable with Death

Shall, if a citizen, be guilty of treason and, if a foreigner, be guilty of
espionage, and shall in e ither .case be punished with death whoever:

a) instigates a foreign power to undertake hostilities against the Republic;
or

b surrenders or offers to surrender to a foreign power or to its agents any
troops, territory, installations or equipment employed in me defence of
the nation, or any defence secret, or who in wh atever manner acquires
such a secret with intent to surrender it to a foreign power;
c) with intent to inJure the defence of the nation, damages any
construction, installation or equipment, or commits any malpractice
liable to prevent their normal working or to lead to an accident.

SECTION 104: Penalties of Ordinary Law

On reduction of the penalty provided by Sections 102 and 103, any loss
of liberty shall be imprisonment.

SECTION 105: Prejudice Punishable with Ten Years

Shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 10 (ten) years
or with fine of from CFAF 100 000 (one hundred thousand) to CFAF
10 000 000 (ten million), or with both such imprisonment and fine whoever in
time of peace:

1. otherwise than in order to surrender it to a foreign power, acquires a
defence secret, or reveals such secret to a person not entitled to
know it ;
2. with intent to surrender them to a foreign power collects information,
articles, documents or processes, where advantage could be taken
of such collection to injure the defence of the nation ;
3. intrudes by any deceitful means into any installation, ship, aircraft or
vehicle employed in the defence of the nation ;
4. carries out any drawing, survey or photographic or topographical
operation within any defence installation or within any prohibited area
around it as laid down by the defence authorities and without their
permission ;
5. loiters within a fixed distance prohibited by competent authority
around a defence installation ;
6. fl ies without permission in a foreign aircraft over the territory of the
Republic ;
7. sets up secretly a means of correspondence or of long distance
transmission liable to injure the defence of the nation ;
8. by any activity not approved by the Government exposes the
Republic to reprisals ;

–
9. enlists or undertakes training without prior permission of the competent Cameroon authorities.
In the Armed Forces or Police Forces of a
foreign country and engages in activities injurious to the defence of
the nation or in activities capable of eventually exposing the Republic
to a rebellion or an insurrection.”

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 106: Prejudice Punishable with Five Years

Shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 5 (five) years or
with fine of from CFAF 50 000 (fifty thousand) to CFAF 5 000 000 (five
million). or with both such imprisonment and fine whoever in time of peace:

1. carries on with the agents of a foreign power a course of
communication liable to injure the defence or diplomatic position of
the Republic ;
2. Within the territory of the Republic and without the permission of the
Government recruits or enlists any person for any foreign armed
forces ; or
3. by any activity not approved by the Government exposes any citizen
to reprisals; or
4. without permission from the Government surrenders or
communicates to a foreign power or its agents any invention
connected with the defence of the nation, or any information, study
or process regarding such an invention, or any industrial application
connected with the defence of the nation; or
5. by rashness, carelessness, or breach of any regulation, permits the
removal or observation, whether in whole or in part, and for however
short a time, of any article, equipment, document or information
entrusted to him or in his care, and knowledge of which is liable to
lead to the discovery of a defence secret; or
6. by rashness, carelessness, or breach of any regulation permits the
damage or destruction of any object, equipment or document
entrusted to him or in his care, where such damage or destruction is
prejudicial to the defence of the nation; or
7. being in control of any supplies, concern or undertaking on behalf of
the armed forces. or being agent for any supplier or a subcontractor,
causes the service to fail or to be delayed, be it merely by
carelessness; or
8. being in control of any supplies, concern or undertaking on behalf of
the armed forces commits a fraud in respect of the description, the
quality or the amount of works, of labour or of articles supplied.

9. enlists undertakes training without prior permission of the competent
Cameroon authorities, in the Armed Forces or Police Forces of a
foreign country

SECTION 107: Failure to Report

Any citizen who in time of peace fails to inform the defence,
administrative or legal authorities, so soon as he comes to know of it, of any
activity liable to injure the defence of the nation shall be punished as under
the last foregoing Section.

SECTION 108: Wartime

(1) Any citizen or resident who in time of war and without permission
from the proper authority

a) carries on any correspondent or relations with the subjects or agents of
the enemy; or
b) concludes, directly or indirectly, any business transaction with a subject
or agent of the enemy, or with any person residing in his territory.

(2) Shall be punished with imprisonment for from 10 (ten) to 20 (twenty)
years Whoever in time of war:

a) joins in any undertaking to spread alarm and despondency in the
defence forces or in the nation, with intent thereby to injure the defence
of the nation; or
b) commits any offence described by Sections 105, 106 or 107.

(3) Shall be punished with imprisonment for from 10 (ten) to 20 (twenty)
years. Whoever in time of war commits any act of any kind liable to injure the
defence of the nation shall, if no higher penalty be provided, be punished with
imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 5 (five) years, or with fine of from CFAF 50
000 (fifty thousand) to CFAF 5 000 000 (five million), or with both such
imprisonment and fine.

(4) For the purposes of subsections 2 and 3 of this Section, any state of
emergency, mobilization or siege shall be treated as time of war.

SECTION 109: Defence Secret

For the purposes of this Code a defence secret shall mean any
information of whatever kind liable to assist hostile undertakings against the
Republic and not already made public.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 11 0: Extension to Foreign Power

The provisions of the foregoing Sections may be extended by decree so
as to apply in like manner to acts committed against foreign powers.

B- INTERNAL SECURITY OF THE STATE

SECTION 111: Secession

(1) Whoever undertakes in whatever manner to infringe the territorial
integrity of the Republic shall be punished with imprisonment for life.

(2) In time of war, or in a state of emergency or siege, the penalty shall
be death.

SECTION 112: Civil War

Whoever provokes civil war by arming the people, or by inciting them to
take arms against each other, shall be punished with death.

SECTION 113: Propagation of False Information

Whoever sends out or propagates false information liable to injure
public authorities or national unity shall be punished with imprisonment for
from 3 (three) months to 3 (there) years and with fine of from CFAF 100 000
(one hundred thousand) to CFAF 2 000 000 (two million).

On reduction of the penalty provided by Sections 111 (2) and 112, any
loss of liberty shall be imprisonment.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 114: Revolution

Whoever by force attempts to alter the laws composing the Constitution,
or to overturn the political authorities set up by the said laws or to render
them incapable of exercising their powers shall be punished with
imprisonment for life.

SECTION 115. Armed Band

(1) Whoever, with intent to commit a felony defined by Sections 11 1,
112 and 114, or to hinder the operations of the forces of order against those
committing any such felony, forms an armed band, or holds any office or
command in it or joins in such band’s commission of or attempt to commit
such felony shall be punished with imprisonment for life.

(2) Any other member of such band shall be punished with
imprisonment for from 10 (ten) to (twenty) years.

(3) For the purposes of this Section an armed band shall mean any
gathering of 5 (five) or more persons of whom any one bears any arm, open
or concealed.

(4) The provisions of Section 95 (5) of this Code shall apply to this
Section.

SECTION 116: Insurrection

Whoever during an insurrection:

a) instigates or encourages by whatever means the gathering of the
insurgent; or
b) hinders by whatever means the summoning, the assembly or the
operations of the forces of order, or usurps their command; or
c) invades or destroys any public or private building; or
d) holds or seizes any weapon, ammunition or explosives ; or
e) wears any official uniform, garb or emblem, whether civil or military,
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1O (ten) to 20 (twenty) years.

SECTION 117: Weapons

For the purposes of the foregoing Section a weapon shall include both
an arm properly so called and any other article carried with intent thereby to
inflict bodily harm or material damage.

C – ACCESSORY PENALTIES

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 118: Specific Confiscation

On conviction for any felony or misdemeanour defined by this Chapter
the confiscation prescribed by Section 35 of this Code shall be ordered and
may also be extended to property not belonging to the offender.

SECTION 119: Confiscation of Unlawful Property

(1) Upon conviction for any felony or misdemeanour defined by this
Chapter, the Court may order confiscation of the offender’s property, of
whatever nature and whether or not held jointly, to which he can show no
lawful title.

(2) In time of war such confiscation shall always be ordered.

SECTION 120: General Confiscation

Upon conviction for any felony defined by this Chapter the Court may in
addition order the confiscation of all or part of the offender’s property lawfully
acquired.

SECTION 121: Forfeiture

(1) Upon conviction for a felony defined by this Chapter the duration of
the forfeitures described in Section 30 may not be reduced below 5 (five)
years.

(2) Upon conviction for a misdemeanour and sentence under this
Chapter to loss of liberty the Court may order such forfeiture for not less than
five nor more than 10 (ten) years.

(3)The duration of the post-penal measures described in Section 40 of
this Code may be extended to 10 (ten) years.

(4) Where the offender, in case either of felony or misdemeanour, is an
officer or official of the public service or a member of the armed forces, the
disqualification from public service may be for life.

CHAPTER II – OFFENCES AGAINST THE CONSTITUTION

A – ELLECTORAL OFFENCES

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 122: Electoral Fraud

(1)Whoever
a) registers on electoral registers using a false identity or
or who, during registration, conceals the fact that he has has been:

– convicted for an offence, even in default ;
– sentenced to an imprisonment term of more than 3 (three) months without suspension;
– sentenced to an imprisonment term of more than 6 (six) months
with suspension or probation;

– the subject of an arrest warrant;

– bankrupt, not rehabilitated and whose bankruptcy has been
declared either by a Cameroonian court or by a judgment
rendered abroad and enforceable Cameroon;

b) through false statements or certificates, registers himself unduly on an ellectoral register or who, through the same means, unduly register or cancels the name of a citizen;
c) upon losing his right to vote, participates in the poll;
d) votes, either by virtue of a false registration or by using the name and capacity of other registered votes;
e) votes several times, following multiple registrations;
f) charged during an election with receiving and counting the vote of citizens, subtracts, adds or modifies the ballot papers or includes a name that is not registered;
g) through false information, slanderous statements or any other fraudulent acts, cancels or diverts votes or causes one or several voters to abstain from the vote;
h) before or after the poll, failing to comply with legislative or regulatory provisions or through any other fraudulent act violates secrecy of the poll, prejudices its fairness, breaches the conduct of the poll and modifies the results thereof;
i) is found guilty of fraudulent acts in the issuance or production of certificates of registration or striking off from electoral registers;

j) uses personal data contained in the electoral register for purposes
other than elections
K) on polling day with or without violence, is found to be the author or
an accessory of the stealing of a ballot box or any other election
material

shall be punished with imprisonment of from 3 (three) months to 2 (two)
years or a fi ne of from CFAF 50 000 (fifty) to CFAF 500 000 (five hundred
thousand) or with both such imprisonment and fine;

(2) Where the author of the offence or his accessory is a public servant,
as defined under Section 131 of this Code, he shall be liable to imprisonment
of from 1 (one) to 5 (five) years.

Whoever:

a) through menacing gatherings, clamours or demonstrations, disrupts
election operations or infringes the exercise of the right or freedom to
vote ;
b) On polling day, is found guilty of insult or violence against the local
polling commission or any of its members, or through assault or threats,
delays or obstructs election operations;
c) through gifts, generosity, favours, promise of public or private
employment or any other specific benefits offered with the purpose of
influencing the vote of one or several electors, obtains their vote, either
directly or through a third party;
d) directly or through a third party, accepts or requests from candidates
the above-mentioned gifts, generosity, favours or benefits;
e) through assault, violence or threats against an elector, either by making
him fear to lose his job qr expose himself, his family or fortune to
danger, influences his vote,
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 3 (three) months to 2
(two) years or with fine of from CFAF 10 000 (ten thousand) to CFAF 100 000
(one hundred thousand) or with both such imprisonment and fine.

SECTION 123-1: Weapons during Elections

(1) Any person who enters a polling station with a visible weapon shall
be punished with imprisonment for from 10 (ten) days to 2 (two) months or
with a fine of from CFAF 25 000 (twenty-five thousand) to CFAF 250 000 (two
hundred and fifty thousand) or with both such imprisonment and fine.

(2) The imprisonment term may be extended to 4 (four) months d •ne
fine to CFAF 500 000 (five hundred thousand) if the weapon is hidden.

SECTION 123-2 : Political Demonstrations during the Electoral Period

(1) Any activity or manifestation of a political character shall be
prohibited within public establishments as well as in school and university
establishments.

(2) Any infringement of the provisions of Subsection 1 above shall be
punished with imprisonment for from ten (10) days to four (4) months or with
fine of from CFAF 25 000 (twenty-five thousand) to CFAF 250 000 (two
hundred and fifty thousand) or with both such imprisonment and fine.

SECTION 123-3: Misappropriation of Public Funds in Election Matters

Whoever, acting on his personal behalf or on behalf of a political party,
uses funds received in the context of public funding for purposes other than
those provided for under the Law relating to the Electoral Code, shall be liable
to with the punishment provided for in Section 184 of the Penal Code.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 123-4: Criminal Proceedings in Election Matters

Save in case of flagrante delicto, no criminal proceedings shall be
instituted against a candidate for infringement of any of the provisions of Book
II Part I Chapter 2 (A) of this law before the proclamation of the election
results.

B – CONCERT

SECTION 124: Against the Law, the Operation of a Public Service, or the Security of the State

(1) Any person in whom is vested any part of public authority, and any
public servant, who with any other such person concerts or determines:

– any measure contrary to law or to any regulation lawfully issued
thereunder; or
– any measure, including collective resignation, designed primarily to
obstruct or to interrupt the carrying on of a public service.
Shall be punished with detention for from 6 (six) months to 3 (three)
years.

(2) Where the object is between civil and military … f-
punishment shall be imprisonment … 1 (one) to 10 (ten) years

(3) Where the object of the concert described the last preceding
subsection is a felony against the security of the State, the punishment shall
be death.

C – TRESPASS

SECTION 125: On Legislature

Any public servant who:

a) assumes the exercise of legislative power ;
b) refuses to enforce any provision of law,
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 6 (six) months to 5 (five)
years.

SECTION 126: By Executive and Judiciary Reciprocally

Whoever:

– being the representative of the executive authority, issues any order
or prohibition to any Court; or
– being a legal or judicial officer, issues any order or prohibition to any
execution or administrative authority – shall be punished with
imprisonment for from 6 (six) months to 5 (five) years.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 127: By Judicial or Particular Immunities

Any judicial, legal or investigating police officer who prosecutes, arrests
or tries anyone in violation of any law conferring immunity shall be punish
with imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 5 (five) years.

SECTION 128: Unlawful Use of Force

Whoever requires or orders the intervention or the use of public force
against the enforcement of any provision of law or regulation, or against any
lawful order, whether judicial or administrative, shall be punished with
imprisonment for from 3 (three) to 10 (ten) years, and with fine of from CFAF
20 000 (twenty thousand) to CFAF 200 000 (two hundred thousand).

SECTION 129: Non-Compliance with Requisition

Any commander of any public force who does not comply with a lawful
requisition for its use by the civil authorities shall be punished with
imprisonment for from 6 (six) months to 2 (two) years

E • ACCESSORY PENALTIES

SECTION 130: Forfeitures

On conviction for any misdemeanour under this Chapter the Court may
impose for from 5 (five) to 10 (ten) years the forfeitures described by Section
30 of this Code.

CHAPTER III – OFFENCES COMMITTED BY PUBLIC SERVANTS

A – PRELIMINARY

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 131: Definition of Public Servant

For the purposes of any criminal law, a public servant shall include, any
judicial or legal officer, any law official, any employee or official of the State or
of any other body corporate governed by public law, or of a corporation or
semi-public corporation, of a law official, any Armed Forces or Gendarmerie
serviceman, any employee of the National Security or Prison Administration
and any person charged, whether continuously or occasionally with any
public duty, mission or task, while acting in the discharge of his office or in
relation to the said office.

SECTION 131-1: Foreign or International Public Servant

For the purposes of this Code, a foreign or international public official
shall include any appointed or elected legislative, executive, administrative, or
judicial officer of a foreign country, or of a public international organization,
and any public service employee of a foreign country or of any other public
corporate body.

SECTION 132: Aggravation for Public Servants

(1) Any public servant who uses force to any person shall be punished,
where no heavier punishment is provided, with imprisonment for from six
months to five years.

(2)The punishment provided by Sections 189 … Governmen
papers); 206 (licences and similar documents), 207 (official certificates); 291
(1) (false arrest), 292 (forced labour), 299 (invasion of residence); 300
(tampering with correspondence); 310 (professional secrecy); 315 (forged
certificate) shall be doubled where the offender is a public servant.

SECTION 133: Forfeitures, Confiscation and Publicity

(1) Upon conviction for any offence defined in this Chapter, or sentence
under Section 89 of this Code, the Court may impose on the public servant
found guilty the forfeitures described by Section 30 of this Code.

Provided that the Court shall be bound to impose the forfeitures listed in
Section 30 in the cases covered by Sect ions 134, 134-1 , 135, 136 and 161of
this Code.

(2) Where sentence is passed for any offence referred to in Sections
134, 134-1, 135, 136 and 161 of this Code, the Court shall be bound to order
the confiscation provided for in Section 35 and that its judgment be made
known by print, audiovisual and cybernetic media.

B – UNDUE ADVANTAGE

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 134: Active Corruption

(1) Any national, foreign or international civil servant or public employee
who, for himself or for a third party, solicits, accepts or receives any offer,
promise, gift or present in order to perform, refrain from performing or
postpone any act of his office shall be punished with imprisonment of from 5
(five) to 10 (ten) years or with fine of from CFAF 200 000 (two hundred
thousand) to CFAF 2 000 000 (two million).

(2) The penalty provided for in Subsection 1 above shall be
imprisonment for from one to 5 (five) years and with fine of from CFAF 100
000 (one hundred thousand) to CFAF 1 000 000 (one million) where the act is
not part of the duties of the corrupt person but has been facilitated by his
position.

(3) Any national or international public official who solicits and accepts
any retribution in kind or in cash for himself or a third party, in remuneration
for an act that has or has not been performed, shall be punished with the
penalties provided for under Sub-section 2 above.

(4) Penalties provided for under Subsections 1, 2 and 3 shall be
doubled where the offender 1s a Judicial or Legal Officer a Judicial Police
Officer an employee of the institution in charge of the fight against corruption
the head of an administrative unit or any other sworn public servant or
employee

SECTION 134-1: Passive corruption

(1) Whoever makes promises, offers, gifts and presents or yields to
requests liable to result in corruption in order to obtain either the
performance, postponement or abstention from an act or one of the favours
or benefits defined in Section 134 above, shall be punished in like manner as
under Section 134 (1) above, whether corruption produced its effects or not.

(2) Whoever makes gifts or presents or yields to requests for
remuneration for an act performed or deliberately not performed shall be
punished with penalties provided for in Section 134 (2) above.

SECTION 134-2: Exemption from Criminal Proceedings

In the application of Sections 134 and 134-1 above, criminal
proceedings shall not be brought against the person approached provided he
reports the acts of corruption to judicial authorities.

SECTION 135: Interest in grant

(1) Any public servant or government employee who takes or accepts
any interest, direct or indirect:

a) In any grant, contract or selection of tenders subject to his opinion or
which he supervised, controlled, administered or drew up; or

b) In any private concern, cooperative or corporation in which the State
has shares, in any authority or concession subject to his supervision or
control; or

c) In contracts or agreements signed on behalf of the State or a local
authority with a natural person or corporate body; or

d) In any business for which it is his duty to authorize payment or
liquidation;

shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 5 (five) years and
with fine of from CFAF 200 000 (two hundred thousand) to CFAF 2 000 000
(two million).

(2) The provisions of this Section shall be applicable to former public
servants as defined in Section 131 of this Code who, within 5 (five)
years from cessation of duties as a result of resignation, dismissal,
leave, placement on reserve or retirement or for any other reason
having any kind of interest in any grant, operation or concern
mentioned above and previously subject to their supervision, control
and administration or for whose payment or liquidation they were
responsible.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 135-1: Insider Trading

Whoever being:

a) a commercial or industrial company manager, or a natural person, who
by reason of their duties or professions, has insider information on the
situation or prospects of the issuer of stocks and shares whose
transferrable securities are on the market, performs or knowingly helps
to perform either directly or indirectly, transactions before public
disclosure of such Information, with the objective of obtaining an undue
profit;

b) a natural person who, in the course of his duties or profession, has
access to privileged information on the situation or prospects of the
issuer of stocks and shares whose transferrable securities are on the
market, and who beyond the scope of his ordinary duties of profession,
transmits the information to a third party with a view to obtaining an
undue profit;

c) natural person, in the exercise of his profession or duties, possesses
privileged information that is considered confidential, relating to the
implementation of a project by the State, regional and local authority or
any other public corporate body, uses the information to his advantage
or that of a third party so as to delay the envisioned project or to include
additional costs;
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 6 (six) months to 2 (two) years
and with fine of from CFAF 1 000 000 (one million) to CFAF 10 000 000 (ten
million) ;

The punishment shall be doubled where the offender …
or a public employee as defined by the Code

SECTION 135-2: Interference w ith the Financial Market

(1) Any natural person or corporate body who:

rigs the functioning of the market ;
– gives undue advantage to persons who would not have had it under
normal market conditions ;
– violates the right to equal information and treatment of investors or
their interests ;
– allows issuers and investors to engage in practices contrary to their
obligations ;
– habitually provides investment services to third parties without
authorization ;
– carries out negotiations or transactions other than those provided for
by the regulations in force on securities listed on the stock market
without referring to an investment service provider,
shall be punished with fine of from CFAF 500 000 (five hundred
thousand) to CFAF 5 000 000 (five million).

(2) Any natural person or corporate body who knowingly propagates
false or deceptive information on the situation or prospects of an issuer
whose securities are on the market such as to influence the prices, or
interfere or attempt to interfere, in any manner, with the proper functioning of
the market, shall be punished with imprisonment for from 6 (six) months to 2
(two) years or with fine of from CFAF 1 000 000 (one million) to CFAF
10 000 000 (ten million) or with both such imprisonment and fine.

(3) The accessory penalties provided for in Sections 33, 34 and 35 of
this Code may also be imposed by the competent court.

(4) The competent court may, in addition, and if need be, impose a fine
higher than the amounts provided for in Subsection 1 above and up to ten
fold the profit made. The amount imposed shall not be lower than the said
profit.

SECTION 136: Interest in concern

( 1) Any person whose duties include the supervision of any concern
undertaking or concession, or the expression of an opinion on its operations.
and who, in any manner, assists or shares in its financing or operation,
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 6 (six) months to 2 (two) years
or with fine of from CFAF 20 000 (twenty thousand) to CFAF 2 000 000 (two
million) or with both such imprisonment and fine.

(2) The like assistance or sharing, except by way of shares inherited,
within 5 (five) years of cessation of such duties shall be punished as provided
for in Subsection 1 above.

SECTION 136 -1: Prohibited Employment

Any public employee holding administrative functions, whether
temporary or not, of control, supervision, or counseling in a private company
who, before the expiry of a period of 3 (three) years, with effect from the end
of his functions, joins the managerial staff or enters into a contract of
employment with the said company, shall be punished with imprisonment for
from 6 (six) months to 2 (two) years or with fine of from CFAF 20 000 (twenty
thousand) to CFAF 2 000 000 (two million) or with both such imprisonment
and fine.

C – OFFENCES AGAINST THE PUBLIC I

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 137: Indulgence against the State

Any public servant or public employee who grants exemption from any
fee, due, duty, tax or contribution, or who sells at a lesser price than that
prescribed, any property of the State, of a cooperative, or of any authority or
corporation either public or subject to the administrative control of the State,
or in which the State holds, whether directly or not, the majority of the shares,
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 2 (two) to 10 (ten) years and
with fine of from CFAF 20 000 (twenty thousand) to CFAF 2 000 000 (two
million).

SECTION 138: Failure to Report Deficiency

Any public servant or foreign public employee, having knowledge of any
cash or book deficiency in the accounts of a public employee under his orders
or supervision, and fai ling to report the deficiency to the legal authorities or to
his immediate superior, shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one)

to 5 (five) years and with fine of from CFAF 100 000 (one hundred thousand) to CFAF 1 000 000 (one million).

SECTION 139: Negligent Custody

Any custodian who by negligence permits

– destruction, defacement or abstraction of any property described by
Section 187 of this Code, shall be punished with imprisonment for
from 1 (one) month to 1 (one) year and with fine of from CFAF
10 000 (ten thousand) to CFAF 50 000 (fifty thousand) ;

– abstraction, removal or destruction within the meaning of Section
188, shall be punished with imprisonment for from 3 (three) months
to 1 (one) year and with fine of from CFAF 10 000 (ten thousand) to
CFAF 50 000 (fifty thousand) ;
– breach of seals as described by Section 191, shall be punished with
imprisonment for from 6 (six) days to 6 (six) months;
– escape or rescue within the meaning of Section 193, shall be
punished with imprisonment for from 2 (two) months to 2 (two) years

D – OFFENCES AGAINST PRIVATE INTERESTS

SECTION 140: Abuse of function

(1) Any public servant or foreign public employee who takes advantage
of his position to infringe any private right or interest, shall be punished with
imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 3 (three) years or with fine of from CFAF
5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF 50 000 (fifty thousand) or with both such
imprisonment and fine.

(2) Where the offence is committed with the intent to procure to the
offender or to another any
gain of any kind, imprisonment, shall be for from 2 (two) to 10 (ten) years and
with fine of from CFAF 50 000 (fifty thousand) to CFAF 1 000 000 (one
million).

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 141 : Against Civic Rights

Any public servant who obstructs the exercise by a citizen of his
electoral rights, or his exercise or enjoyment of the rights mentioned in
Section 30 (1), (2), (4) or (5) of this Code, shall be punished with
imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 5 (five) years.
ss

SECTION 142 Undue Dema11d

Any public servant or public employee, notary public, public auctioneer,
bailiff or process server or representative of any such wh o demands any fee,
due, duty or tax which is not due, or any material benefit otherwise than on
payment of the proper price, shall be punished with imprisonment for from 2
(two) to 10 (ten) years and with fine of from CFAF 200 000 (two hundred
thousand) to CFAF (two million).

SECTION 143: Favouritism

(1) Any public servant who decides between parties based on favour or
ill will shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 5 (five) years.

(2) Where that person is a judicial and legal officer or an administrative

SECTION 144: Forgery of Official Act

(1) Any public servant or public employee who falsely makes or alters,
whether in its substance or in the dates or signatures of the parties or
witnesses, any deed entry or other writing which it is his duty to draw up,
record, certify or serve, shall be punished with imprisonment for from 10 (ten)
to 20 (twenty) years and with fine of from CFAF 300 000 (three hundred
thousand) to CFAF 3 000 000 (three million).

(2) Whoever uses such document shall be punished as provided fo
Subsection (1) above.

E – CULPABLE ABSTENTION

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 145: Failure to Suppress Riot

Any public servant who, having the power, the duty and the means so to do,
refrains from dispersing a riot within the meaning of Section 232 of this Code,
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 3 (three) months to 2 (two)
years.

SECTION 146: Failure to Protect Private Rights

Any civil servant, who, having the power, the duty and the means so to
do, refrains from preventing the use of force against any person, or his
deprivation of liberty or any obstruction to the exercise of his civic or

individual rights within the meaning of Section 141 of the Code shall be,
punished as an accessory

SECTION 147: Denial of Justice

Any person exercising judicial functions who declines, after having been
duly moved in that behalf, to issue a decision, shall be punished with
imprisonment for from 3 (three) months to 2 (two) years.

SECTION 148: Refusal of Service

Any public servant, notary public, public auctioneer, bailiff or process
server who, having been lawfully required, refrains from performance of any
duty of his office, shall be punished with imprisonment for from 3 (three)
months to 2 (two) years.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 149: Neglect of Preliminaries to Marriage

(1) Any registrar of births, marriages and deaths who registers a
marriage celebrated by himself:

a) without checking that all consents required for its validity have been
given; or
b) before the expiry of such time as may be prescribed in case the wife
has already been married,
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 3 (three) months to 1 (one) year
and with fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF 70 000 (seventy
thousand).

(2) The consequences of the irregularity in civil law shall be immaterial
to the applicability of this Section.

SECTION 150 : Keeping of Civil Status Register

(1) Any civil status registrar who:

a) makes any entry elsewhere than in the registers prescribed for that
purpose or fails to make such entries ;
b) having received a birth or death declaration fails to register it;
c) celebrates a marriage for which he is not territorially competent ;
d) makes an entry other than those provided for ;
e) knowingly registers a marriage for which banns were not published or to
which the impediment raised has not been lifted ;

f) regIsters a customary marriage which may not … certified by the customary heads or the two spouses

shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 3 (three) months
and with fine of from CFAF 2 000 (two ·thousand) to CFAF 40 000 (forty
thousand).

(2) Whoever, though bound by law to declare a vital event, and for no
legitimate reason, fails to do so, or makes a false or inaccurate declaration,
shall be punished as provided fo r in Subsection 1 above.

SECTION 151 : Persistent Neglect

(1) Any public servant or private sector employee whose persistent
neglect or obstruction is the cause of procrastination, delay or confusion, or
who persistently refrains from performing any duty of his office shall be
punished with imprisonment for from 3 (three) months to 2 (two) years and
with fine of from CFAF 50 000 (fifty thousand) to CFAF 500 000 (five hundred
thousand).

(2) Proceedings may be instituted only upon the prior complaint of his
superior.

CHAPTER IV – OFFENCES AGAINST PUBLIC AUTHORITY

SECTION 152: Contempt

(1) A contempt shall mean any defamation, abuse or threat conveyed
by gesture, word or cry uttered in any place open to the public, or by any
procedure intended to reach the public.

(2) The exceptions defined by Section 306 shall be applicable to
contempt.

(3) Prosecution shall be barred by the lapse of four months from
commission of the offence or from the last step in preparation or prosecution.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 153: Contempt of President

(1) Whoever commits a contempt of the President of the Republic or
any person exercising the whole or a part of their prerogatives, or of any
foreign Head of State shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) to

5 (five) years or with fine of from CFAF 20 000 (twenty thousand) to CFAF
20 000 000 (twenty million) or with both such Impnsonment and fine.

(2) Whoever commits a contempt of any foreign Head of Government,
or of any minister in charge of foreign affairs of a foreign Government, or of a
diplomatic representative accredited to the Government of the Republic shall
be punished with imprisonment for from 6 (six) months to 2 (two) years or
with fine of from CFAF 20 000 (twenty thousand) to CFAF 20 000 000 (twenty
million), or with both such imprisonment and fine.

(3) The truth of the defamatory matter may never be proved.

SECTION 154: Contempt of Public Bodies and Public Servants

(1) Whoever commits a contempt:
–
a) of any Court, of any of the armed forces, or of any public body or
public administration; or
b) in relation to his office or position, of any Member of Government or
of Parliament, or of any public servant;
shall be punished, unless, in the case of defamation, he proves the truth of
the defamatory matter, with imprisonment for 3 (three) months to 3 (three)
years, or with fine of from CFAF 100 000 (one hundred thousand) to CFAF
2 000 000 (two million), or with both such imprisonment and fine.

(2) Whoever, whether in speech or in writing intended for the public,
incites to revolt against the Government or institutions of the Republic shall
be punished with the penalties provided in subsection (1) above.

SECTION 155: Where not Public

Where any defamation, abuse or threat has been committed otherwise
than publicly against any person defined by either of the last two foregoing
Sections; the punishment whether of loss of liberty or of fine, shall be halved.

SECTION 156: Assault on Public Servant

(1) Whoever uses force on a public servant or otherwise interferes with
him, shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) month to 3 (three)
years and with fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF 100 000
(one hundred thousand).

(2) Where the force or interference is premeditated, or where it results,
intentionally or otherwise, in harm within the meaning of Sections 277 or 280

of this Code, the punishment shall be imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 10
(ten) years and fine of from CFAF= 20 000 (twenty thousand) to CFAF 500 000 (five hundred thousand)

(3) The Court may In any case impose the forfeitures described by
Section 30 of this Code

(4) Where the force or interference res ults unintentionally in death, the
punishment shall be imprisonment for life.

(5) Where the force or interference is intended to cause death the
punishment shall be death.

8 – RESISTANCE

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 157: Resistance

(1) Whoever:

a) by any means whatever incites to the obstruction of the execution of
any law, regulation, or lawful order of the public authority;

b) by force or other interference obstructs the performance of lawful,
duty by any person engaged in the execution of any law, regulation,
decision in the administration of justice or other lawful order shall be
punished with imprisonment for from 3 (three) months to 4 (four) years.

(3)In the case provided under subsection 1 (b) above, the punishment,
shall be for from 1 (one) to 5 (five) years if the offender or any co-offender is
armed.

SECTION 158: Collective Resistance

(1) Where the offence defined in the last foregoing Section is committed
by 5 (five) or more persons together the punishment shall be imprisonment
for from 1 (one) to (3) three years, and where at least 2 (two) of them openly
bear arms the imprisonment shall be for from 5 (five) to 15 (fifteen) years.

(2) Any co-offender who himself bears arms, open or concealed, shall
be punished with imprisonment for from 5 (five) to15 (fifteen) years.

SECTION 159 – Political Resistance (repealed).

C- 1NFLUENCE AND FRAUD

SECTION 160: Compulsion of Public Servant.

Whoever by interference or threat procures a public servant improperly
to perform or to refrain from any act of his office, shall be punished with
imprisonment for from 2 (two) to 10 (ten) years and with fi ne of from CFAF
20 000 (twenty thousand) to 1 000 0 00 (one million).

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 161: Procuring Influence.

(1) Whoever by assault or threat or by gift or promise corrupts a person
having any influence, real or supposed, with interest to procure any
advantage from any public authority, shall be punished in like manner as
under Section 160.

(2) Any public servant or public employee who for himself or a third
party solicits, receives or accepts any offer, promise or gift to procure any
advantage from any public authority or body placed under the control of the
public authority, any contract, operation or other benefit arising from
agreements concluded with pubic authority or a body placed under the control
of the public authority and in this way taking undue advantage of the real or
supposed influence that his status or office has conferred upon him shall be
punished in like manner as under Section 160 of this Code.

SECTION 162: Misleading Public Servant.

(1) Whoever by any false statement influences the conduct of a public
servant shall be punished with imprisonment for from 15 (fifteen) days to 3
(three) months and with fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF
50 000 (fifty thousand).

(2) Where the statement is a report relating to the registration of any
birth, marriage or death, the imprisonment shall be from 3 (three) months to 3
(three) years.

(3) Where the statement is made on oath the imprisonment shall be
from 1 (one) to 5 (five) years.

(4) Whoever by any means procures the entry in the criminal record of
any one person of the conviction of any other shall be punished with
imprisonment for from 1 (one) to (5) five years.

(5) Whoever by any means procures the improper issue to himself of an
extract from the criminal record of another person shall be punished with
imprisonment for from 1 (one) month to 1 (one) year

SECTION 163: Fraud at Examinations

Whoever commits any fraud at an examination or competition with
intent thereby to procure his entry into any public service, or any degree
certificate or qualification issued by the State or by a public service, whether
national or foreign shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one)
month to 3 (three) years or with fine of from CFAF 25 000 (twenty-five
thousand) to CFAF 2 000 000 (two million), or with both such imprisonment
and fine.

SECTION.163 – 1: Corruption in administrative competitive examinations

or other examinations

(1) Whoever, through corruption facilitates the success or causes the
failure of a candidate in an administrative competitive examination or other
examinations shall be punished with imprisonment for from 2 (two) to 5 (five)
years or with fine of from CFAF 200 000 (two hundred thousand) to CFAF
2 000 000 (two million) or with both such imprisonment and fine.

(2) Whoever through corruption declares successful one or more
candidates who did not sit for an examination shall be punished as provided
for in Subsection 1 above.

D- PERVERSION OF JUSTICE

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 164: Perjury

(1) Whoever in any proceeding gives on oath or affirmation false
evidence capable of influencing the decision, shall be punished, where he
may no longer alter it:

a) Where the proceeding terminates in an order of discharge, with
imprisonment for from 3
(three) months to 1 (one) year and with fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five
thousand) to CFAF 50 000 (fifty thousand) ;

b) Where the proceeding is a criminal trial and the charge is:

– of simple offence, with imprisonment for from 6 (six) months to 3 (three)
years and with fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF
100 000 (one hundred thousand);

– of misdemeanour, with improsinment for from one to 5 (five) years and with fine of from CFAF 10 000(ten thousand) to CFAF 500 000
hundred thousand);
– of felony, with imprisonment for from 5 (five) to 10 (ten) years and with
fine of from CFAF 50 000 (fifty thousand’ to CFAF 2 000 000 (two
million);
– of felony punishable with death, with imprisonment for life.
c) In the case of any other proceeding with imprisonment for from 1 (one)
to 5 (five) years and with fine of from CFAF 10 000 (ten thousand) to
CFAF 500 000 (five hundred thousand).

(2) Where the false witness has received any gift or accepted any promise,
any penalty of limited duration and any fine shall be doubled, and any such
gift shall be confiscated.

(3) Any interpreter who in any proceeding distorts the meaning of any
words or writing which he is bound to translate shall be punished in like
manner as if he had committed perjury.

SECTION 165: False Expert Report

An expert referee making a false report which he may no anger a ter
shall be punished as provided by Section 164 (2).

SECTION 166: False Oath

Any party to judicial proceedings other than criminal who swears falsely
to any point the truth of which has been committed to his oath shall be
punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 5 (five) years and with fine of
from CFAF 10 000 (ten thousand) to CFAF 500 000 (five hundred thousand).

SECTION 167: Concealment of Proceeding

Any party to judicial proceedings who keeps his opponent, by any false
pretence within the meaning of Section 318 (1) (c), in ignorance of any step
against him shall be punished with imprisonment for from 3 (three) months to
2 (two) years or with fine of from CFAF 20 000 (twenty thousand) to CFAF
1 000 000 (one million) or with both such imprisonment and fine.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 168: Concealment and Fabrication of Evidence

– (1) Whoever with intent to influence any judicial proceeding:
destroys or conceals any physical evidence or obstructs the
attendance of a witness; or
– fabricates or uses false physical evidence or misleads a witness;

shall be punished in like manner as if he had committed perjury, according to
the distinctions drawn by Section 164.

(2) Whoever obtains from any person a promise not to report a felony or
misdemeanour, or not to give evidence, shall be punished in like manner.
Provided that this subsection shall not apply to a promise obtained without
the aid of the means described by Section 161 from the victim of a
misdemeanour or his legal representative.

SECTION 169: Prejudicial Comment

(1) Whoever refers publicly to any judicial proceeding not yet terminated
by final judgment in a manner liable to influence, whether intentionally or not,
the opinion of any person for or against any party, shall be punished with
imprisonment for from 15 (fifteen) days to 3 (three) months and with fine of
from CFAF 10 000 (ten thousand) to CFAF 100 000 (one hundred thousand).

(2) Nothing in this Section shall apply to an account in good faith of
proceedings in open Court.

(3) Where the offence is committed through the print media, radio or
television, the imprisonment shall be from three months to two years and the
fine from one hundred thousand to five million francs.

SECTION 170: Forfeitures

Upon conviction under any of the last five foregoing Sections the Court
may impose the forfeitures described by Section 30 of this Code.

E – REFUSAL TO ASSIST JUSTICE

SECTION 171 : Non-Intervention

Whoever being able so to do by his own immediate action and without –
risk to himself or to any other person, refrains from preventing the
commission of any felony or of a misdemeanour against the bodily integrity of
any person, shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) month to 3

(three) years or with, fine of from CFAF 20 000 (twenty thousand) to CFAF CF-AF
1 000 000 (one million) …

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 172: Refusal to Clear

Whoever, being able so to do without incriminating himself his spouse,
or any ascendant or descendant, refrains from communicating, to the judicial
or police authorities, evidence of the innocence of any person in custody
awaiting trial for felony or misdemeanour, or, notwithstanding that the
judgment may not be final , convicted of felony or misdemeanour, shall be
punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) month to 3 (three) years or with
fine of from CFAF 20 000 (twenty thousand) to CFAF 1 000 000 (one million)
or with both such imprisonment and fine.

SECTION 173: Defaulting Witness

(1) Any person regularly summoned as a witness in any proceeding
who without just cause fails to appear or declines to take oath or to affirm, or
to give evidence, shall be punished with imprisonment for from 6 (six) days to
3 (three) months and with fine of from CFAF 1 000 (one thousand) to CFAF
50 000 (fifty thousand).

(2) Whoever, having publicly referred to a felony or misdemeanour and
publicly proclaimed his knowledge of the offender or of his accessories,
refuses to answer or evades the questions on such point of the judicial or
legal officer having jurisdiction, shall be punished with imprisonment for from
6 (six) days to 1 (one) year or with fine of from CFAF 20 000 (twenty
thousand) to CFAF 400 000 (four hundred thousand), or with both such
imprisonment and fine.

SECTION 174: Defaulting Expert

Any person whose assistance has been regularly required as expert,
medical practitioner or interpreter by any judicial or legal authority and who
without just cause declines to furnish it shall be punished with fine of from
CFAF 20 000 (twenty thousand) to CFAF 500 000 (five hundred thousand).

SECTION 175: Defaulting Juror or Assessor

Any person summoned as juror or assessor who without just cause fails
to appear or to take oath or to affirm as required by law or withdraws before
the termination of his duties, shall be punished with imprisonment for 6 (six)
days to 3 (three) months and with fine of from CFAFS 000 · to
CFAF 50 000 (fifty thousand).

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 176. False Excuse

Whoever falsely excuses himself under any of the last three foregoing
Sections, shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 3 (three)
months.

F – DISOBEDIENCE TO JUDICIAL ORDERS

SECTION 177: Banned Residence

Whoever appears in any place from which he has been banned, or
removes from any place to which he has been restricted, under Section 42 of
this Code, shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) month to 1
(one) year.

SECTION 178: Other Penalties and Measures

Whoever:

a) follows an occupation which has been forbidden him under Section 36
of this Code; or
b) reopens any premises closed under Section 34 of this Code; or
c) infringes any forfeiture or obligation not covered by the last foregoing
Section which has been imposed upon him under Sections 31 , 41 or 42

shall be punished with imprisonment for from 15 (fifteen) days to 6 (six)
months and with fine of from CFAF 10 000 (ten thousand) to CFAF
100 000 (one hundred thousand).

SECTION 179: Custody of Minor

(1) Whoever fails to return a minor to the person to whom his custody
has been granted by order, whether permanent or temporary, of a Court, shall
be punished with imprisonment for from one 1 (one)month to (1) one year and
with fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF 1 000 000 (one
million).

(2) Where the offender has been deprived of parental power, the
imprisonment may extend to 3 (three) years.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 180: Maintenance

(1) Whoever lets pass two months without paying in full any
maintenance which he has been ordered by a Court to pay to his spouse,
ascendant or descendant, shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1
(one) month to 1 (one) year or with fine of from CFAF 20 000 (twenty
thousand) to CFAF 400 000 (four hundred thousand) or with both such
imprisonment and fi ne.

(2) Any such default shall be presumed to have been intentional, save
otherwise proven. However, any inability to pay arising from drunkenness or
other habitual misconduct shall under no circumstances serve as a defence
for the debtor.

SECTION 180 -1 : Survivor’s Pension

Whoever deprives a surviving spouse or orphans from benefitting from
the survivor’s pension to which they are entitled shall be punished as
provided for in Section 180 (1) above.

SECTION 181 : Willful Insolvency

Whoever after the decision of any Court, final or otherwise, ordering
payment of a sum of money, contrives to be insolvent shall be punished with
imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 5 (five) years.

SECTION 181 -1 : Refusal to enforce a court judgment that has become final

(1) Whoever refuses to enforce a court judgment that has become final
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 5 (five) years.

(2) Whoever obstructs the enforcement of a court judgment that has
become final without referring to the judge in charge of enforcing court
judgments shall be punished as provided for in Subsection (1) above.

Where the offender is a public servant as defined by Section 131 of this
Code, criminal prosecution shall not bar disciplinary proceedings.

(3) Where the offender is a corporate body, as defined in Section 74-1
of this Code, the penalty shall be a fine of from CFAF 200 000 (two hundred
thousand) to CFAF 10 000 000 (ten million).

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 182 Re-entry on lmmoveable Property

Whoever within 3 (three) months of execution of or submission to an
order against him for possession of any immoveable property retakes
possession from the party to whom 1t has been awarded by the Court shall be
punished with imprisonment for from 15 (fifteen) days to 6 (six) months.

G- OBSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC SERVICE

SECTION 183: Refusal of Tax

(1) Whoever by any means organizes a collective refusal to pay any tax
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 3 (three) months to 2 (two)
years and with fine of from CFAF 200 000 (two hundred thousand) to CFAF
2 000 000 (two million).

(2) Whoever instigates the public to refuse or to delay the payment of
any tax shall be punished with imprisonment for from 6 (six) months to 1
(one) year and with fine of from CFAF 50 000 (fifty thousand) to CFAF
1 000 000 (one million).

SECTION 184: Misappropriation of Public Property

(1) Whoever, by whatever means, fraudulently takes or keeps any
property, movables or immovables belonging to, destined or entrusted to the
State, cooperative, council or public establishment under the supervision of
the State or in which the State directly or indirectly holds the majority of the
shares shall be punished:

a) where the value of the property exceeds CFAF 500 000 (five hundred
thousand) francs with imprisonment for life;
b) where the value of the property is above CFAF 100 000 (one hundred
thousand) but below or equal to CFAF 500 000 (five hundred)
thousand, with imprisonment of from 15 (fifteen) to 20 (twenty) years;
c) where the value of the property is less than or equal to CFAF 100 000
(one hundred thousand) with imprisonment for from 5 (five) to 10 (ten)
years and with fine of from CFAF 50 000 (fifty) to CFAF 500 000 (five
hundred thousand).

(2) The penalties provided in subsection 1 above may not be reduced by
mitigating circumstances respectively below 10 (ten), 5 (five) or 2 (two) years and … year and execution may not be suspended sentence may not be granted.

(3) Where Section 87(2) of this Code is applicable the minimum
punishment may be 5 (five) years, 2 (two years) and 1 (one) year and
execution may not be suspended except In case of diminisheo responsibility
of infancy.

(4) Confiscation under Section 35 of this Code shall be ordered in every
case and the forfeitures described in Section 30 shall be imposed for from 5
(five) to 10 (ten) years.

(5) Publication of the j udgment shall be ordered.

(6) This Section shall not apply to misappropriation and receiving of
military property covered by the military justice codes.

SECTION 185: Disturbance

Whoever disturbs the operation of any public service to which he does
not belong shall be punished with imprisonment for from 6 (six) days to 1
(one) month or with fine of from CFAF 1 000 (one thousand) to CFAF 50 000
(fifty thousand).

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 186: Resistance to Works

Whoever by assault or threat resists the carrying out of any works
lawfully ordered or authorized by public authority, or who destroys, conceals
or removes any boundary mark thereto appertaining, shall be punished with
imprisonment for from 3 (three) months to 2 (two) years and with fine of from
CFAF 10 000 (ten thousand) to CFAF 50 000 (fifty thousand).

SECTION 187: Damage to public or protected property

Whoever destroys or defaces any monument, statue or other property
dedicated to public use or adornment and erected by public authority or by
leave of the said authority, or any protected immovable or movable object or
natural feature or site, shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one)
month to 2 (two) years and with fine of from CFAF 20 000 (twenty thousand)
to CFAF120 000 (one hundred and twenty thousand).

SECTION 187-1 : Offences relating to Nationl Cultural and Natural Heritage

1) Whoever:

– unlawfully exploits or exports the natural and cultural property of the
State and carries out any other activity that devalues it;

refuse to include … the inventory or to record movables and immovables belonging to the State, regional and local authorities …
any natural person or corporate body and, that from a historical, artistic, philosophical, scientific, technical or touristic perspective, has value that
makes it worthy of preservation;
– refuses to classify or declassifies a cultural and natural property
belonging to the State;
– disposes of the classified property either gratuitously or for profit;
– posts notices or installs advertisement equipment on classified
monument;
– exports any classified or to-be classified property, save with a special
temporary exportation
authorizati on issued by the competent authority,

shall be punished with imprisonment for from 6 (six) months to 2 (two)
years and with fine of from CFAF 100 000 (one hundred thousand) to
CFAF 3 000 000 (three million).

2) Whoever, without the authorization of the competent authority:
– destroys, depreciates, transforms or excavates, disposes of or pollutes
any cultural property;
– displaces or transfers ownership of a to-be classified property and
carries out any work other than routine maintenance or ordinary
exploitation;
– destroys or carries out restoration or conversion works on classified
property;
– erects buildings or creates easements on classified property;
– carries out archaeological excavations and explorations of classified or
to-be classified sites;
– exports non-classified property , in particular, antique,

shall be punished with the penalties provided for in Sub section 1 above.

SECTION 188: – Removal and Destruction of Public Records

(1) Whoever abstracts, removes or destroys any document in the
custody of any public authority shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1
(one) to 5 (five) years and with fine of from CFAF 10 000 (ten thousand) to
CFAF 200 000 (two hundred thousand).

(2) Whoever destroys or damages any register, record or other original
document of any public authority shall be punished with imprisonment for

\
from 5 (frve) to 10 (ten) years and with fine of from CFAF 25 000 (twenty five
thousand) to CFAF 200 000 (two hundred thousand)

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 188-1 : Removal and Misappropriation of Public or Private Records

Whoever removes or misappropriates public or private records to which he
has access by virtue of his duties shall be punished as provided for in
Subsection 188 (2) above.

SECTION 188-2: Unlawful Destruction, Transfer and Exportation of Public or Private Records

Whoever unlawfully destroys, transfers or exports public or private
records shall be punished as provided for in Subsection 188 (2) above.

SECTION 189:. Copies of Government Papers

Whoever takes, without authority or permission, a copy of any
document the property of the Government shall be punished with
impri sonment for from 1 (one) month to 1 (one) year.

SECTION 190 : Misappropriation of Attached Property

Whoever misappropriates, destroys or damages any attached or
garnished property shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 5
(five) years and with fine of from CFAF 50 000 (fifty thousand) to CFAF
1 000 000 (one million).

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 191: Breach of Seals

Whoever breaks any seal lawfully affixed shall be punished with
imprisonment for from 6 (six) months to (2) two years and with fine of from
CFAF 50 000 (fifty thousand) to CFAF 500 000 (five hundred thousand).

SECTION 192: Communication with Persons in Custody

Whoever contrary to the rules governing the custody of any person
lawfully detained facilitates his relations with any outside party, shall be
punished with imprisonment for from 6 (six) months to 2 (two) years.

SECTION 193: Escape

Whoever escapes irom lawful custody or who be,ng permitted to
1 1)
work out of the pnson leaves his place of work without permission shall be
punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) yer to 3 (three) years

(2) Whoever rescues any person from lawful custody shall be punished
in like manner.

(3) For escape or rescue effected by force to th e person or to property
the punishment shall be imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 5 (five) years; and
for escape or rescue with arms the punishment shall be imprisonment for
from 5 (five) to 10 (ten) years.

(4) Where the person in custody is charged with felony or has been
sentenced to loss of liberty for more than 10 (ten) years the punishment shall
be imprisonment for from 5 (five) to 10 (ten) years.

SECTION 194: Accessory after the Fact by Shelter

(1) An accessory after the fact to felony or misdemeanour by shelter of
the offender, whether convicted or not, shall be punished with imprisonment
for from 2 (two) months to 2 (two) years.

(2) Where the principal offence is punishable with death, the accessory
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 2 (two) to 10 (ten) years.

(3) No defence absolving from responsibility a principal not yet
acquitted shall be available to the accessory.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 195: Subscription for Fine

Whoever publicly invites subscriptions for the purpose of Indemnifying
any person against any pecuniary sentence passed on him by a criminal
court shall be punished with imprisonment for from 15 (fifteen) days to 6 (six)
months or with fine of from CFAF 20 000 (twenty thousand) to CFAF
. – – –~
10 000 000 (ten million), or with both such imprisonment and fine.

SECTION 196: Defacement of Posters

Whoever removes, obliterates or defaces any notice posted under
Section 33 of this Code shall be punished with imprisonment for from 15
(fifteen) days to 6 (six) months or with fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF 50 000 (fifty thousand) or with both such imprisonment
and fine.

SECTION 197: Revenge on Witness

Whoever

a) commits a contempt of a witness by reason of the evidence which he
has given, unless, in the case of defamation, he proves the truth of the
defamatory matter; or
b) causes any loss to a witness by reason of the evidence which he has
given.shall be punished with imprisonment for from 10 (ten) days to (1)
one year, or with fine of from 10 000 (ten thousand) to CFAF 200 000
(two hundred thousand), or with both such imprisonment and fine.

SECTION 198: Forbidden Publications

(1) Whoever publishes:

– any record of any proceeding of a Court or of the Legal Department
in respect of felony or misdemeanour before it has been read out in
open Court; or
– any account of proceedings in camera or in any juvenile court; or
– any conviction of a minor mentioning any particular allowing of his
identification; or
– any information on the proceedings of parliamentary inquiry
committees before their report has been laid on the table of the
House, except a communique issued by the bureau of the said
committees; or:
– any information on the proceedings of the Higher Judicial Council
except a communique issued by the Chairman or Vice-Chairman of
the Council,

shall be punished with fine of from CFAF 10 000 (ten thousand) to
CFAF 500 000 (five hundred thousand).

(2) Whoever publishes any deliberation in chambers by any Court shall
be punished with fine of from CFAF 10 000 (ten thousand) to CFAF 3 000
000 (three million).

(3) In case of publication by the press the penalties shall be doubled.

(4) Whoever in a Courtroom during Court proceedings w•thout the
authorization of the presiding judge

a) makes any sound recording, or
b) shoots any image shall be punished as provided for in Subsection (21)
above.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 199: Innkeeper’s Register

Any keeper of an inn or common boarding house, who, contrary to any
regulation, does not register, or registers under a false name, any person
staying in the said inn or boarding house shall be punished with imprisonment
for from 6 (six) days to 3 (three months), and with fine of from CFAF 10 000
(ten thousand) to CFAF 100 000 (one hundred thousand).

SECTION 200: Illicit Burial

Whoever disposes of a human corpse otherwise than as prescribed by
law or regulation shall be punished with imprisonment for from 6 (six) days to
3 (three) months and with fine of from CFAF 2 000 (two thousand) to CFAF
15 000 (fifteen thousand).

CHAPTER V – OFFENCES AGAINST STATE GUARANTEES

A – FORGERY AND COUNTERFEITING

SECTION 201 : Great Seal

(1) Whoever forges the Great Seal or makes use of such forged Seal
shall be punished with imprisonment for life.

(2) Whoever makes use of the Great Seal improperly procured shall be
punished with imprisonment for from 10 (ten) to 20 (twenty) years.

(3) Whoever acts in contravention of the regulations in force on
ordering, manufacturing, and affixing of the Great Seal, shall be punished
with imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 5 (five) years and with fine of from
CFAF 40 000 (forty thousand) to CFAF 4 000 000 (four million).

(4) In case of conviction, the Court shall also order the forfeitures
provided for in Section 30 of this Code for a period of from 5 (five) to 10 (ten)
years.

SECTION 201-1: Other Public Seals

(1) Whoever contravenes the regulations on ordering, manufacturing,
keeping and affixing of other public seals shall be punished with
imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 5 (five) years and fine of from CFAF 40 000
(forty thousand) to CFAF 4 000 000 (four million).

(2) In case of conviction, the Court may order the forfeitures provided
for in Section 30 of this Code for a period of from 1 (one) to 5 (five) years.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 202: Treasury Security

Whoever forges or alters any security issued by the public treasury
under its stamp or mark or makes use of any such forged or altered security,
shall be punished with imprisonment for life.

SECTION 203: Signature, Stamps and Punches

(1) Whoever forges or alters the signature of the President of the
Republic, of either Prime Minister or of any minister, deputy minister or
secretary of state, or any Government stamp or any punch for hall-marking or
silver, shall be punished with imprisonment for from 10 (ten) to 20 (twenty)
years.

(2) Whoever makes use of any such forged stamp or punch, or of any
document or object bearing such forged or altered signature, stamp or mark
shall be punished in like manner.

(3) Whoever makes use of any such stamp or punch, or of any
document or object bearing such signature, stamp or mark where
genuine but improperly procured, shall be punished in like manner.

SECTION 204: Marks and stationery

(1) Whoever forges or alters:

a) any seal, stamp or mark of a legislative assembly o of a Court or of
an administrative office; or
b) the printed stationery or forms of any legislative assembly, Court or
administrative office; or
c) any punch or mark designed to be placed in the name of the
government on weights or measures, or on merchandise; or
d) any hammer used for punching government forestry marks; or

e) any postage stamp, postmark or reply coupon issued by the postal
administratior or any revenue stamp or impressed stam~
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 5 (five) years and
with fine of from CFAF 40 000 (forty thousand) to CFAF 4 000 000 (four
million).

(2) Whoever distributes, sells or makes use of such forged or altered
seal, stamp, punch, mark, post-mark, paper or coupon, shall be punished in
like manner.

(3) Whoever distributes, sells or makes use of any such thing where
genuine but improperly obtained, shall be punished in like manner.

SECTION 205: Public Act, Document or Record

(1) Whoever forges or alters, whether in its substance or in its date,
signatures or countersignatures, any act of the legislature, of the executive
(including a passport) or of the judiciary, or any document or record drawn up
by a person having exclusive authority so to do, shall be punished with
imprisonment for from 10 (ten) to 20 (twenty) years.

(2) Whoever makes use of any such document or record so forged or
altered shall be punished with imprisonment for from 5 (five) to 10 (ten) years
and with fine of from CFAF 40 00 (forty thousand) to CFAF 2 000 000 (two
million).

SECTION 206: Licences and Similar Documents

Whoever:
– forges or alters an identity card, driving licence, game licence,
elector’s card, family booklet or military booklet: or
– procures the issue for himself or for another of any such document
under a wrong name; or
– makes use of any such document, whether forged, altered or issued
in a wrong name; or

– makes dishonest use of any genuine document of such nature
belonging to another ,
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 3 (three) months to 3 (three)
years.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 207: Official Certificates

1) Whoever forges or alters any official certificate shall be punished
with imprisonment for from 6 (six) months to 3 (three) years

(2) Whoever makes use of any such certificate shall be punished 1n like
manner.

SECTION 208: Postage and Revenue Stamps

Whoever makes use of any postage or revenue stamp already used, or
surcharges any postage or revenue stamp, or makes unauthorized use of any
postal privilege, shall be punished with imprisonment for from 10 (ten) days to
1 (one) year, and with fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF
50 000 (fifty thousand).

SECTION 209: Postal Documents

(1) Whoever forges or alters

a) any postal identity card, whether national or foreign, or any
subscription card in respect of poste restante; or
b) any label, stamp, postmark or reply-coupon issued by a foreign
postal administration,
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 10 (ten) days to 6 (six)
months and with fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF 50 000
(fifty thousand).
(2) Whoever sells, offers for sale or makes use of any such matter shall
be punished in like manner.

SECTION 210 : Colourable Resemblance

Whoever manufactures, sells, distributes or makes use of any object or
printed matter bearing to any object or printed matter described in Sections
201 to 209 above, a resemblance liable to facilitate their acceptance in place
of the object or matter imitated, or to mislead the public, shall be punished
with imprisonment for from 10 (ten) days to 6 (six) months, and with fine of
from CFAF 20 000 (twenty thousand) to CFAF 200 000 (two hundred
thousand).

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 21 1: Counterfeit Note and Coin

(1) Whoever

a) counterfeits or alters any currency note or any gold or silver coin
being legal tender In the
Republic; or
b) imports into the Republic any such counterfeit or altered note or coin;
or
c) utters any such counterfeit note or coin
shall be punished with imprisonment for life.

(2) In the case of any other currency note or coin national or foreign,
and whether or not legal tender, the punishment shall be imprisonment for
from 10 (ten) to 20 (twenty) years.

(3) Where the alteration consists in the mere colouring of coin, whether
or not legal tender in the Republic or abroad, the punishment shall be
imprisonment for from 6 (six) months to 5 (five) years.

(4) Where the coin or note has been received in ignorance of the fact
that it was counterfeit or altered, and uttered after knowledge of the same, the
punishment shall be imprisonment for from 3 (three) months to 3 (three) years
and fine of 3 (three) times the face value of the said coin or note.

SECTION 212: Counterfeiting Equipment

Whoever without authority manufactures or possesses any instrument,
apparatus, machine or material designed for the forgery of the Great Seal,
any treasury security, or any punch, stamp or mark, or for the counterfeiting
of note or coin, whether national or foreign, shall be punished with
imprisonment for from 5 (five) to 10 (ten) years and with fine of from CFAF
50 000 (fifty thousand) to CFAF 1 000 000 (one million).

SECTION 213: Improper Possession

Whoever without authority possesses anything or document described
in section 201 to 211 inclusive of this Code shall be punished with
imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 5 (five) years.

SECTION 214: Accessory Penalties

(1) On conviction for any misdemeanour defined in the foregoing
thirteen sections the Court may impose the forfeitures described in section 30
of this Code.

(2) On any convIctIon under the said sections confiscation under section
35 shall be ordered

8 – USURPATION

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 215: Striking Money

Whoever without authority:

a) strikes coin of whatever form or denomination, or prints any note
payable to bearer, or imports, or utters such coin or note; or
b) manufactures or possesses any machine, apparatus, instrument or
material capable of use for the striking or printing of any note or coin
liable to be mistaken for lawful money •
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 5 (five) to 10 (ten) years and
with fine of from CFAF 50 000 (fifty thousand) to CFAF 150 000 (one hundred
and fifty thousand).

SECTION 216: Usurpation of Office

(1) Whoever assumes any public office, whether civil or military, to
which he is not appointed, or performs any act belonging to any such office,
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 6 (six) months to 5 (five) years.

(2) In the case of a public servant continuing to act in an office after
official notice of his cessation from the said office, whether temporary or final ,
the punishment shall be imprisonment for from 3 (three) months to 2 (two)
years.

(3) On conviction the Court may also impose the forfeitures described
by section 30 of this Code.

(4) Where the offender takes advantage of his usurpation to commit any
offence defined by Chapter Ill of this Part, he shall be punished as if he held
the office usurped.

SECTION 217: Irregular Solemnisation of Marriage

Any minister of religion who

a) not being authorised to perform a civil marriage, solemnises a
religious ceremony of marriage without having seen a certificate of marriage
already performed by a registrar of births. marriages and deaths; or

b) being authorised to perform a civil marriage,

– solemnises only a religious ceremony of marriage; or
– performs a civil marriage without having seen a certificate of no
impediment from the said registrar , shall be punished with fine of
from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF 30 000 (thirty thousand),
and on subsequent conviction within the meaning of section 88 of
this Code, with imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 5 (five) years.

SECTION 218: Usurpation of Uniform or Decoration

Whoever wears in public any uniform or decoration to which he is not
entitled, or which bears a colourable resemblance to the same, shall be
punished with imprisonment for from 3 (three) months to 2 (two) years or with
fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF 500 000 (five hundred
thousand) or with both such imprisonment and fine.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 219: Usurpation of Qualification

Whoever without being entitled thereto makes use of a qualification
belonging to a profession legally regulated, or of an official degree, certificate
of education or diploma, or of a title governed by public regulation, shall be
punished with imprisonment for from 3 (three) months to 2 (two) years or with
fine of from CFAF 100 000 (one hundred thousand) to CFAF 2 000 000 (two
million), or with both such imprisonment and fine.

SECTION 219 -1: Usurpation of Designation

Whoever, unauthorized by the laws and regulations applicable, uses the
designations cooperative society, union of cooperative societies, federation of
cooperative societies, or confederation of cooperative societies alongside any
qualifier, as well as any other designation referring to any of the groups
mentioned in this Section, shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1
(one) month to 1 (one) year or with fine of from CFAF100 000 (one hundred
thousand) to CFAF 1 000 000 (one million) or with both such imprisonment
and fine.

SECTION 220: Title of Honour

Whoever makes public use of any title of honour to which he is not
entitled shall be punished with fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to
CFAF 2 000 000 (two million)

SECTION 221 : Common Provisions

(1) The three last foregoing sections shall be equally applicable to any
foreign uniform, decoration, title or qualification.

(2) The said sections shall not apply to the actors at a public
entertainment nor to children’s games.

(3) On conviction under any one of the said sections the Court shall
order the marginal annotation of the said judgment on any notarial deed or
register of births, marriages and deaths in which the title has been assumed,
and may also order publication of its judgment.

C- GUARANTEES TO THE NATIONAL ECONOMY

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 222: Credit of the State

(1) Whoever by any means, with intent to injure the credit of the State:

a) spreads publicly any false or misleading rumour likely to undermine
confidence in the stability of the currency or in the value of any public
funds or of the funds of any cooperative, or of any authority or
corporation either public or subject to the administrative control of the
State, or in which the State holds directly or indirectly the majority of the
shares; or
b) encourages the public to withdraw funds from any public deposit or
from any establishment compelled by law to pay into a public deposit, or
to sell any Government loan or other treasury paper, or discourages the
public from purchase of or subscription to the same;
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 3 (three) months to 2 (two)
years and with fine of from CFAF 200 000 (two hundred thousand) to CFAF
2 000 000 (two million).
(2) On conviction under this sect ion the Court shall order publication of
the judgment.

SECTION 223: Legal Tender

Whoever refuses a, note or coin being Legal tender in the Republic
and to the extent that it is legal tender, shall be punished with imprisonment
for from 10 (ten) days to 3 (three) months, or with fine of from CFAF 1 000
(one thousand) to CFAF 100 000 (one hundred thousand), or with both such
imprisonment and fine.

SECTION 224: National Development

Whoever with intent to injure the national development transfers abroad
any specialized staff or delivers abroad any industrial or commercial secret,
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 6 (six) months to 2 (two) years
and with fi ne of from CFAF 100 000 (one hundred thousand) to CFAF
5 000 000 (five million).

SECTION 225: Loans and Subsidies

Whoever puts to any use other than that for which it was granted a loan
or subsidy from the Federal or Federated State, from a co-operative, or from
an authority or corporation described by Section 184 of this Code, shall be
punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 10 (ten) years and with fine of
from CFAF 10 000 (ten thousand) to CFAF 1 000 000 (one million).

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 226: Standard Regulations

Whoever infringes any regulation prescribing standards for any produce
to be exported, shall be punished with fine of from CFAF 50 000 (fifty
thousand) to CFAF 4 000 000 (four million), and with confiscation of the
goods in question.

PART II – FELONIES AND MISDEMEANOURS AGAINST THE GENERAL INTEREST

CHAPTER I – PUBLIC SAFETY

SECTION 227: Arson and Destruction

(1)Whoever sets fire, directly or indirectly, and notw1
be the owner:

a) to any place used for another’s dwelling ; or
b) to any land, sea or air vehicle in which are one or more persons ; or

c) to any working mine or its appurtenances

shall be punished with imprisonment for from 3 (three) to 10 (ten) years
and with fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF 1 000 000 (one
million).

(2) Destruction of such property shall be punished in like manner as arson.

SECTION 228: Dangerous activities

(1) Whoever fails properly to provide against risk of bodily harm to any
person from his dangerous activities shall be punished with imprisonment for
from 6 (six) days to 6 (six) months.

(2) Whoever rashly and in manner liable to cause harm to any person:

a) makes use of fire, or of any inflammable or explosive matter, or of
electricity, or of any machinery or,
b) demolishes in whole or in part any construction or any uninhabited
building, notwithstanding that he may be the owner; or
c) furnishes medical or surgical treatment, or furnishes or administers any
drug or other substance or,
d) leads, drives, rides, stops or leaves any animal or vehicle on the public
highway.shall be punished with imprisonment for from 3 (three) months
to 3 (three) years, or with fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to
CFAF 500 000 (five hundred thousand), or with both such imprisonment
and fine.

(3) Whoever drives any vehicle when drunk or under the influence of
drugs shall be punished in like manner.

(4) Upon conviction under subsection (2) (d) in respect of a vehicle, or
under subsection (3), the Court may add disqualification from holding a
driving licence for up to 2 (two) years.

SECTION 229: Explosive Substances

Whoever infringes any regulation governing the manufacture, storage,
transport, import or export of, or trade in explosive substances, shall be
punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) month to 1 (one) year, or with
fine of from CFAF 2 000 (two thousand) to CFAF 100 000 (one hundred
thousand), or with both such imprisonment and fine.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 229-1: Toxic waste

(1) Whoever unauthorized does not, with immediate eftect
discard of dangerous or toxic waste generated by its company shall be
punished with imprisonment of from 5 (five) 10 10 (ten) years and a fine of
from CFAF 5 000 000 (five million) to CFAF 500 000 000 (five hundred
million)
(2) The provisions of Sections 54 and 90 of this Code relating to
suspended sentence and mitigation shall not apply.

(3) The court seized shall order the person found guilty of
introducing, producing, storing, holding, transporting, causing to transit, or
releasing dangerous or toxic waste to dispose of it with immediate effect and
restore the site.In addition, the court may order the closure of the company.

SECTION 230: Public Highway

(1) Whoever without lawful permission obstructs the use of any public-
highway or waterway, or renders passage less convenient, whether by
damaging the surface of the highway or diverting the course of the waterway,
or by any erection, or by excessive use, or by use of his own adjacent land,
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) month to 2 (two) years.

(2) Whoever, being bound to repa ir any highway or any work connected
with it, refrains f rom
so doing, shall be punished in like manner.

SECTION 231 : Unlawful Public Meetings and Processions

(1) Whoever:

a) takes part in the organization of any public meeting which has not
been the subject of a prior declaration ;
b) makes a declaration that is intended to mislead authorities on the
conditions and purpose of the meeting ;
c) convenes a procession in any manner whatsoever before filling the
declaration or after it has been legally prohibited ;
d) makes an incomplete or false declaration in order to conceal the
conditions of the planned procession ; shall be punished with
imprisonment for from 15 (fifteen) days to 6 (six) months and with

fine of from CFAF 5 00C’ five thousand) ‘” CFAF 100 000 (one
~undred thousand)

(2) Whoever organizes any public procession without the required
declaration or after th e notification of legal prohibition shall be punished with
the penalties provided for in Subsection 1 above.

SECTION 231 -1 : Political Procession in a Public Establishment and in Schools

Whoever organizes a political procession in any public establishment,
school or university shall be punished with imprisonment for from 10 (ten)
days to 4 (four) months or with fine of from CFAF 25 000 (twenty-five
thousand) to CFAF 250 000 (two hundred and fifty thousand) or with both
such imprisonment and fine.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 232: Riot

(1) A riot shall mean an assembly on the public highway of 5 (five) or
more persons in manner liable to disturb the public peace.

(2) Whoever takes part in a riot and does not withdraw the first call of
the proper authority shall be punished with imprisonment for from 15 (fifteen)
days to 6 (six) months.

(3) The penalty shall be doubled for any person who continues in the
riot until it be dispersed by force.

SECTION 233: Armed Riot

(1) Whoever takes part in a riot which is armed within the meaning of
sections 115 (3) and 117 of this Code, and himself bears any weapon or
does not withdraw on the first call of the proper authority, shall be punished
with imprisonment for from 3 (three) months to 2 (two) years.

(2) The punishment shall be imprisonment for from 2 (two) to 5 (five)
years for any person who continues in the riot until it be dispersed by force.

(3) The punishment shall be imprisonment for from 5 (five) to 10 (ten)
years for any person who takes part in the riot at the moment when any such
weapon is used.

(4) All punishment under this section shall be doubled where the riot
takes place at night.

SECTION 234: Forfeitures

Upon convIctIon under section 233 above the CoLJrt may add the
forfeitures described by section 30 of this Code.

SECTION 235: Seditions Cries

Whoever in any place open to the public utters any seditious cry or song
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 8 (eight) days to 1 (one)
month, or with fine of from CFAF 2 000 (two thousand) to CFAF 50 000
(fifty thousand), or with both such imprisonment and fine.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 236: Depredation by Band

(1) Whoever as a member of an assembly or band, and by open
force, plunders or damages any moveable or immoveable property, shall
be punished with imprisonment for from 10 (ten) to 20 (twenty) years.

(2) For such felony committed in a state of emergency or siege the
punishment shall be imprisonment for life.

(3) For such felony committed in time war the punishment shall be death

SECTION 237: Possession and Carriage of Arms

(1) Whoever without such permission as may be required by law
manufactures, exports, imports, keeps, transfers or sells any firearm or
ammunition shall be punished with imprisonment for from 3 (three) months
to 1 (one) year or with fine of from CFAF 50 000 (fifty thousand) to CFAF
300 000 (three hundred thousand), or with both such imprisonment and
fine.

(2) The punishment shall be doubled for carriage of any such arm
outside the offender’s residence.

(3) Whoever delivers any such arm or ammunition to any person
without ascertaining that he is licensed to keep it shall be punished as his
accessory.

(4) Confiscation under section 35 of this Code shall be ordered in every
case; and on any subsequent conviction within the meaning of section 88
the Court may impose the forfeitures described by section 30 and order the
closure of the establishment to whatever other use it may be put.

SECTION 238: Dangerous Carriage of Arms

Whoever whether licensed or not to bear arms shall bear any weapon
within the meaning of section 117 of this Code in a place open to the public
in manner liable to disturb the public peace or to alarm any person. shall be
punished with imprisonment for from 3 (three) months to 2 (two) years or
with fine of from CFAF 50 000 (fifty thousand) to CFAF 300 000 (three
hundred thousand). or with both such imprisonment and fine.

SECTION 239: Disturbance of Quiet Enjoyment

Whoever in manner liable to disturb the public peace enters upon land
quietly enjoyed by another to whomsoever belonging, shall be punished with
imprisonment for from 15 (fifteen) days to 1 (one) year.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 240: False News

(1) Whoever publishes or propagates by any means whatever any news
without being able to prove either its truth or that he had good reason to
believe it to be true, shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 5
(five) years and with a fine of from CFAF 20 000 (twenty thousand) to CFAF
10 000 000 (ten million).

(2) The penalty shall be doubled for anonymous publication or
propagation.

SECTION 241 : Contempt of Race or Religion

(1) Whoever commits a contempt, within the meaning of section 152 of
this Code, of the race or religion of a number of citizens or residents shall be
punished with imprisonment for from 6 (six) days to 6 (six) months and with
fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF 500 000 (five hundred
thousand).

(2) Where the offence is committed by means of the press or wireless
the fine may extend to CFAF 20 000 000 (twenty million).

(3) Where the offence is committed with intent to arouse hatred or
contempt between citizens, the penalties provided by the foregoing subsections shall be doubled.

SECTION 242: Discrimination

Whoever excludes another from any place open to the public or from
any employment, by reason of his race, religion, sex or health status. where

such status does not endanger anyone shall be punished with imprisonment
for from 1 (one) month to 2 (two) years and with fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five
thousand) to CFAF 500 000 (five hundred thousand).

SECTION 243: Public Drunkenness

(1) Whoever.

a) commits t he offence of public drunkenness within 12 (twelve) months
of a previous conviction,
b) Shall be licensed to sell alcoholic beverages and delivers any such
beverage on his premises to any person manifestly drunk,

shall be punished with imprisonment for from 15 (fifteen) days to 1 (one)
month and with a fine of from CFAF 2 000 (two thousand) to CFAF
35 000 (thirty-five thousand).

(2) Where the offender is so licensed the Court may order closure of his
establishment for up to 2 (two) years, and order publication of the judgment.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 244: Subsequent Convictions

(1) Section 88. (1) (b) of this Code shall apply to any subsequent
conviction under the last foregoing section.

(2) The Court may add the forfeitures described by section 30 (1) and
(2) of this Code.

(3) Where the offender is so licensed the Court may order closure of his
establishment for up to 4 (four) years, and order publication of its judgment.

SECTION 245: Begging

Whoever, having means of subsistence, or being able to earn such by
working, begs in any place for alms shall be punished with imprisonment for
from 3 (three) months to 3 (three) years and with fine of from CFAF 50 000
(fifty thousand) to CFAF 500 000 (five hundred thousand).

SECTION 246: Aggravated Begging

Whoever, whether or not able-bodied and having or not means of
subsistence, begs for alms in any of the following manners:
‘<:.,:EN.::E De LAREf’UBllOUE
a) with abuse, threats, or assault ;

b) after entering any dwelling or enclosure thereto appurtena nt without the
occupant’s permission
signs wounds or a disability in order to attract the generosity or play
over the intelligence of a third party ,
d) In company, save husband and wife , or father and mother with their
young children, or a blind man and his guide,

shall be punished with imprisonment for from 6 (six) months to 6 (six)
years and with fine of from CFAF 1 000 (one thousand) to CFAF 1 000 000
(one million).

SECTION 247: Vagrancy

(1) Whoever is found in a public place being of no fixed abode and with
no means of support shall be guilty of vagrancy and shall be punished with
imprisonment for from 6 (six) months to 2 (two) years.
(2) The punishment prescribed above shall be doubled:
a) Where the vagrant is found in possession of any weapon or any
instrument with which an offence may be committed;
b) Where the vagrant has committed (or attempted to commit) any
act of violence against an individual or individuals.
(3) In addition, the measures prescribed under section 42 (1), (2) and
(3) shall be pronounced.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 248: Dangerous Preparations

(1) Whoever with intent to commit any felony or misdemeanour carries
any instrument fit for the forcing of entry to any immovable property shall be
punished with imprisonment for from 10 (ten) days to 1 (one) year.
(2)The intent shall be presumed where the facts charge were
committed at night.

SECTION 249: Gaming and Lotteries

(1) Whoever:

a) operates a casino, public lottery or betting establishment without a
concession agreement ;
b) organizes a commercial lottery or operates online gaming without
authorization ;
c) uses the operating licence for a casino, public lottery or betting
establishment belonging to another ;

d) uses the authorization to organize commercial lottery or operate online
gaming belonging to another shall be punished with ·mprisonment for
from 6 (six) months to 2 (two) years or fi ne of from CFAF 5 000 000
(five million) to CFAF 25 000 000 (twenty-five million) or both such
imprisonment and fine.

(2) The penalties provided for in Subsection (1) above shall be applied to
any operator of a commercial lottery who does not comply with the gaming
rules submitted prior to obtaining the authorization.

SECTION 249-1: Failure to comply with the standards and norms of safety, comfort and hygiene specifi c to casinos

Whoever fails to comply with the standards and norms of safety,
comfort and hygiene specific to casinos shall be punished with imprisonment
for from 2 (two) to 4 (four) years, or fine of from CFAF 5 000 000 (five million)
to CFAF10 000 000 (ten million) or both such imprisonment and fine.

SECTION 249-2: Violation of the terms of the specifications attached to a concession agreement

Whoever violates any of the terms of the specifications attached to a
concession agreement shall be punished with imprisonment for from 2 (two)
to 5 (five) years or fine of from CFAF 10 000 000 (ten million) to CFAF
50 000 000 (fifty million) or both such imprisonment and fine.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 249-3: Use of unlicensed equipment for casino or online games

Whoever uses unlicensed equipment to operate a casino or online
games shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 3 (three)
years or fine of from CFAF 2 500 000 (two million five hundred thousand) to
CFAF 10 000 000 (ten million) or both such imprisonment and fine.

SECTION 249-4: Money laundering through gaming and lotteries

Whoever engages in money laundering through the operation of a
casino, public or commercial lottery, betting or online games, shall be
punished with imprisonment for from 5 (five) to 10 (ten) years or fine of from
CFAF 50 000 000 (fifty million) to CFAF 100 000 00 (one hundred million) or
both such imprisonment and fine.

SECTION 249-5: Resistance In gaming and lotteries

Whoever uses violence or assault to prevent sworn officers from
gaining access to the premises to be inspected shall be punished with
imprisonment for from 3 (three) months to 4 (four) years or fine of fro m CFAF
2 500 000 (two million five hundred thousand) to CFAF 5 000 000 (five
million) or with both such imprisonment and fine.

SECTION 249-6: Advertising in gaming and lotteries

Whoever, being a licensed operator of money games and games of
chance transmits or broadcasts a commercial advertisement by any means
whatsoever targeting minors, shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1
(one) to 3 (three) years or fine of from CFAF 10 000 000 (ten million) to CFA
20 000 000 (twenty million) or with both such imprisonment and fine.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 249-7: Forbidden Access in gaming and lotteries

(1) Whoever:

a) fails to take measures to block access of minors to a casino ;
b) allows access to casinos for the following:
– military and law and order personnel in uniform ;
– persons who are in a drunken state or likely to cause scandals or
incidents ;
– persons to whom access has been prohibited by the minister in
charge of gaming, shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1
(one) to 3 (three) years or fine of from CFAF 5 000 000 (five million)
to CFAF 10 000 000 (ten million) or with both such imprisonment and
fine.

(2) The penalties provided for in Sub-section (1) above shall be
applicable to the operator of online gaming and betting who fails to take the
following measures to block access of minors to such gaming and betting:

a) post on the gaming site’s home page and registration page, in visible
manner, a message explicitly prohibiting access of minors to the
. .
gaming service;
b) require the player on his honour, to state his age and enter his
personal identity information;
c) require the player to use online payment methods;

d) have his gaming website submitted to parental control software to
block access of minors

SECTION 249-8; Compromise

(1)The offences provided for under Sections 249 to 249-3 may be
subject to compromise between the gaming regulatory entity and the
defaulter.
However, compromise shall be possible only in the event of the admission of
the offence after it has been established.

(2)The amount of the compromise referred to in Subsection (1) above,
shall not be less than the minimum amount of the fine provided for.

(3) The payment of the total amount of the compromise provided for in
Subsection (2) above shall extinguish court action.

SECTION 249-9: Accessory Penalties

In the cases provided for in Sections 249, 249-1, 249-2, 249-3, 249-4,
249-5, 249-6 and 249-7 above, the court may:

(a) upon conviction add the forfeitures described by Section 30 of this
Code, and order closure of the offender’s establishment,
notwithstanding that it may also be put to another use.

(b) in addition to confiscation under Section 35 of this Code, order
confiscation of all furniture and furnishings adapted or decorated to
attract customers, and all funds and movable or immovable property,
set aside as prizes for the winners.

SECTION 250: Pawnshops

Whoever :

a) without such licence as may be lawfully required, keeps any pawnshop
or business of lending on a floating charge; or
b) having such license fails to keep such registers as may be prescribed:
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 15 (fifteen) days to 3 (three)
months and with fine of from CFAF 25 000 (twenty-five thousand) to CFAF
500 000 (five hundred thousand).

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 251 : Practice of Witchcraft

Whoever commits any act of witchcraft, magic or divination liable to
disturb public order or tranquility, or to harm another in his person, property or
substance, whether by the taking of a reward or otherwise, shall be punished
with imprisonment for from 2 (two) to 10 (ten) years, and with fine of from
CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF 100 000 (one hundred thousand).

CHAPTER III – PUBLIC ECONOMY

SECTION 252: False Weights and Measures

Any trader or artificer keeping at his place of trade or work any false
weight or measure or other incorrect apparatus used for the weighing or
measuring of his wares shall be punished with imprisonment for from 15
(fifteen) days to 6 (six) months or with fine of from CFAF 10 000 (ten
thousand) to CFAF 700 000 (seven hundred thousand) or with both such
imprisonment and fine.

SECTION 253: Cheque without Cover

Whoever:

a) issues a cheque on a bank or postal account within or without the
Republic and without pre-existing, adequate or free cover, or
b) after issue withdraws, whether within or without the Republic all or
part of the cover or stops payment,
shall be punished with the penalties laid down under section 318.

SECTION 254: Auctions

Whoever by force or threat, by gift or promise, or by any trick, disturbs
the freedom or interferes with the genuineness of any auction or tender shall
be punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 6 (six) months and with
fine of from CFAF 50 000 (fifty thousand) to CFAF 1 000 000 (one million).

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 255: Interference with Labour

Whoever by means of force or threat. or by fraudulent trick, causes or
prolongs any concerted stoppage of work with intent thereby to compel an
increase or decrease of wages or to affect injuriously the freedom of labour or
of industry, shall be punished with imprisonment for from 15 (fifteen) days to

3 (three) years or with fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF 700 000 (seven hundred thousand) with both such imprisonment and fine.

SECTION 256: Rigging Prices

(1) Whoever by any fraudulent means causes an artificial increase or decrease of price of goods or public or private securities, shall be punished with imprisonment for from 2 (two) months to 2 (two) years and with fine of from CFAF 400 000 (four hundred thousand) to CFAF 20 000 000 (twenty million).
(2) The penalty shall be doubled where the goods in question are foodstuffs or subject to standards of regulations.
(3) On conviction the Court may add the forfeitures described in section 30(1) and (2) of this Code, and order publication of its judgment.

SECTION 257: Destruction of Foodstuffs

whoever with intent thereby to influence the market in foodstuffs whether for human or animal consumption causes or permits them to perish, rot or disappear from circulation, shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 5 (five) years and with fine of from CFAF 50 000 (fifty thousand) to CFAF 1 000 000 (one million).

CHAPTER IV – PUBLIC HEALTH

SECTION 258: Adulteration of Foodstuffs

(1) Whoever either adulterates any foodstuff, whether for human or animal consumption, or beverage or medical substance intended to be sold, or keeps any substance designed or fit only for the purpose of effective such adulteration, shall be punished with imprisonment for from 3 (three) months to 3 (three) years and with fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF 500 000 (five hundred thousand).
(2) This section shall not apply to fresh fruits and vegetables which have fermented or become rotten.
(3) Any such foodstuff, beverage or medical belonging to the offender shall be confiscated: and whre not used by the Government its destruction shall be at the expense of the offender.

(4) The Court may order publication of its Judgment under Section 33 of
this Code

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 258-1 : Illegal Sale of medication

Whoever,

– sells any medication without lawful authority ;
– sells any counterfeited, expired or unauthorized medication ;
– keeps for sale, any medication that is falsified, adulterated or harmful
to health,
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 3 (three) months to (3) three
years or with fine of from CFAF 1 000 000 (one million) to CFAF 3 000 000
(three million).
The confiscation provided for in Sections 35 and 45 of this Code shall
apply.

SECTION 259: False Medical Certificate

(1) Any physician, surgeon, dresser or nurse, dentist or midwife who for
the advantage or disadvantage of any person falsely certifies or conceals the
existence of any disease or disability, or falsely certifies the performance or
result of an inoculation, or gives misleading information on the origin of a
disease, on the duration of a disability, or on the cause of any death, shall be
punished with imprisonment for from 2 (two) months to 3 (three) years and
with fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF 100 000 (one hundred
thousand).

(2) Where any such person has been corrupted the punishment shall be
imprisonment for from 2 (two) to 10 (ten) years.

(3) On conviction the Court may impose the forfeitures described by
section 30 of this Code.

SECTION 260: Infectious diseases

(1) Whoever by his conduct facilitates the communication of any
dangerous infectious disease shall be punished with imprisonment for from 3
(three) months to 3 (three) years.

(2) In the case of an infection dangerous to the life of anv animal
usually intended for humar consumption the punishmer• shall be
imprisonment for from 1 (one) month to 1 (one) year

SECTION 261 : Pollution of air and water

Whoever by his operations:
a) pollutes any drinkable water liable to be used by another; or
b) so pollutes the atmosphere as to render it harmful to human health,
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 15 (fifteen) days to 6 (six)
months, or with fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF 1 000 000
(one million), or with both such imprisonment and fine.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 262: Essential services

(1) Whoever breaks any contract of service or supply in such
circumstances that the foreseeable consequence of such breach is either a
grave danger to public health or to the health of patients in hospital, or grave
bodily injury, or grave danger to property of any nature, or the deprivation of a
number of persons of electricity, water, gas or any other source of energy
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 6 (six) months

(2) This section shall not apply to any person who has given notice of 7
(seven) days or more.

CHAPTER V – PUBLIC DECENCY

SECTION 263: Public Indecency

Whoever publicly offends against decency shall be punished with
imprisonment for from 15 (fifteen) days to 2 (two) years or with fine of from
CFAF 10 000 (ten thousand) to CFAF 100 000 (one hundred thousand), or
with both such imprisonment and fine.

SECTION 264: Corruption of Moral

Whoever /

a) publicly utters any immoral song, cry or speech; or
b) draws the attention of the public to any occasion of immorality,
shall be punished with the penalties provided for in Section 263 above.

SECTION 265: Obscene Publications

Whoever

a) with a view of trade manufactures, keeps, imports transports or
exports; or
b) whether or not for gain, and whether or not publicly, exhibits or
distributes – any writing, picture or object liable to corrupt morals,
shall be punished with imprisonment fo r from 1 (one) month to 2 (two)
years and with fine of from CFAF (ten thousand) to½ (half a million).

(2) On conviction, the Court may order closure for up to one year of the
establishment where the offender manufactures or keeps any such writing,
picture or object.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 266: Other Objectionable Publications

(1) Whoever publishes any account, save the judgment, of any
affiliation, divorce or judicial separation proceeding, or of any prosecution for
abortion, shall be punished with fine of from CFAF 20 000 (twenty thousand)
to CFAF 6 000 000 (six million).

(2) Whoever without the written permission of the authority responsible
for prosecution publishes in any manner the suicide of a person aged under
eighteen years shall be punished with fine of from CFAF 20 000 (twenty
thousand) to CFAF 2 000 000 (two million); and on subsequent conviction
within the meaning of section 88 of this Code, may also be punished with
imprisonment for from 2 (two) months to 2 (two) years.

(3) Whoever infringes section 23 (3) of this Code shall be punished with
fine of from CFAF 10 000 (ten thousand) to CFAF 1 000 000 (one million).

(4) Whoever publishes, whether by picture or in any other manner,
without the written request of the officer preparing prosecution, the whole or
any part of the circumstances of an offence of violence or committed against
a child or against morals, shall be punished with fine of from CFAF 20 000 (twenty thousand) to CFAF 200 000 (two hundred thousand).

SECTION 267: Justification of Crime

Whoever publicly justifies the felon ies of murder, depredation, arson,
destruction or felonious theft, or any felony or misdemeanour against the
security of the State, shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) to

5 (five) years, or with fine of from CFAF 10 000 (ten thousand) to CFAt: 20
00 000 (twenty million) or with both such 1rnp1 sonrnent and fine

SECTION 268: Cruelty to an Animal

(1) Whoever causes needless suffering to any animal, whether
domestic, tamed or kept in captivity, shall be punished with imprisonment for
from 15 (fifteen) days to 3 (three) months, or with fine of from CFAF 5 000
(five thousand) to CFAF 20 000 (twenty thousand), or with both such
imprisonment and fine.

(2) On conviction, the Court may deprive the offender of ownership of
the animal.

(3) Where the condition of the animal renders such an order proper, the
Court may order its destruction.

SECTION 268-1: Sexual Intercourse on an Animal

(1) Whoever has sexual intercourse on an animal shall be punished
with imprisonment for
from 3 (three) to 5 (five) years.
(2) Whoever, by force or moral ascendency, compels any person to
have sexual intercourse on an animal shall be punished with imprisonment for
from 5 (five) to 10 (ten) years.
(3) In cases provided for in Subsection (2) above, the Court may also
order the offender to bear the cost of medical treatment of the victim.

CHAPTER VI – PUBLIC WORSHIP

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 269: Freedom of Conscience

Whoever by any interference or threat compels or prevents the practice
of any form of religion which does not involve the commission of a criminal
offence, shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) month to 1
(one) year and with fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF 50 000
(fifty thousand).

SECTION 270· Contempt of Minister of Religion

Whoever strikes or publicly insults a minister of religion on account of
his ministry shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) month to 3
(three) years.

SECTION 271 : Violent Obstruction of Ministry

Whoever obstructs by assault or threat the exercise of his ministry by a
minister of religion shall be punished in like manner.

SECTION 272: Disturbance of Public Worship

Whoever by disturbance or disorder obstructs, delays or interrupts
religious worship in the place where it is customarily offered,
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 15 (fifteen) days to 1 (one)
year or with fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF 100 000 (one
hundred thousand), or with both such imprisonment and fine.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 273: Disturbance of Funeral

Whoever: .
a) disturbs any funeral ceremony or procession; or
b) defaces any funerary monument; or
c) fails to perform any duty by which he is bound to bury or burn a corpse ;
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 6 (six) months or
with fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF 25 000 (twenty five
thousand), or with both such imprisonment and fine.

SECTION 274: Violation of Graves and Corpses

(1) Whoever:

a) violates any tomb or place of burial; or
b) offers indignity to any human corpse or part thereof, whether buried or
not,
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 3 (three) months to 5 (five)
years and with fine of from CFAF 10 000 (ten thousand) to CFAF 100 000
(one hundred thousand).

(2) Nothing in this section shall apply to any dealing with a corpse in the
interests of science and in accordance with any regulation in force.

(3) Whoever has sexual intercourse on a corpse shall be punished with
imprisonment for from 3 (three) months to 5 (five) years

(4) Whoever, by force or moral ascendency, compels any person to
have sexual intercourse on a corpse shall be punished with imprisonment for
from 5 (five) to 10 (ten) years.

PART III – FELONIES AND MISDEMEANOURS AGAINST PRIVATE INTEREST

CHAPTER I – THE PERSON

A – INTENTIONAL KILLING AND HARM

SECTION 275: Murder

Whoever causes another’s death shall be punished with imprisonment
for life.

SECTION 276: Capital Murder

(1) Whoever commits murder:

a) after premeditation; or
b) by poisoning; or
c) with a view to trafficking the organs of the victim;
d) in the preparation, facilitation or commission of a felony or
misdemeanour. or to enable the escape or to procure the impunity of
the offender or of an accessory to such felony or misdemeanour,
shall be punished with death.

(2) Murder shall be deemed premeditated notwithstanding that the
identity of the victim is not decided or that the enterprise depends on the
fulfilment of a condition.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 277· Grievous Harm

Whoever permanently deprives another of the use of the whole or ot
any part of any member, organ or sense shall be punished with imprisonment
for from 10 (ten) to 20 (twenty) years.

SECTION 277-1 : Genital Mutilation

(1) Whoever mutilates the genital organ of a person, by any means
whatsoever, shall be punished with the penalties provided for in Section 277
above:

(2) The penalty shall be imprisonment for life where:

a) the offender habitually carries out such practice or does so for
commercial purposes;
b) it leads to the death of the victim.
(3) The Court may also impose the forfeitures provided for in Sections
19 and 30 of this Code.
(4) The provisions of Sub-sections 1 and 2 above shall not apply where
the acts were performed by a qualified person and in order to save life.

SECTION 277-2: Prevention of Growth of Organ

Whoever, in any manner whatsoever, interferes with an organ in order to
inhibit its normal growth shall be punished with imprisonment for from 6 (six)
months to 5 (five) years and with fine of from CFAF 100 000 (one hundred
thousand) to CFAF 1 000 000 (one million) or with both such imprisonment
and fine.

SECTION 277 -3: Torture

(1) Whoever involuntarily causes deat l!:b~y_~ ~~~~::bEc:pllJffi&t:ied
with life imprisonment.

(2) The penalty shall be imprisonment for from 10 (ten) to 20 (twenty)
years where torture causes a permanent deprivation of the use of all or part
of a limb, organ or sense.

(3) The penalty shall be imprisonment for from 5 (five) to 10 (ten) years
and with fine of from CFAF 100 000 (one hundred thousand) to CFAF
1 000 000 (one million) where torture leads to illness or incapacity to work of
more than 30 (thirty) days.

(4) The penalty shall be imprisonment for from 2 (two) to 5 (five· years
and with fine of from CFAF 50 000 (fifty thousand) to CFAF 200 OOC ‘twc
nundred thousand) where torture leads to illness or incapacity to No k f ..JP to
30 (thirty) days, or pain or mental or psychological injury.

(5) For the purposes of this section torture• shall mean any act by
which acute pain or suffering, either physical, mental or psychological, is
intentionally inflicted to a person by a public servant, a traditional leader or
any other person acting in the course of duties either at his own instigation or
with his express or implied consent, in order to obtain information or
confessions from that person or from another, to punish her for an act that
she or any other person has committed, or is presumed to have committed, to
intimidate or overawe her or any other person, or for any other motive based
on any discrimination.

The word “torture” as so defined does not apply to pain or suffering
resulting from legitimate punishments, inherent to or caused by them.

(6) No exceptional circumstances, whatever they are, whether a state of
war or threat of war, internal political stability or state of exception, may be
invoked to justify torture.

(7) Torture may not be justified by command of a superior or public
authority.

(8) The requirements provided in section 10 (1) of this Code shall not be
applicable to torture.

B – INTENTIONAL FORCE AND I

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 278: Assault Occasioning Death

(1) Whoever by force or interference unintentionally causes another’s
death shall be punished with imprisonment for from 6 (six) to 20 (twenty)
years.

(2) Where the force or interference is used in the course of any act of
witchcraft, magic or divination the punishment shall be imprisonment for life.

SECTION 279: Assault Occasioning Grievous Harm

(1) Whoever by force or interference unintentionally causes to another
the injuries described in section 277 of this Code shall be punished with
imprisonment for from 5 (five) to 10 (ten) years and in a fit case with fine of
from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF 500 000 (five hundred thousand).

(2) Where use is made of a weapon, of any explosive corrosive or toxic
substance of poison or of any act of witchcraft magic or divination fie
,mpnsonment shall be from 6 (six) to 15 (tIfteen) years.

SECTION 280: Simple Harm

Whoever by force or interference causes intentionally or unintentionally
to another any sickness or inability to work lasting more than 30 (thirty) days
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 6 (six) months to 5 (five) years
or with fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to 200 000 (two hundred
thousand), or with both such imprisonment and fine.

SECTION 281 : Slight Harm

Whoever by force or interference causes intentionally or unintentionally
to another any .sickness or inability to work lasting for more than 8 (eight)
days and up to 30 (thirty) days shall be punished with imprisonment for from 6
(six) days to 2 (two) years or with fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to
CFAF 50 000 (fifty thousand), or with both such imprisonment and fine.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 282: Desertion of Incapable

(1) Whoever with intent to abandon him removes any person unable to
protect himself by reason of his physical or mental condition shall be
punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 3 (three) years and with fine
of from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF 25 000 (twenty-five thousand).

(2) Where the abandonment is in a lonely place the punishment shall be
imprisonment for from 5 (five) to 10 (ten) years.

(3) Where the offender is an ascendant or any oth er person having
authority over the incapable or having custody of him, whether by law or in
fact, the punishment shall be imprisonment for from 10 (ten) to 20 (twenty)
years.

(4) Upon conviction under this section the court may impose the
forfeitures described by section 30 of this Code and may also deprive the
offender of parental power for the same period.

SECTION 283: Failure to Assist

Whoever fails to render assistance to a person in danger of death or
grievous harm, whether by his own endeavours or by calling for help, where
such assistance involves no risk to himself or to any other person, shall be

punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) month to 3 (three) years or with
fine of from CFAF 20 000 (twenty thousand) to CFAF 1 000 000 (one million)
or with both such imprisonment and fine.

C – COMMON PROVISIONS

SECTION 284: Mistake as to Victim

For the purposes of Sections 275 to 281 inclusive the infliction of death
or the use of force or interference shall be treated as intentional
notwithstanding that it is intended to be Inflicted on or used against a different
person.

SECTION 285: Constructive Force

For the purposes of this Code the following shall be treated as the use
of force or as interference:

a) the administration of any substance harmful to health ;
b) desertion under section 282 ;
c) deprivation of nourishment or care, to a degree endangering health,
by a person having custody in law or in fact of another who is either
incapable of withdrawing himself from the said custody or incapable of
providing for himself.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 286: Medical Treatment

Sections 277 to 281 inclusive shall not apply to the professional
services of any person duly authorized to render them, where performed with
the consent either of the patient or of such person as may have custody of
him:

Provided that where the patient is Incapable of consent his spouse may
consent on his behalf, and where communication with the said spouse or
person having custody is impossible without risk to the patient, consent shall
not be necessary.

SECTION 287; Interest of Victim

The infliction of harm and the use of force shall constitute no offence
where proved to be justified by the immediate necessity of avoiding greater
harm to the victim.

–

SECTION 288: Sport

Sections 278 to 281 inclusive shall not be applicable to anything done in
the course of a sport and in accordance with its rules.

D – UNINTENTIONAL KILLING AND HARM

SECTION 289: U nintentional Killing and Harm

(1) Whoever by lack of due skill, carelessness, rashness or disregard of
regulation causes another’s death or such harm, sickness or incapacity as is
described in section 277 or 280 shall be punished with imprisonment for from
3 (three) months to 5 (five) years or with fine of from CFAF 10 000 (ten
thousand) to CFAF 500 000 (five hundred thousand), or with both such
imprisonment and fine.

(2) Where such harm, sickness or incapacity as is described in Sections
277 or 280 is caused by an offence against section 227 or 228 (2) (a) or (b)
the imprisonment shall be from 6 (six) to (20) twenty years.

(3) Where another’s death is caused by an offence against Sections
227or 228 (2) (a) or (b), the punishment shall be imprisonment for life.

(4) Where any offence against this section is committed in the course of
driving a vehicle requiring a driving license, the Court may disqualify the
offender for up to 3 (three) years from holding such license and for any
subsequent offence within the meaning of Section 88 of this Code may
disqualify him for up to 10 (ten) years.
P?. ,;1.’.lcNCf Of LA RfPUBUOUf
!;EC:tE’JAifAI CENEP.Al

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 290: Drivers of Vehicles

(1) The punishment provided by section 289 (1) shall be doubled for an offence committed by the driver of any vehicle

a) who is drunk or drugged when driving ; or
b) who has not the license required for driving t he vehicle in question ;
or
c) who with intent to avoid his liability departs before being identified.

(2) Where such harm as is described in section 281 is caused
unintentionally in the circumstances of the last foregoing subsection, the
driver shall be punished w ith imprisonment for from 6 (six) months to 4 (four)
years and with fine of from CFAF 10 000 (ten thousand) to CFAF 100 000
(one hundred thousand).

(3) For any offence against this section, the Court may disqualify the
offender for up to five years from holding a driving license; and on
subsequent conviction within the meaning of Section 88 of this Code may
disqualify him for life or for any lesser term.

(4) In any case not covered by subsection (1) (c) of this section, the
driver of any vehicle involved in an accident who with intent to avoid his
liability departs before being identified shall be punished with imprisonment
for from 1 (one) month to 1 (one) year and with fine of from CFAF 20 000
(twenty thousand) to CFAF 200 000 (two hundred thousand); and the Court
may disqualify him for up to 2 (two) years from holding a driving license.

CHAPTER II – PRIVATE LIBERTY AND TRANQUILITY

A – LIBERTY

SECTION n 291: False Arrest

(1) Whoever in any manner deprives another of his liberty shall be
punished with imprisonment for from 5 (five) to 10 (ten) years and with fine of
from CFAF 20 000 (twenty thousand) to CFAF 1 000 000 (one million).

(2) The punishment shall be imprisonment for from 10 (ten) to 20
(twenty) years in any of the following cases:

a) where the deprivation of liberty lasts for more than a month; or
b) where it is accompanied with physical or mental torture; or
c) where the arrest is effected with the aid of a forged order from a
public authority or of a uniform unlawfully worn, or pretending an
appointment not held.

SECTION 292: Forced Labour

Whoever for his personal advantage compels another to do any work or
.to render any service which he has not offered of his own free will shall be
punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 5 (five) years or with fine of
from CFFAF 10 000 (ten thousand) to CFAF 500 000 (five hundred
thousand), or with both such imprisonment and fine.

SECTION 293: Slavery

Whoever enslaves any person or keeps him in slavery shall be
punished with imprisonment for from 10 (ten) to 20 (twenty) years.

The Court may in addition impose the forfeitures described in Section
30 of this Code.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 294: Immoral Earnings

(1) Whoever procures, aids or facilitates another persons’ prostitution,
or shares in the proceeds of another’s prostitution, whether habitual or
otherwise, or who is subsidized by any person engaging in prostitution shall
be punished with imprisonment for from 6 (six) months to 5 (five) years and
with fine of from CFAF 20 000 (twenty thousand) to CFAF 1 000 000 (one
million).

(2) Whoever lives with a person engaging in prostitution shall be
presumed to be subsidised by her, unless he shows that his own resources
are sufficient to enable him to support himself.

(3) The punishment shall be doubled where:

a. the offence is accompanied; by coercion or by fraud or where the
offender is armed; or where he is the owner, manager or
otherwise in charge of an establishment where prostitution is
habitually practiced;
b. where the offence has been committed to the detriment of any
person under the age of 21 (twenty-one);
c. where the offender is the father or mother, guardian or person
with customary responsibility.

(4) In the cases referred to under subsection 3, the provisions of section
48 shall be applied.

(5) The court may impose the forfeitures described by Section 30 of this
Code and disqualify the offender for the same period from being guardian or
curator of any person and from having custody, customary or otherwise, of
any person under the age of 21 (twenty-one).

(6) Upon conviction under subsection 3 (a) of this section, the court
shall order closure of the establishment, to whatever other use it may be put.

(7) The prostitute herself shall not be treated as accessory to any
offence under this section

B – SEXUAL OFFENCES

SECTION 295: Private indecency

(1) Whoever in any place, notwithstanding that it may not be open to the
public, commits an indecent act in the presence of any person of either sex
and without his consent shall be punished with imprisonment for from 15
(fifteen) days to 2 (two) years or with fine of from CFAF 10 000 (ten thousand)
to CFAF 100 000 (one hundred thousand), or with both such imprisonment
and fine.

(2) The punishment shall be doubled where the offence is accompanied
by assault.

SECTION 296: Rape

Whoever by force or moral ascendency compels any person, whether
above or below the age of puberty, to have sexual Intercourse with him shall
be punished with imprisonment for from 5 (five) to 10 (ten) years.

SECTION 297: Subsequent Marriage

Marriage freely consented between the offender and the victim, even
where she is over puberty at the time of commission of the offence provided
for in Sections 295 and 296 above, shall have no effect on the prosecution
and conviction.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 298: Aggravation

The penalties prescribed by Sections 294, 295 and 296 shall be
doubled where the offender:

a) has authority over the victim, or custody of him by law or by custom; or
b) is a public servant or minister of religion; or
c) is helped by one or more others.

C – PERSONALTRANQUILITY

SECTION 299: Invasion of Residence

(1) Whoever enters or remains in another’s residence against his will
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 10 (ten) days to 1 (one) year or
with fi ne of from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF 50 000 (fifty thousand),
or with both such imprisonment and fine.

(2) The penalty shall be doubled for an offence committed at night or
with the aid of force, threats or other interference.

(3) No prosecution may be commenced without the complaint of the
injured party.

SECTION 300: Tampering with Correspondence

(1) Whoever without permission from the addressee destroys, conceals
or opens another’s correspondence shall be punished with imprisonment for
from 15 (fifteen) days to 1 (one) year or with fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five
thousand) to CFAF 100 000 (one hundred thousand), or with both such
imprisonment and fine.

(2) This Section shall not apply between spouses, to parents in respect
of their children under 21 (twenty-one) years of age and unemancipated, or to
guardians or persons responsible by custom in respect of their wards.

SECTION 301 : Simple Threats

Whoever orally or by any writing or picture threatens another with force
or interference, or with the destruction of any property, or with breaking into
his residence, shall be punished with imprisonment for from 10 (ten) days to 3
(three) years and with fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF 150 000 (one hundred and fifty thousand).

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 302: Conditional Threats

(1) Whoever threatens another, expressly or by implication, with force
or other interference in case of his failure to comply with any order or
condition shall be punished with imprisonment for from 10 (ten) days to 6 (six)
months and with fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF 25 000
(twenty-five thousand).

(2) Where the force or other interference would constitute a felony
punishable with death or with imprisonment for life, the punishment shall be:

a) imprisonment for from 6 (six) months to 3 (three) years and fine of
from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF 70 000 (seventy thou sand) for
verbal threats;

b) imprisonment for from 2 (two) to 5 (five) years and fine of from CFAF
10 000 (ten thousand) to CFAF 250 000 (two hundred and fifty thousand) for
threats in writing or picture; and the Court may in addition impose the
forfeitures described in section 30 of this Code.

SECTION 302-1: Sexual Harassment

(1) Whoever takes advantage of the authority conferred on him by his
position to harass another using orders, threats, constraints or pressure in
order to obtain sexual favours, shall be punished with imprisonment for from 6
(six) months to 1 (one) year and with fine of from CFAF (one hundred
thousand) to CFAF 1 000 000 (one million).

(2) The penalty shall be imprisonment for from one to 3 (three) years
where the victim is a minor.

(3) The penalty shall be imprisonment for from 3 (three) to 5 (five) years
where the offender is in charge of the education of the victim.

SECTION 303: Blackmail

(1) Whoever threatens another with a defamatory imputation or with any
revelation in case of his failure to comply with any order or condition shall be
punished with imprisonment for from one to 5 (five) years and with fine of
from CFAF 200 000 (two hundred thousand) to CFAF 2 000 000 (two million).

(2) The penalty shall be doubled for imputation of a felony.

(3) The Court may in addition impose the forfeitures described in
Section 30 of this Code.

SECTION 304: False Report

(1) Whoever makes to any person in authority, whether public or
private, a false report liable to lead to prosecution or to disciplinary measures
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 6 (six) months to 5 (five) years
and with fine of from CFAF 10 000 (ten thousand) to CFAF 1 000 000 (one
million), unless he shows that he had good reason to believe the report to be
true.
(2) Imprisonment shall be for from 2 (two) to 5 (five) years when the
false report ,s anonymous.

(3) Where in consequence of the report a criminal prosecution is
commenced in the trial court in respect of the facts reported, any prosecution
for false report shall be stayed until final judgment

(4) The Court may order publication of its judgment.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 305: Defamation

(1) Whoever by any of the means described in Section 152 injures the
honour or reputation of another by imputations, direct or indirect, of facts
which he is unable to prove shall be punished with imprisonment for from 6
(six) days to 6 (six) months and with a fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five
thousand) to CFAF 2 000 000 (two million), or with only one of the penalties.

(2) These penalties shall equally apply to persons guilty of defamation
in the print and audio-visual media without prejudice to the right of reply and
to the obligation to publish corrections.

(3) No proof may be offered of the truth of defamatory imputation
where:

a) it concerns the private life of the person defamed; or
b) it refers to a fact more than ten years old; or
c) it refers to a fact constituting an offence which has been amnestied or
the conviction for which has been otherwise expunged.

(4) No prosecution may be commenced without the complaint of the
injured party or of his representative by law or by custom, or continued after
withdrawal of the complaint.

(5) Prosecution shall be barred by the lapse of four months from
commission of the offence or from the last step in preparation or prosecution.

(6) This section shall apply to defamation of the memory of a deceased
person with intent to injure the honour or reputation of his living heirs, spouse
or universal legatee.

(7) The penalty shall be halved for a defamation which is not public.

(8) The penalty shall be doubled for anonymous defamation.

SECTION 306: Exceptions to Defamation

The following shall constitute no offence.

1. speeches within any legislative assembly, and any reports or other
documents printed by order of any such assembly ,
2. faithful accounts without malice of the public sittings of Parliament
any such assembly ;
3. proceedings in court and the speeches made and documents
produced in court ;
4. faithful accounts without malice of all such proceedings and
speeches, save of prosecution or action for defamation ;
5. publication of any judgment or judicial order, including those passed
in a prosecution or action for defamation ;
6. an official report without malice by a person lawfully appointed to
conduct an enquiry to the extent that it is germane to the enquiry ;
7. imputations without malice by a superior on his subordinate ;
8. information on any person given without malice to a third party
having an interest, personal or official, in receiving it, or having
power to remedy an alleged injustice ;
9. criticism of any work of art, entertainment or opinion shown or
expressed in public, provided that such criticism be not an
expression of personal animosity ;
10. any work of a historical nature and without malice.

SECTION 307: Abuse

(1) Whoever uses without having been provoked against any person in
the circumstances of publicity described in section 152 any insulting
expression, or contemptuous gesture or words, or invective without
imputation of fact, shall be punished with imprisonment for from 5 (five) days
to 3 (three) months or, with fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF
100 000 (one hundred thousand), or with both such imprisonment and fine.

(2) No prosecution may be commenced without the complaint of the
injured party or of his representative by law or by custom, or continued after
withdrawal of the complaint.

(3) Prosecution shall be barred by the lapse of four months from the
commission of the offence or from the last step in preparation or prosecution.

(4) This section shall apply to abuse of the memory of deceased person
in the circumstances prescribed by section 305 (5)

SECTION 308: Extortion of Disposition or Signature

(1) Whoever by force, coercion or fraud extorts the signature or the
delivery of any document having the effect of an obligation. discharge or
disposition, or otherwise liable to harm the signatory in his person or in his
substance, shall be punished with imprisonment for from 5 (five) to 10 (ten)
years and with fine of from CFAF 10 000 (ten thousand) to CFAF 500 000
(five hundred thousand).

(2) Whoever procures by the like means the delivery of a signed blank
paper and fills it up with any obligation, discharge or disposition shall be
punished in like manner.

CHAPTER III – CONFIDENCE

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 309: Signature in Blank

Whoever, being entrusted with a signed blank paper takes advantage of
it to insert any unauthorized obligation, discharge or disposition or any other
writing liable to harm the signatory in his person or in his substance, shall be
punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 5 (five) years or with fine of
from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF 500 000 (five hundred thousand),
or with both such imprisonment and fine.

SECTION 310: Professional Confidence

(1) Whoever without permission from the person interested in secrecy
reveals any confidential fact which has come to his knowledge or which has
been confided to him solely by reason of his profession or duties shall be
punished with imprisonment for from 3 (three) months to 3 (three) years and
with fine of from CFAF 20 000 (twenty thousand) to CFAF 100 000 (one
hundred thousand) .

(2) Subsection (1) shall apply neither to statements to the prosecution
or police concerning facts which may amount to a felony or mlsdemeanour,
nor to answers in court to any question whatever.

(3) Nothing in subsection (2) shall release from the duty of professional
confidence:

–

(2) The Court mav ,n addition impose the forfeitures descr’bed 1n
Section 30 of this Code.

SECTION 313-1 : Non-declaration of Conflict of Interest

Whoever, being an employee of the public or private sector, personally
or through a third party or under any name whatsoever, has vested interests
in an enterprise or a sector placed under his direct supervision or that relates
to him, that may compromise or restrict his independence, but fails to inform
his superiors, shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 5 (five)
years and with fine of from CFAF 200 000 (two hundred thousand) to CFAF
2 000 000 (two million).

SECTION 314: Forgery

(1) Whoever forges or alters, whether in its substance or in the
signatures of the parties or witnesses or in its date, any private document
having the effect of an obligation, discharge or disposition shall be punished
with imprisonment for from 3 (three) to 8 (eight) years and with fine of from
CFAF 50 000 (fifty thousand) to CFAF (one million).

(2) The penalty shall be imprisonment for from 5 (five) to 10 (ten) years
and with fine of from CFAF 100 000 (one hundred thousand) to CFAF
2 000 000 (two million) where the document is:

a) commercial or bank paper; or
b) evidence of a right in land; or
c) a power to sign any document described by subsection (a) or (b); or
d) a will.

(3) Whoever makes use of:
a) any document described in this section; or
b) of an expired document of like nature representing it to be still be
effective; or
c) of a document of like nature referring to another person of whom he
passes himself off- shall be punished in like manner as if he had
forged the document.

…
a) a physician or surgeon save within the scope of a commission from
the prosecution … of his reference as an expert referee
b) a public servant under orders in writing from the Government
c) a minister of religion or counsel

(4) Upon conviction the Court may order the forfeitures described by
Section 30 of this Code.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 31 1: Commercial Confidence

(1) Whoever revea ls without permission from the person interested in
secrecy any confidential fact or process which has come to his knowledge or
which has been confided to him solely by reason of his employment in an
industrial or commercial undertaking shall be punished with imprisonment for
from 3 (three) months to 3 (three) years or with fine of from CFAF 100 000
(one hundred thousand) to CFAF 5 000 000 (five million), or with both such
imprisonment and fine.

(2) Upon conviction the Court may order the forfeitures described by
section 30 of this Code.

SECTION 311-1: Non-observance of Conditions for Registration in the Trade and Personal Property Credit Register

Whoever is bound to fulfil any condition for registration in the Trade and
Personal Property Credit Register and who fails to do so or does so by fraud,
shall be punished with imprisonment for from three 3 (months) to 3 (three)
years or with fine of from CFAF 100 000 (one hundred thousand) to CFAF
5 000 000 (five million), or with both such imprisonment and fine.

The competent Court shall, where necessary, order the rectification of
inaccurate entries and transcripts.

SECTION 311 – 2: Failure to Indicate the Status of Lease Manager of a Business

Any lease manager of a business who omits to indicate such status at
the top of his purchase orders, invoices, and other financial or commercial
documents as well as his registration number in the Trade and Personal
Property Credit Register shall be punished with imprisonment for from 3
(three) months to 3 (three) years or with fine of from CFAF 100 000 (one
hundred thousand) to CFAF 5 000 000 (five million), or with both such
imprisonment and fine.

–

SECTION 314-1 Accounting Irregularities

(1) ./1/hoever deliberately draws up off record accounts uses false
documents records false income and expenses or destroys accounting
documents earlier than provided for by law, shall be punished with
imprisonment for from 5 (five) to 10 (ten) years and with fine of from CFAF
200 000 (two hundred thousand) to CFAF 2 000 000 (two million).

(2) The penalties provided for in Subsection (1) above shall be doubled
where the offender is an officially recognized professional accountant or
where the accounts produced were certified as true and fair by such
professional.

(3) Where false accounts are drawn up or certified with intent to conceal
acts of corruption or misappropriation of public property, the penalties shall be
those applicable to such offences.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 315: False or Forged Certificate

(1) Whoever forges or alters a private certificate or issues a false
certificate, where such issue is not otherwise punished, or who makes use of
a forged, altered or false private certificate shall be punished with
imprisonment for from 1 (one) month to 1 (one) year.

(2) The penalty provided for in Subsection (1) above shall be doubled
for forgery, alteration, or use of a medical certificate or of any private
document not described by Section 314.

CHAPTER IV – PROPERTY

A – DESTRUCTION

SECTION 316 : Destruction

(1) Whoever destroys the whole or any part of any property belonging
wholly or in part to another or charged in favour of another shall be punished
with imprisonment for from 15 (fifteen) days to 3 (three) years or with fine of
CFAF 5 000 (five) thousand to CFAF 100 000 (one hundred thousand), or
with both such imprisonment and fine.

(2) The penalty shall be imprisonment for from 2 (two) to 10 (ten) years
or fine of from CFAF 10 000 (ten thousand) to CFAF 500 000 (five hundred thousand), or with both such imprisonment and fine, where the property in
question is a building construction, ship, plant or installation.

SECTION 317: Boundary Marks and Fences

Whoever.

a) destroys, removes or displaces a boundary stone or any other mark set
up to show the boundary between properties: or
b) destroys any fence of whatever nature,
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 15 (fifteen) days to 1 (one) year
and with fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF 50 000 ( fifty
thousand).

B – AGAINST PROPRIETARY INTEREST

SECTION 318: Theft., Misappropriation, False Pretences

(1) Whoever causes loss to another:

a) by theft, that is by removing his property; or
b) by misappropriation that is by destruction, waste or conversion of
any property capable of being removed entrusted to him for the
purpose of custody, return, accounting or any particular manner of
dealing.

Provided that this paragraph shall apply neither to money loan nor to a
consumer goods loan ;

c) false pretence, that is by influencing him deceitfully by tricks or by
misrepresentation or concealment of any matter of fact ; shall be
punished with imprisonment for from 5 (five) to 10 (ten) years and
with fine of from CFAF 100 000 (one hundred thousand) to CFAF
1 000 000 (one million).

(2) The Court may in addition impose the forfeitures described in
Section 30 of this Code.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 319: Special Thefts and Misappropriation

The penalties provided for in Section 318 above shall apply to:
1. the unauthorized appropriation of any generated energy; and

2. the unauthorized use of any property, without the intention to deonve
the owner of it and
3. the taking of lost property, and
4 the taking or misappropriation by a debtor of his own property
charged with the debt

SECTION 320: Aggravated Theft

(1) The penalties provided for in Section 318 above shall be doubled if
the theft was committed either:

a) with force, or
b) bearing weapons, or
c) by breaking in, by climbing in, or by the use of a false key, or
d) with a motor vehicle.

(2) Whoever commits a theft by the use of force causing the death of
another or grievous harms as provided for in Sections 277 and 279 of the
Penal Code shall be punished with the death.

SECTION 321: Aggravated Misappropriation and False Pretences

The penalties prescribed by section 318 shall be doubled for
misappropri ation or false pretences committed:

a) by counsel or by notary, public auctioneer, bailiff, process server or
business agent;
b) by an employee or employer against his employer or employee;
c) by an offender advertising or who has advertised publicly.

SECTION 322: Credit by Fraud and Fraudulent Retention

(1) Whoever, being unable to pay for them:

a) orders and consumes on the spot any food or drink; or
b) occupies any room in a hotel; or
c) hires a taxi
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 5 (five) days to 6 (six) months
and with fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF 25 000 ( twenty-
five thousand).

(2) The acts described in subsections 1 (a) and (b) shall constitute no
offence if the supply of food or drink or the accommodation continues for
more than one week
(3) Whoever, without just cause, retains anything belonging to another
shall be punished in like manner

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 322 -1: Renting Fraud

(1) Whoever rents a built or un-built property on the basis of a duly
registered contract, owing two months rents, and who has not paid such rents
or vacated the said property, one month after service of a notice to pay or
quit, shall be punished with imprisonment for from 6 (six) months to 3 (three)
years or with fine of from CFAF 100 000 (one hundred thousand) to CFAF
300 000 (three hundred thousand), or with both such imprisonment and fine.

(2) Upon conviction the Court shall, in addition, order the eviction of the
tenant or any other occupant.

SECTION 322 -2: Destruction of Rented Premises

Any tenant who, at the time of leaving the premises, damages them or
any equipment therein found, shall be punished as
322-1 above.

SECTION 322 -3: Infringement of the Lien of the Lessor

The lessee or any other person who fraudulently deprives the lessor
wholly or partially of his lien over the movables of the lessee shall be
punished with imprisonment for from 6 (six) months to 3 (three) years or with
fine of from CFAF 100 000 (one hundred thousand) to CFAF 300 000 (three
hundred thousand) or with both such imprisonment and fine.

SECTION 323: Immunity Between Relatives

Sections 318, 319, 322, 322-1 and 322-2 of this Code shall not be
applicable to a person guilty of the acts therein described against his spouse,
against his legitimate or adoptive or adopted ascendant or descendant, or
against his natural ascendant or descendant up to the second degree either
living with him or after recognition; or to a surviving spouse in respect of
necessaries belonging to the deceased spouse.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 324: Receiving

(1) Whoever holds or disposes of anything procured by the commission
of a misdemeanour, whether knowing or having reason to suspect the

criminal origin of the property. shall be punished with the penalties prescribed
by Section 318.

(2) In case of felony, the punishment shall be doubled.

SECTION 325: Usury

(1) Any lender demanding or taking interest or any other reward higher
than the rate fixed by law for loans of the kind in question shall be punished
with fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF 1 000 000 (one
million).

(2) On subsequent conviction within the meaning of Section 88 of this
Code, the penalty shall be imprisonment for from 15 (fifteen) days to 1 (one)
year and the fine shall be doubled.

(3) The Court may order publication of its judgment under Section 33 of
this Code.

(4) For the purposes of this Section, the borrowe shall not be treated as an accessory.

SECTION 326: Forbidden Sales

Whoever:
– so offers any goods to the public as to engender the hope of
obtaining them free or at a reduced price in consideration of
persuading others to take up coupons or to buy; or
– sends goods to an addressee who has not ordered them, giving him
the choice between keeping them and sending them back whether or
not at his expense shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1
(one) month to 1 (one) year or with fine of from CFAF 200 000 (two
hundred thousand) to CFAF 2 000 000 (two million), or with both
such imprisonment and fine.

SECTION 327: Infringement of Intellectual Property and Artistic Rights

(1) Whoever:
a) by any means whatsoever exploits a literary or artistic work done in
violation of the law through performance, reproduction or transformation
or distribution;
b) reproduces, communicates or supplies to the public by sale, exchange,
rental of a recording, phonogramme, videogramme undertaken without

the authorization, of the performer, of the producer of the
phonogramme or videogramme or the audiovisual communication
enterprise where such authorizauon is required
c) infringes the moral right, through violation of the right of disclosure, the
right to authorship or the right to respect of a literary or artistic work;
d) infringes the right of authorship and the right to integrity of a
performance;
e) imports, exports, sells or puts up for sale forged objects;
f) imports or exports phonogrammes or videogrammes produced without
the authorization of the performer or producer of the phonogramme or
videogramme, where such authorization is required;
g) knowingly produces or imports with the intention of selling or renting or
setting up equipment, device or instrument entirely or partially designed
to fraudu lently receive televised programmes where such programmes
are reserved for a specific public that receives them in return for a fee
paid to their operator or his legal representatives;
h) fraudulently neutralizes effective technical measures used by owners of
copyrights or neighbouring rights to protect their works against
unauthorized acts;
r~,;1:c~CEOE LA REPUBllOUE
i) allows the irregular reproduction or performance in his establishment of
works protected by law;
j) fails to pay a fee provided for by law or does so tardily without
justification;
k) removes or alters without authorization any electronic information
relating to the copyright regime;
I) distributes, imports for distribution, communicates without authorization
originals or copies of works, performances, videogrammes,
phonogrammes, programmes, being aware that the electronic
information relating to the copyright regime has been removed or
altered without authorization ,
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 5 (five) to 10 (ten) years and
with fine of from CFAF 500 000 (five hundred thousand) to CFAF 10 000 000
(ten million) or both such punishment and fine.

(2) “Information on copyright regime” shall mean information that helps to
identify the work, performance, videogramme, phonogramme or programme,
or information on the conditions of use of such productions and any number
or code representing such information where one of these elements of
information is attached to a copy of a production or is linked to the
communication of a production to the public.

(3) The penalties provided for in Subsection (1) above shall be doubled
where the offender Is a co-contractor of the owner of the 1nfnnged nght

(4) The court may order the confiscation of forged copies, the equipment
used to commit the offence as well as proceeds derived therefrom

(5) The competent court may also order the destruction of the equipment
used and the forged copies, and the publication of its decisions as provided
for in Section 33 of this Code.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 328: Infringements of Patents

(1) Whoever unknowingly uses a patent or conceals, sells, exports,
imports or uses any object constituting an infringement of patent shall be
punished with fine of from CFAF 1 000 000 (one million) to CFAF 3 000 000
(three million).

(2) In the case of a subsequent offence or where the offender is or was
employed in the establishment where the patent was exploited, further
punishment of from (1) one to 6 (six) months may be prescribed.

(3) The Court shall order confiscation and delivery to the patentee of
any object constituting an infringement of patent and may order publication of
its judgment as provided by Section 33 of this Code.

(4) The Court shall rule on the exceptions that may be raised by the
offender relating to the nullity or forfeiture of the patent or issues relating to
ownership of the said patent.

(5) No prosecution may be commenced except on complaint by the
patentee.

SECTION 329: Industrial Designs

(1) Whoever unduly exploits a registered design shall be punished with
a fine of from CFAF 1 000 000 (one million) to CFAF 6 000 000 (six million).

(2) In the case of a subsequent offence, or where the offender is or was
. employed in the establishment where the patent was exploited, further
punishment of from 1 (one) to 6 (six) months may be prescribed.

(3) In the cases provided for in Subsections (1) and (2) above the Court
shall order the confiscation of the goods from the undue exploitation of the
trademarks to be given to the victim

(4) The offender shall forleit his election and eligibility rights and any
elective or appointive mandate or to any Consular Chamber of Commerce or
Industry for 10 (ten) years.
(5) The Court shall rule on the exceptions that may be raised by the
offender relating to the nullity or forfeiture of the patent or issues relating to
ownership of the said patent.

(6) The Court shall order the publication of its decision as provided for
in Section 33 of this Code.

(7) No prosecution may be commenced except on complaint by the
patentee.

SECTION 330: Trade marks

(1) Whoever forges a registered trademark shall be punished with
imprisonment for from 3 (three) months to 2 (two) years and with fine of from
CFAF 1 000 000 (one million) to CFAF 6 000 000 (six million).

(2) Whoever conceals, sells, exports, imports or uses any object
constituting an infringement of registered trademark shall be punished as
provided for in Subsection (1) above.

(3) In the cases provided for in Subsections (1) and (2) above, the Court
shall order confiscation and delivery to the trademark owner of any object
constituting an infringement of trademark.

(4) The Court shall order publication of its judgment as provided under
Section 33 of this Code.

SECTION 331 : Fraudulent debtor

(1) Any debtor, whether or not a trader, who with intent to avoid
payment to one or more creditors gives, delivers, transfers, encumbers,

removes or conceals the whole or any oart of his property shall be punished
with imprisonment for from 15 (fifteen) days to 1 (one) year

(2) The intent shall be presumed In case of removal or concealment
within 2 (two) months before judgment against the offender.

SECTION 332: Culpable Bankruptcy

(1) Any individual trader in the position of cessation of payment who:

a) makes, without receiving securities in exchange, commitments
deemed too heavy in relation to his situation when he made them ;
b) where, with intent to delay the establishment of cessation of
payments, makes purchases for resale at lower prices or where, with
same intent, uses ruinous means to obtain funds ;
c) where, without valid reason, fails to declare his situation of cessation
of payments at the Registry of the competent court within a period of 30
(thirty) days ;
d) keeps incomplete or improper accounts or does not keep any
accounts in conformity with generally accepted accounting rules and
practices, with regard to the size of the company,
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) month to 2 (two) years.

2) Any individual trader who, having been declared 3 (three) times in a
situation of cessation of payments within a period of 5 (five) years, and where
such proceedings were closed for asset inadequacy, shall also be convicted
for culpable bankruptcy and punished with the penalties provided for in
Subsection (1) above.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 333: Fraudulent Bankruptcy

(1) Any natural person who, in case of cessation of payments:

a) removes his books ;
b) converts or dissipates all or part of his assets ;
c) in his books or by any notarial or private deed or in his balance sheet,
fraudulently acknowledges debts which he does not owe :
d) exercises the profession of trader in violation of the law ;
e) after cessation of payments, pays any creditor to the detriment of the
general body of creditors ;

f) arranges with any creditor special benefits on account of his vote at
the deliberations of the general body of creditors or who concludes with
any creditor a special agreement from which the creditor would derive a
benefit to be borne by the assets of the debtor with effect from the date
of the decision to initiate proceedings; shall be guilty of fraudulent
bankruptcy and punished with imprisonment for from five to ten years.

(2) Any individual trader who, during collective proceedings for
preventive settlement, legal redress and liquidation of property:

a) in bad faith, presents or permits the presentation of an income
statement or balance sheet or statement of claims and debts or a
statement of preferential claims and securities that is inexact or
incomplete;
b) without the authorization of the President of the competent court,
committed one of the acts prohibited by the Law organizing Collective
proceedings for Wiping Off Debts, shall also be punished as provided
for in Subsection (1) above.

SECTION 334: Company Manager

Individuals who are managers of corporate bodies subject to collective
proceedings and the permanent representatives of managing corporate
bodies who, in that capacity and in bad faith:

a) use or spend money belonging to the corporate body by carrying out
mere chance operations or fictitious operations ;
b) with intent to delay the establishment of cessation of payments by the
corporate body make purchases with the view to reselling them at lower
prices or, with the same intent, use ruinous means to obtain funds ;
c) after cessation of payments by the corporate body, pay or permit a
creditor to be paid to the detriment of the general body of creditors ;
d) cause the corporate body to make for others, without receiving
securities in exchange, commitments deemed too heavy in relation to
its situation when the commitments were made ;
e) keep, cause or allow the keeping of improper or incomplete accounts of
the corporate body under the conditions laid down in Section 332 above

f) fail to declare the situation of cessation of payments of the corporate
body at the Registry of the competent court within a period of thirty days

g) with view to holding all or part of their estate from proceedings against the corporate body in a situation of cessation of payments or those against partners of members or creditors of the corporate body, embezzle or conceal, attempt to embezzle or conceal a part of their property or who fraudulently acknowledge debt that they do not owe –
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) month to 2 (two) years.

SECTION 334-1: – Legal or de Facto Representatives

Legal or de facto representatives of corporate bodies comprrsrng
members indefinitely, jointly and severally liable for the debts of the corporate
bodies who, without valid reasons, did not declare its cessation of payments
at the registry of the competent court within a period of thirty days, or where
such declaration does not include the list of jointly and severally liable
members with an indication of their names and residences shall be punished
with imprisonment for from 1 (one) month to 2 (two) years.

SECTION 334-2: Individuals Managing Corporations and Permanent

Representatives of Managing Corporate Bodies

(1) Individuals managing corporations and permanent representatives
of managing corporate bodies who fraudulently:

a) remove the books of the corporate body ;
b) convert or conceal a part of its assets ;
c) in their books or by any notarial or private deed or in their balance
sheets, acknowledge debts which the corporate body does not owe ;
d) perform the function of manager in violation of a ban provided for by
the OHADA Uniform Acts or by law or regulation ;
e) arrange with a creditor, on behalf of the corporate body, special benefits
on account of his vote during the deliberations of the general body of
creditors or who conclude with a creditor a special agreement from
which the creditor would derive a benefit to be borne by the assets of
t he corporate body with effect from the date of cessation of payments,
save otherwise provided by law ;
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 5 (five) to 10 (ten) years.
(2) The managers referred to in Subsection (1) above, who, during
preventive settlement proceedings:

a) 1n bad faith present or permit the presentation of an income statement
or balance sheet or statement of claims and debts or a statef’T1ent of
preferential claims and securities that is inexact or Incomplete
b) without an authorization from the President of the competent court,
commit one of the acts prohibited by Article 11 of the Uniform Act
organizing collective proceedings for wiping off debts shall be
punished as provided for in Subsection (1) above.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 335: Offences Committed by Third Parties

Whoever :

a) in the interest of the debtor, removes, keeps or conceals all or part of
his personal property or real estate, without prejudice to criminal
provisions relating to aiding and abetting ;
b) fraudulently produces fictitious debts, in collective proceedings, either in
his name or in another’s name or under a false name ;
c) engaging in a professional independent, civilian, commercial, artisanal
or agricultural activity in the name of another or under a false name, in
bad faith, converts, conceals, attempts to convert or conceal a part of
his property
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 5 (five) to 10 (ten) years.

SECTION 335-1: Offences Committed by Spouse, Relatives or Kinsmen of the Debtor

The spouse, descendant, ascendant or relative of the debtor or his
kinsman up to the fourth degree inclusively who, unknown to the debtor,
embezzles, misappropriates or conceals negotiable instruments pertaining to
the assets of a debtor in a situation of cessation of payments, shall be
punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) to three 3 (years) or with fine of
from CFAF 50 000 (fifty thousand) to CFAF 250 000 (two hundred and fifty
thousand) or with both such imprisonment and fine.

SECTION 335-2: Damages and Reincorporation

In the cases provided for in Sections 335 and 335-1 above, even where there
is discharge, the trial court shall rule on damages and on the re-incorporation
of the property, rights or stocks removed into the estate of the debtor

SECTION 335-3: Offences Committed by the Judicial Representative of a collective proceedings

Any judicial representative of collective proceedings who

a) carries out personal activity under the cover of the company of the
debtor concealing his dealings .
b) disposes of the credit or property of the debtor as his ;
c) dissipates the property of the debtor ;
d) undertakes, abusively and in bad faith, in his own interest, either
directly or indirectly transactions resulting in a deficit for the company of
the debtor;
e) in violation of the Law organizing Collective proceedings for Wiping off
Debts, directly or indirectly acquires the property of the debtor on his
own account
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 5 (five) to 10 (ten) years and
with fine of from CFAF 200 000 (two hundred thousand) to CFAF 5 000 000
(five million).

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 336: Unlawful Gains of a Creditor

The creditor who, save otherwise provided by !aw:

a) arranges with a debtor or any other person, special benefits on account
of his vote during the deliberations of the general body of creditors ;
b) concludes a special agreement from which he would derive a benefit to
be borne by the debtor’s assets with effect from the date of the decision
to initiate collective proceedings
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 3 (three) years and
with fine of from CFAF 50 000 (fifty thousand) to CFAF 1 500 000 (one million
five hundred thousand).

CHAPTER IV – CHILDREN AND THE FAMILY

SECTION 337: Abortion

(1) Any woman procuring or consenting to her own abortion shall be
punished with imprisonment for from 15 (fifteen) days to 1 (one) year or with
fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF 200 000 (two hundred
thousand) or with both such imprisonment and fine .

(2) Whoever procures the abortion of a woman, notwithstanding her
consent, shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 5 (five)
years and with fine of from CFAF 100 000 (one hundred thousand) to CFAF
2 000 000 (two million).

(3) The penalties prescribed by Subsection (2) shall be doubled where
the offender:

a) engages habitually in abortion ; or
b) practises the profession of medicine or an allied profession.
(4) In the circumstances of Subsection (3) (b), the Court may also order
closure of the professional premises and impose a ban on his occupation
under Sections 34 and 36of this Code.

SECTION 338: Assault on Woman with Child

Whoever by force used against a woman with child or against a child
being born causes, intentionally or unintentionally the death or permanent
incapacity of the child shall be punished with imprisonment for form 5 (five) to
10 (ten) years and with fine of from CFAF 100 000 (one hundred thousand) to
CFAF 2 000 000 (two million).

SECTION 339: Saving Mother

(1) Neither of the two foregoing Sections apply to acts performed by a
qualified person and proved necessary for the saving of the mother from
grave danger to her health.

(2) In case of pregnancy resulting from rape, abortion by a qualified
medical practitioner after certificate by the prosecution of a good case shall
constitute no offence.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 340: Infanticide

The punishment for murder within the meaning of Sections 275 or 276
or for abetment of such murder, by a mother of her child one month of birth
shall be reduced to imprisonment for from 5 (five) to 10 (ten) years. Provided
that nothing in this Section shall reduce the penalty as against any other
offender or accessory.

SECTION 341 : Cloud on Parentage

Any person whose conduct has the result of depriving a child of the
evidence of his true parentage shall be punished with imprisonment for from 5
(five) to 10 (ten) years.

SECTION 342: Debt Bondage of Persons

(1) Whoever subjects a person to debt bondage shall be punished with
imprisonment for from 5 (five) to 10 (ten) years and with fine of from CFAF
10 000 (ten thousand) to CFAF 500 000 (five hundred thousand).

(2) The penalties provided in Subsection (1) above shall be doubled where
the offender is either an ascendant, a guardian or a person having even
customary custody over the victim.

(3) Whoever boards a person in debt bondage shall be punished with
imprisonment for 10 (ten) years
and with fine of from CFAF 10 000 (ten thousand) to CFAF 1 000 000 (one
million).

(4) The court may also impose the forfeitures provided for in Section 30
of this Code.

SECTION 342-1: Trafficking and Slavery of Persons

(1)Whoever engages even occasionally in the practice of trafficking in
persons or slavery shall be punished with imprisonment for from 10
(ten) to 20 (twenty) years and with fine of from CFAF 50 000 (fifty
thousand) to CFAF 1 000 000 (one million).

(2)Whoever engages in trafficking in persons and slavery shall be
punished with imprisonment of from 15 (fifteen) to 20 (twenty) years and
with fine of from CFAF 100 000 (one hundred thousand) to CFAF 50 000 (fifty thousand) to
CFAF 10 000 000 (ten million) where the:

a) offence is committed against a minor of 15 (fifteen) years old ;
b) perpetrator is a legitimate, natural or adopted ascendant of the
victim ;
c) offender has authority over the victim or is expected to participate
by virtue of his duties in the fight against slavery or in peace
keeping ;
d) offence is committed by an organized gang or an association of
criminals;

e) offence Is committed with use of a weapon
f) victim sustains injuries as described in Section … of the Code
or
g) where the victim dies as a result of acts related to the offence.

(3) The Court may also impose the forfeitures provided for In Sectlon
30 of this Code.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 343: Immoral Earnings

(1) Whoever, of either sex, who engages habitually for gain, in sexual
intercourse with another shall be punished with imprisonment for from 6 (six)
months to 5 (five) years and with fine of from CFAF 20 000 (twenty thousand)
to CFAF 500 000 (five hundred thousand).
(2) Whoever, in view of prostitution of or debauchment, proceeds with
public gestures, words and writing or by any other means to the soliciting of
persons of either sex shall be punished in like manner.

SECTION 344: Corruption of Youth

(1) Whoever, in order to satisfy the desires of another person, habitually
excites, encourages or facilitates the debauch or corruption of any person
under 18 (eighteen) years of age shall be punished with imprisonment for
from 1 (one) to 5 (five) years and with fine of from CFAF 20 000 (twenty
thousand) to CFAF 1 000 000 (one million).

(2) The penalty shall be doubled where the victim is under 16 (sixteen)
years.

(3) Upon conviction, the Court may order the forfeitures described in
Section 30 of this Code and deprive the offender for the same period of
parental power and disqualify him from being guardian or curator of any
minor.

SECTION 345: Moral Danger

Whoever having by law or by custom custody of a person under 18
(eighteen) years of age allows him to reside or work in an establishment
where prostitution is habitually practiced, or to work in a prostitute’s house
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 15 (fifteen) days to 6 (six)
months and with fine of from CFAF 10 000 (ten thousand) to CFAF 100 000
(one hundred thousand).

SECTION 346: Indecency to Child under Sixteen

(1)Whoever commits an indecent act in the presence of a child under
the age of 16 (sixteen) shall be punished with imprisonment for from 2 (two)
to 5 (five) years and with fine of from CFAF 20 000 (twenty thousand) to
CFAF 200 000 (two hundred thousand).

(2) The penalty shall be doubled where the offence is accompanied by
assault or where the offender is one of the persons described in Section 298.

(3) The penalty shall be imprisonment for from 10 (ten) to 15 (fifteen)
years where the offender has sexual intercourse with the victim
notwithstanding his or her consent.

(4) In case of rape, the imprisonment shall be from fifteen to twenty-five
years, or for life where the offender is one of the persons described by
Section 298.

(5) Upon conviction under this Section, the Court may deprive the
offender of parental power and disqualify him from being guardian or curator
of any minor for the time prescribed by Section 31 (4) of this Code.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 347: Indecency to Minor between Sixteen and Twenty-One

(1) For any offence under Sections 295, 296 and 347-1 of this Code
committed against a person over 16 (sixteen) and under 21 (twenty-one)
years of age, the penalty shall be doubled.

(2) Upon conviction under this Section, the Court may deprive the
offender of parental power and disqualify him from being guardian or curator
of any minor for the time prescribed by Section 31 (4) of this Code.

SECTION 347-1: Homosexuality

Whoever has sexual relations with a person of the same sex shall be
punished with imprisonment for from 6 (six) months to 5 (five) years and a
fine of from CFAF 20 000 (twenty thousand) to CFAF 200 000 (two hundred
thousand).

SECTION 348: Drink

(1) Whoever:

a) being licensed to sell intoxicating liquor for consumption on the
premises admits to the said premises any person under 16 (sixteen)

years of age not accompanied by a person over 21 (twenty-one)
responsible for superintending him or
b) being licensed to sell beverages for consumption on the premises sells
or offers, whether on the said premises or in any other public place, any
intoxicating liquor to any person under 18 (eighteen) years of age not
accompanied by a person over 21 (twenty-one) responsible for
superintending him; or
c) makes any person under 21 (twenty-one) years of age drunk,
shall be punished with fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF
50 000 (fifty thousand).

(2) Upon subsequent conviction within the meaning of Section 88of this
Code, the punishment shall be imprisonment for from 15 (fifteen) days to 1
(one) month and fine of from CFAF 10 000 (ten thousand) to CFAF 100 000
(one hundred thousand); and the Court may in addition order:

a) closure of the licensed premises under Section 34 of this Code ;
b) publication of its judgment ;
c) as against any offender the forfeitures described in Section 30 of this
Code.

(3) This Section shall not apply to any person proving that he was misled as
to the age of the minor or as to the age or authority of the person
accompanying him.

SECTION 349: Advantage of Weakness

(1) Whoever takes advantage of the needs, weakness or passions of
any person under 21 (twenty-one) years of age to induce him to sign any
obligation, discharge or disposition, or any other document liable to harm the
signatory in his person or in his substance, shall be punished with the penalty
prescribed by Section 318 of this Code.

(2) For the purposes of this Section, any lunatic notorious or so found and any spendthrift so found, shall be treated as a minor.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 350: Assault on Children

(1) The penalties prescribed by Section 275 on the one hand and by
Sections 277 and 278 on the other shall become death and imprisonment for
life respectively where the offences are committed against a person under 15
(fifteen) years of age, and the penalties prescribed by Sections 279 (1), 280
and 281 shall be doubled.

(2) Upon conviction for misdemeanour under this Section, the Court
may order the forfeitures described in Section 30 of this Code

SECTION 351 : Assault on Ascendant

The penalties prescribed by Section 275 on the one hand and by
Sections 277 and 278 on the other hand shall become death and
imprisonment for life respectively where the offences are committed against
the legitimate, natural or adoptive father or mother of the offender, or against
any other legitimate ascendant, and the penalties prescribed by Sections 279
(1), 280 and 281 shall be doubled.

SECTION 352: Kidnapping of Child

(1) Whoever without force or fraud takes or entices away any person
under 18 (eighteen) years of age, against the will of those to whom custody
belongs by law or by custom, or procures him to leave that custody shall be
punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 5 (five) years and with fine of
from CFAF 20 000 (twenty thousand) to CFAF 200 000 (two hundred
thousand):
Provided that this Subsection shall not apply to a person misled as to the age
of the minor.
(2) The subsequent marriage of the offender to the victim shall have no
effect on the prosecution and conviction.

SECTION 353: Kidnapping by Force or Fraud

Whoever by force or fraud takes or entices away any person under the
age of twenty-one years, notwithstanding that he thought him older, and
against the will of those to whom custody belongs by law or by custom or
procures him to leave that custody shall be punished with imprisonment for
from 5 (five) to 10 (ten) years and with fine of from CFAF 20 000 (twenty
thousand) to CFAF 400 000 (four hundred thousand).

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 354: Aggravated Kidnapping

(1) The punishment for kidnapping under either of the two last foregoing
Sections shall be imprisonment for life where:

– the person kidnapped is under the age of thirteen; or
– the offender commits the offence with intent to obtain a ransom or
obtains a ransom.
(2) The punishment shall be death where the minor dies as a result of
the kidnapping

SECTION 355: Failure to return a child

Whoever being in charge of a child fails to return him to those having
the right to claim him back shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1
(one) to 5 (five) years, and with fine of from CFAF 20 000 (twenty thousand)
to CFAF 200 000 (two hundred thousand).

SECTION 355-1: Interference with the Right to Visit

Any parent who interferes with the exercise by the other parent of the
right granted by a court order to visit any child they have in common, shall be
punished with imprisonment for from 6 (six) months to 1 (one) year or with
fine of from CFAF 50 000 (fifty thousand) to CFAF 500 000 (five hundred
thousand) or with both such imprisonment and fine.

SECTION 355 -2: Interference with the Right to Education or Training

(1) Any parent with sufficient means who refuses to send his child to
school, shall be punished with fine of from 50 000 (fifty thousand) to CFAF
500 000 (five hundred thousand).
(2) The punishment shall be imprisonment for from 1 (one) year to 2
(two) years where the offence is repeated.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 356: Forced Marriage

(1) Whoever compels anyone to marry shall be punished with
imprisonment for from five to 10 (ten) years, and with fine of from CFAF
25 000 (twenty-five thousand) to CFAF 1 000 000 (one million).

(2) Where the victim is under the age of 18 (eighteen), the punishment
may not be less than 2 (two) years imprisonment, whatever the mitigating
circumstances.

(3) Whoever gives in marriage a boy or a girl under 18 (eighteen) shall
be punished as under the two last foregoing Subsections.

(4) Upon conviction, the Court may deprive the offender of parental
power and disqualify him from being the guardian or curator of any person for
the time prescribed by Section 31 (4) of this Code.

136

SECTION 357: Abuse in respect of Bride-price

1) Whoever

a) receives from a third party the whole or any part of a bride-price for
the promise 1n marriage of a woman already married or bound by a betrothal
not yet broken off ; or

b) receives the whole or any part of a bride-price before refund to any
earlier suitor; or
c) receives without any right to it the whole or any part of a bride-price
for the marriage of a woman ; or
d) demands the whole or any part of an excessive bride-price for the
marriage of a girl over 21 (twenty-one) years of age or of a widow or divorced
woman; or
e) for want of compliance with his excessive demands for bride-price for
the marriage of a girl under the age of 21 (twenty-one), and for no other
reason, obstructs her marriage; or
f) receives as heir any such consideration promised to the person from
whom he inherits
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1 (one) to 5 (five) years or with
fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF 500 000 (five hundred
thousand) or with both such imprisonment and fine.

(2) Time shall begin to run again for prosecution on payment of the bride-
price or of any instalment.

SECTION 358- Desertion

(1) Any spouse or parent who without just cause evades whether by
desertion of the family home or otherwise howsoever, the whole or any part of
his moral or material obligations towards his spouse or children shall be
punished with imprisonment for from 3 (three) months to 1 (one) year or with
fine of from CFAF 5 000 (five thousand) to CFAF 500 000 (five hundred
thousand).

(2) Where a spouse alone has been deserted, no prosecution may be
commenced without his or her complaint.

(3) The same punishment shall apply to a guardian or person
responsible by custom who evades his obligations by law or custom towards
any child in his custody.

(4) Upon conviction, the Court may order the forfeitures described in
Section 30 of this Code, disqualify the offender from being guardian or curator
of any child for the time fixed by Section 31 (4 ), and for the same period
deprive him of parental power in respect of any one or more of his children.

(5) Where the person who received payment of the whole or a part of
the bride-price is accessory to a wife’s offence, he shall be punished with
imprisonment for from 3 (three) months to 1 (one) year and with fine of from
CFAF 50 000 (fifty thousand) to CFAF 500 000 (five hundred thousand).

SECTION 358-1: Eviction from the Matrimonial Home

(1) The spouse who, outside any judicial proceedings and without a
valid reason, evicts the other from the matrimonial home shall be punished
with imprisonment for from 3 (three) months to 1 (one) year and with fine of
from CFAF 50 000 (fifty thousand) to CFAF 500 000 (five hundred thousand).

(2) The penalty shall be imprisonment for from 2 (two) to 5 (five) years
where:

a) the victim is a pregnant woman ;
b) the eviction is accompanied or preceded by physical or psychological
violence, confiscation or destruction of the personal effects of the victim
; or
c) the eviction is caused by a person other than the spouse of the victim.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 359: Bigamy

(1)Whoever:

a) being polygamous contracts a monogamous marriage before the
dissolution of all previous marriages; or

b) being bound by an undertaking of monogamy contracts any marriage
before dissolution of any previous marriage; or

c) being married under the codified law contracts any marriage before
dissolution of that former marriage
shall be punished with imprisonment for from 2 (two) months to 2 (two) years
and with fine of from CFAF 25 000 (twenty-five thousand) to CFAF 500 000
(five hundred thousand).

(2) The burden of proving dissolution of any previous marriage
s’iall fall on the accused

SECTION 360: Incest

(1) Without prejudice to the penalties prescribed by Sections 346 (3)
and 347 (1), whoever has sexual intercourse with:

a) any legitimate or natural ascendant or descendant in the direct line
without limitation as to degree; or
b) his brother or sister, whether legitimate or natural, and whether of the
whole or of the half-blood shall be punished with imprisonment for from 1
(one) to 3 (three) years and with fine of from CFAF 20 000 (twenty thousand)
to CFAF 500 000 (five hundred thousand).

(2) Save in case of notorious concubinage or of incestuous marriage no
prosecution may be commenced without the complaint of a relative by blood
in whatever degree.

SECTION 361 : Adultery

(1) A woman who, being married, has sexual intercourse with a man
other than her husband shall be punished with imprisonment for from 2 (two)
to 6 (six) months or with fine of from CFAF 25 000 (twenty-five thousand) to
CFAF 100 000 (one hundred thousand).

(2) A husband who has sexual intercourse with a woman other than his
wife or wives shall be punished as provided in Subsection 1 above.

However, the burden of proof of the existence of a polygamous union
shall lie with the husband.

(3) No prosecution may be commenced without the complaint of the
wronged spouse.

(4) The connivance or condonation of the wronged spouse shall bar the
commencement or continuation of any prosecution.

(4)Consent by the wronged spouse to resume cohabitation shall put an
end to the effects of conviction.

PART IV – SIMPLE OFFENCES

SECTION 362 to 370: The provisions of Section 362 to 370 which define
offences shall be laid down by regulation.

PART V – TRANSITIONAL AND FINAL PROVISIONS

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 371 :

(1) All previous provisions repugnant hereto and having the same
objective are hereby repealed.

(2) However, felonies, misdemeanours, or simple offence committed
and previously prosecuted prior to the entry into force of this Law shall remain
subject to the provisions of Law No. 65/LF/24 of 12 November 1965 and
No 67/LF/1 of 12 June 1967, until the final judicial decision on related matters.

Cameroon Penal Code (Criminal Law)

SECTION 372: This law shall be registered, and published in the Official

Gazette in English and French.

BIYA

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OAPI Relatif aux taxes

OAPI

cameroun_ahcmf5

March 14, 2021

C’est quoi l’ Oapi relatif au taxes?

Ce document de l’OAPI reglement relatif aux taxes précise les frais et taxes de demande d’enregistrement de marques et autres propriétés intellectuelles dans les pays africains de l’OAPI.

Autres lois OAPI

Les reglements OAPI

OAPI: Guide du Dépôt Marques

En savoir plus sur OAPI.
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OAPI – Règlement relatif à l’enregistrement international des marques

OAPI

cameroun_ahcmf5

March 14, 2021

OAPI – Règlement relatif à l’enregistrement international des marques

C’est quoi le règlement OAPI relatif à le demande de l’enregistrement international des marques?

C’est un règlement OAPI qui fixe les règles régissant toute demande d’enregistrement international des marques déposée en vertu du Protocole relatif à l’arrangement de Madrid concernant l’enregistrement international des marques, adopté à Madrid le 27 juin 1989 ci-après dénommés respectivement « demande internationale » et « Protocole de Madrid », et fondée sur une demande de marque OAPI ou sur une marque OAPI, ainsi qu’à l’enregistrement, dans le registre international tenu par le Bureau international de l’Organisation mondiale de la propriété intellectuelle ci-après dénommés respectivement «enregistrement international» et « Bureau international », de marques désignant l’OAPI.

EXAMEN DU RAPPORT DE LA COMMISSION DES EXPERTS

RÈGLEMENT RELATIF A L’ENREGISTREMENT INTERNATIONAL DES MARQUES

RESOLUTION N° 54/21

LE CONSEIL D’ADMINISTRATION DE L’ORGANISATION AFRICAINE DE LA PROPRIETE INTELLECTUELLE

Vu l’article 19 de la Convention de Paris pour la protection de la propriété industrielle du 20 mars 1883 ;

Vu le Protocole relatif à l’Arrangement de Madrid concernant l’enregistrement international des marques du 27 juin 1989 ;

Vu l’Accord portant révision de l’Accord de Bangui du 2 mars 1977 instituant une Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle, ci-après « Accord de Bangui » ;

Vu l’article 17 de l’Accord de Bangui relatif aux cas de divergence entre ses dispositions et les dispositions contenues dans les conventions internationales auxquelles les Etats membres de l’OAPI sont parties ;

Vu l’article 5 de l’Accord de Bangui relatif à la mise en œuvre des traités internationaux ;

Vu le Règlement d’exécution du Protocole relatif à l’Arrangement de Madrid concernant l’enregistrement international des marques ;

Vu les dispositions de l’article 29 de l’Accord de Bangui relatives aux pouvoirs du Conseil d’Administration ;

Vu la résolution N° 53/25 du 14 décembre 2013 autorisant l’adhésion de l’OAPI au Protocole relatif à l’Arrangement de Madrid concernant l’enregistrement international des marques.

Considérant la facilité d’obtention de la protection des marques grâce au Protocole relatif à l’Arrangement de Madrid concernant l’enregistrement international des marques ;

Considérant que l’adhésion au Protocole est un facteur d’attractivité pour les investisseurs étrangers en raison de la simplification du système d’enregistrement ;

que l’adhésion de l’OAPI permet de rassurer les usagers de ce système ;

Considérant le Rapport du Directeur général ;

Considérant le Rapport de la Commission des Experts ;

ADOPTE le Règlement sur l’enregistrement international des marques dont la teneur suit :

Autres Reglements OAPI

Les reglements OAPI

SECTION 1 : DISPOSITIONS GENERALES

Article 1er : Définitions et Champ d’application

Protocole : s’entend du Protocole relatif à l’Arrangement de Madrid concernant l’enregistrement international des marques, adopté à Madrid le 27 juin 1989 ;

Demande internationale : s’entend d’une demande d’enregistrement internationale déposée en vertu du Protocole ;

Enregistrement international : s’entend de l’enregistrement d’une marque au Registre international ;

Demande de marque OAPI : s’entend d’une demande déposée en vertu des dispositions de l’Accord de Bangui et qui sert de demande de base à l’égard d’un enregistrement international ;

Marque OAPI : s’entend de l’enregistrement d’une marque effectué en vertu de l’Accord de Bangui et qui sert de marque de base à l’égard d’un enregistrement international ;

Bureau International : s’entend du Bureau international de l’Organisation mondiale de la propriété intellectuelle (OMPI) ;

Partie contractante : s’entend de tout Etat ou Organisation intergouvernementale partie au Protocole ;

Partie contractante désignée : s’entend d’une partie contractante pour laquelle a été demandée l’extension territoriale de la protection ou à l’égard de laquelle une telle extension a été inscrite au registre international ;

Désignation : s’entend de la requête en extension de la protection (extension territoriale), elle s’entend aussi d’une telle extension inscrite au registre international ;

Notification de refus provisoire : s’entend d’une déclaration de l’autorité compétente notamment administrative ou judiciaire d’une partie contractante désignée faite conformément au Protocole ;

Invalidation : s’entend d’une déclaration de l’autorité compétente notamment administrative ou judiciaire d’une partie contractante désignée révoquant ou annulant les effets, sur le territoire de cette partie contractante, d’un enregistrement international pour tout ou partie des produits ou services couverts par ladite désignation ;

Titulaire : s’entend de toute personne physique ou morale au nom de laquelle l’enregistrement international est inscrit au registre international ;

Registre : s’entend du registre spécial des marques tenu à l’OAPI, y compris les enregistrements internationaux désignant l’OAPI, conformément à l’Accord de Bangui, quel qu’en soit le support ;

Registre international : s’entend de la collection officielle par le Bureau international, des données concernant les enregistrements internationaux dont l’inscription est exigée ou autorisée par le Protocole ou le règlement d’exécution, quel qu’en soit le support ;

Organisation : s’entend de l’Organisation africaine de la propriété intellectuelle (OAPI) chargée de l’enregistrement des marques valables dans tous ses Etats membres ;

Office : s’entend de l’Office d’une partie contractante chargé de l’enregistrement des marques, en vertu du Protocole ;

Office d’origine : s’entend de l’office du pays d’origine tel que défini à l’article 2.2) du Protocole ;

Déposant : s’entend d’une personne physique ou morale au nom de laquelle est déposée une demande internationale ;

Formulaire officiel : s’entend du formulaire établi par l’OAPI aux fins de la procédure internationale ou du formulaire établi par le Bureau International ;

Emolument prescrit/taxe prescrite : s’entend de l’émolument ou de la taxe fixé dans le barème des émoluments et taxes de l’OMPI ou dans le règlement des taxes de l’OAPI.

Le présent règlement fixe les règles régissant toute demande d’enregistrement international déposée en vertu du Protocole relatif à l’arrangement de Madrid concernant l’enregistrement international des marques, adopté à Madrid le 27 juin 1989 ci-après dénommés respectivement « demande internationale » et « Protocole de Madrid », et fondée sur une demande de marque OAPI ou sur une marque OAPI, ainsi qu’à l’enregistrement, dans le registre international tenu par le Bureau international de l’Organisation mondiale de la propriété intellectuelle ci-après dénommés respectivement «enregistrement international» et « Bureau international », de marques désignant l’OAPI.

SECTION 2 : DEMANDE INTERNATIONALE FONDEE SUR UNE DEMANDE DE MARQUE OAPI OU SUR UNE MARQUE OAPI

Article 2 : Dépôt de la demande internationale

1. Les demandes internationales au sens de l’article 3 du Protocole qui sont fondées sur une demande de marque OAPI ou sur une marque OAPI sont déposées auprès de l’Organisation à Yaoundé.

2. Lorsqu’une demande internationale est déposée avant que la marque sur laquelle l’enregistrement international doit être fondé ait été enregistrée en tant que marque OAPI, le demandeur de l’enregistrement international doit indiquer si l’enregistrement international doit être fondé sur une demande ou un enregistrement de marque OAPI. Lorsque l’enregistrement international doit être fondé sur une marque OAPI une fois que celle-ci aura été enregistrée, la demande internationale est réputée être parvenue à l’Organisation à la date d’enregistrement de la marque OAPI.

Article 3 : Forme, contenu et certification de la demande internationale

1. La demande internationale est déposée dans une des langues de travail de l’OAPI au moyen d’un formulaire fourni par l’Organisation ou le Bureau international de l’OMPI. Sauf indication contraire du demandeur portée sur ce formulaire lorsqu’il dépose la demande internationale, l’Organisation correspond avec le demandeur dans la langue de dépôt sous une forme normalisée.

2. La demande internationale doit satisfaire aux conditions y relatives prévues par les instructions administratives.

3. Lorsque la demande internationale remplit les conditions requises, l’Organisation le certifie dans ladite demande internationale. Elle indique la date à laquelle la demande internationale est reçue.

4. L’Organisation transmet la demande internationale au Bureau international dans un délai de deux (2) mois à compter de la date à laquelle ladite demande a été reçue à l’OAPI.

Article 4 : Inscription dans le dossier et au registre

1. La date et le numéro de l’enregistrement international fondé sur une demande de marque OAPI sont inscrits dans le dossier de cette demande.

2. La date et le numéro de l’enregistrement international fondé sur une marque OAPI sont inscrits au registre.

Article 5 : Requête en extension territoriale postérieure à l’enregistrement international

Toute requête en extension territoriale présentée, conformément à l’article 3ter, paragraphe 2, du Protocole, postérieurement à l’enregistrement international, peut être introduite par l’intermédiaire de l’Organisation. La requête doit être déposée dans une des langues de travail visées à l’article 3 ci-dessus.

Article 6 : Taxes internationales

L’OAPI perçoit à son profit une taxe de certification et de transmission de la demande internationale dont le montant est fixé par un texte particulier. Les émoluments et taxes dus au Bureau international en vertu du Protocole sont payés à l’Organisation qui les transmet.

SECTION 3 : ENREGISTREMENT INTERNATIONAL DESIGNANT L’ORGANISATION AFRICAINE DE LA PROPRIETE INTELLECTUELLE

Article 7 : Effets de l’enregistrement international désignant l’OAPI

1. Toute demande d’enregistrement international désignant l’OAPI produit, à compter de la date d’enregistrement visée à l’article 3, paragraphe 4, du Protocole ou de la date d’extension postérieure à l’OAPI prévue à l’article 3ter, paragraphe 2, du Protocole, les mêmes effets qu’une demande OAPI.

2. Si aucun refus n’est notifié en vertu de l’article 5, paragraphes 1 et 2 du Protocole ou si, en cas de refus, celui-ci est levé, l’enregistrement international d’une marque désignant l’OAPI produit, à compter de la date visée au paragraphe 1, les mêmes effets que l’enregistrement d’une marque en tant que marque OAPI.

Article 8 : Examen relatif aux motifs de refus

1. Tout enregistrement international désignant l’OAPI est subordonné à un examen relatif aux motifs de refus, suivant la même procédure que pour les demandes de marques OAPI. La déclaration indiquant le refus provisoire de protection est notifiée au Bureau international au plus tard dans le délai de dix-huit (18) mois à compter de la date de l’enregistrement international ou de l’extension.

2. La protection d’un enregistrement international ne peut être refusée qu’après que le titulaire de l’enregistrement international a été mis en mesure de renoncer à la protection ou d’en limiter l’étendue pour ce qui concerne l’OAPI ou de présenter ses observations.

3. Le refus de la protection se base sur les mêmes motifs de refus ou rejet appliqués aux demandes de marques OAPI. Ce refus est susceptible de recours devant la Commission Supérieure de Recours de l’OAPI dans les soixante (60) jours suivant la réception de sa notification.

Article 9 : Publication

Si aucun refus provisoire de protection d’un enregistrement international désignant l’OAPI n’est notifié en vertu de l’article 8 alinéa 1er ci-dessus, ou si, en cas de refus, ce dernier est levé, l’Organisation publie la date de l’enregistrement international d’une marque désignant l’OAPI visée à l’article 3, paragraphe 4, du Protocole ou la date d’extension postérieure à l’OAPI prévue à l’article 3ter, paragraphe 2, du Protocole. L’Organisation publie également la langue de dépôt de la demande internationale, le numéro de l’enregistrement OAPI, le numéro de l’enregistrement international et la date de publication de cet enregistrement dans la Gazette éditée par le Bureau international, une reproduction de la marque, ainsi que les numéros des classes des produits ou des services pour lesquels la protection est revendiquée.

Article 10 : Opposition

1. Tout enregistrement international désignant l’OAPI est soumis à la même procédure d’opposition que les enregistrements de marque OAPI publiés.

2. L’opposition est formée dans un délai de six (6) mois à compter de la date de publication prévue à l’article 9. L’opposition n’est réputée formée qu’après paiement de la taxe d’opposition.

3. Lorsque l’opposition est fondée, l’Organisation notifie au Bureau International la déclaration de refus provisoire de protection. Cette déclaration peut être notifiée après l’expiration du délai de dix-huit (18) mois visé à l’article 8 alinéa 1er ci-dessus.

Article 11 : Remplacement d’un enregistrement de marque OAPI par un enregistrement international

Sur demande, l’Organisation inscrit, dans le registre, qu’une marque OAPI est réputée avoir été remplacée par un enregistrement international, conformément à l’article 4 bis du Protocole de Madrid.

La taxe d’inscription du remplacement est fixée par un texte particulier.

Article 12 : Invalidation des effets d’un enregistrement international

1. La déchéance ou la nullité des effets d’un enregistrement international désignant l’OAPI peut être prononcée par le tribunal compétent.

2. La demande en déchéance ou en nullité des effets d’un enregistrement international désignant l’OAPI tient lieu de demande en radiation en vertu de l’article 23 de l’annexe III de l’Accord de Bangui ou de demande en nullité en vertu de l’article 24 de l’annexe III dudit Accord.

3. Lorsque l’invalidation des effets d’un enregistrement international désignant l’OAPI est devenue définitive, l’Organisation notifie ce fait au Bureau international.

Article 13 : Revendication de propriété

La marque faisant l’objet d’un enregistrement international dans lequel l’OAPI est désignée ne peut faire l’objet d’une revendication de propriété devant le Directeur général, au sens de l’article 5 alinéa 3 de l’Annexe III de l’Accord de Bangui.

Article 14 : Transformation

1. Le demandeur ou le titulaire d’une marque internationale peut requérir la transformation de sa demande ou de sa marque internationale en demande de marque OAPI:

a. dans la mesure où la demande de marque internationale est rejetée, retirée ou réputée retirée;
b. dans la mesure où la marque internationale cesse de produire ses effets.

2. La transformation n’a pas lieu:

a. lorsque le titulaire de la marque internationale a été déchu de ses droits pour défaut d’usage de cette marque, à moins que la marque internationale n’ait été utilisée sur le territoire OAPI dans des conditions qui constituent un usage sérieux ;
b. lorsque la marque internationale est frappée de façon définitive d’un motif de refus d’enregistrement, de révocation ou de nullité à l’OAPI.

3. La demande de marque OAPI issue de la transformation d’une demande ou d’une marque internationale bénéficie à l’OAPI, de la date de dépôt ou de la date de priorité de cette demande ou de cette marque.

4. Lorsque la demande de marque internationale est retirée ou que la marque internationale cesse de produire ses effets du fait de l’inscription d’une renonciation ou du non-renouvellement de l’enregistrement, la requête en

transformation est déposée dans un délai de trois mois à compter de la date à laquelle la demande de marque internationale a été retirée ou à laquelle la marque internationale cesse de produire ses effets.

5. Lorsque la demande de marque internationale est refusée par une décision de l’office d’origine ou que la marque internationale cesse de produire ses effets du fait d’une décision de l’office d’origine ou d’un tribunal, la requête en transformation doit être présentée dans un délai de trois mois à compter de la date à laquelle cette décision est passée en force de chose jugée.

6. La demande de transformation est irrecevable si elle n’est pas introduite dans les délais. Mais elle est susceptible de restauration dans ce cas.

7. Lorsque la requête en transformation porte sur un enregistrement international désignant l’OAPI dont les indications ont été publiées et dont aucun refus n’a été notifié ou dont le refus a été levé, elle ne fait plus l’objet d’examen des motifs de refus ni d’opposition.

SECTION 4 : DISPOSITIONS FINALES

Article 15 : Dispositions d’exécution

Les modalités d’application du présent règlement feront l’objet d’instructions administratives du Directeur général.

Fait à Douala, le 14 décembre 2014

P. LE CONSEIL D’ADMINISTRATION, LE PRESIDENT DE SEANCE

Emmanuel BONDE Ministres des Mines, de l’Industrie et du Développement Technologique du Cameroun

En savoir plus sur OAPI.
[elfsight_file_embed id=”16″]

OAPI – Guide Du Depot: Nom Commercial

OAPI

cameroun_ahcmf5

March 14, 2021

Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle
***************

INTRODUCTION

Le présent guide, qui vise à répondre aux préoccupations et interrogations
des usagers du système OAPI, a été élaboré pour vulgariser la procédure de dépôt
des demandes d’enregistrement des noms commerciaux.

Dans ce guide, le déposant trouvera les informations sur :

– les formalités à accomplir,
– les démarches à entreprendre et,
– les pièces à fournir
pour faire enregistrer un nom commercial.

Il connaîtra la durée de protection et les pays dans lesquels cette protection
produit des effets.

Le déposant pourra trouver en annexe les administrations nationales représentant
l’OAPI, la liste des mandataires agréés auprès de l’OAPI, les modèles de formulaires de
demande et le barème des taxes.

Nous espérons que ce guide saura répondre aux attentes des déposants. Vous
voudrez bien nous faire part de vos suggestions en vue d’améliorer ce guide.

I – PRESENTATION DE L’OAPI :

L’Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle (O.A.P.I.), a été créée par
l’Accord de Bangui du 02 Mars 1977 constituant révision de l’Accord de Libreville du 13
Septembre 1962.

L’Organisation doit sa création à la volonté des Etats membres de protéger sur
leurs territoires, les droits de propriété intellectuelle d’une manière aussi efficace et
uniforme que possible.

En matière de propriété industrielle, tel que le stipule l’Accord de Bangui en son
article 2, l’OAPI est chargée entre autres de mettre en œuvre et d’appliquer les
procédures administratives communes découlant d’un régime uniforme de protection de
la propriété industrielle ainsi que des stipulations des conventions internationales
auxquelles les Etats membres sont parties.

Ainsi, l’Organisation constitue pour chacun de ses Etats membres l’office national
en matière de propriété industrielle et, à ce titre, administre et gère entre autres titres, la
protection des noms commerciaux qui font l’objet du présent guide.

La délivrance d’un titre par l’OAPI donne automatiquement naissance à des droits
valables dans l’ensemble des Etats membres.

Un nom commercial enregistré par l’OAPI couvre, à ce jour, quinze (15) pays
africains (voir territoire OAPI).

II – TERRITOIRE OAPI :

Le territoire de l’OAPI comprend, à ce jour, 15 Etats membres, à savoir :
– Le BENIN ;
– Le BURKINA FASO ;
– Le CAMEROUN
– La CENTRAFRIQUE ;
– Le CONGO ;
– La CÔTE D’IVOIRE ;
– Le GABON ;
– La GUINEE ;
– La GUINEE-BISSAU ;
– Le MALI ;
– La MAURITANIE ;
– Le NIGER ;
– Le SENEGAL ;
– Le TCHAD ;
– Le TOGO.

III – GENERALITES :

Un nom commercial est la dénomination sous laquelle est connu et exploité un
établissement commercial, industriel, artisanal ou agricole.

Le nom commercial appartient à celui qui, le premier, en a fait usage ou en a
obtenu l’enregistrement. Seuls les noms commerciaux enregistrés peuvent faire l’objet
de sanctions pénales.

IV – DE LA CONSTITUTION DU DOSSIER

Quels sont les éléments constitutifs d’une demande de protection d’un nom commercial ?

La demande d’enregistrement d’un nom commercial comprend :

a) – Le formulaire NC 501 contenant les mentions obligatoires suivantes :

– l’adresse complète, la nationalité et le domicile du déposant ;
– la reproduction du nom commercial ;
– le lieu et le genre d’activités ;
– l’adresse du mandataire le cas échéant ;
– la date de la demande, la signature et le cachet du déposant ou du
mandataire. Si le déposant est une personne morale, l’identité et la qualité du
signataire doivent être indiquées ;
– le mode de versement des taxes et le décompte desdites taxes.

b) – La pièce justificative du paiement des taxes prescrites.

c) – Un pouvoir sous seing privé, sans timbre, si le déposant est représenté par
un mandataire.

d) – La reproduction du nom commercial sur le formulaire NC 501’ le cas échéant.

V – DES MODES DE DEPÔT

1°) – Où et comment peuvent s’effectuer les dépôts ?

Deux voies s’offrent au déposant :
– La voie du dépôt direct :

La demande est déposée directement à l’OAPI, ou transmise par voie postale.

Le dépôt direct est effectué:

– auprès du bureau chargé de l’accueil à l’OAPI ;
– dans une boîte expressément prévue à cet effet à l’OAPI, les jours fériés et
en dehors des heures de travail ;
– par courrier adressé au Directeur Général de l’OAPI ;

– La voie du dépôt indirect :

La demande est déposée ou adressée par pli postal au Greffe du Tribunal
compétent du domicile du déposant ou au Ministère chargé de la propriété industrielle ;

Cette voie de dépôt n’est réservée qu’aux déposants domiciliés sur le territoire
OAPI et pour les pays ayant opté pour ce mode de dépôt.

Les déposants domiciliés sur le territoire OAPI peuvent, s’ils le désirent, effectuer
leurs dépôts par l’intermédiaire d’un mandataire.

VI – DE LA DELIVRANCE DU TITRE

1°) – A quel moment s’effectue la délivrance de l’Arrêté d’enregistrement de nom commercial ?

La délivrance de l’Arrêté d’enregistrement intervient environ 4 mois après le dépôt
de la demande au terme d’un examen concluant.

2°) – Qu’en est-il des demandes irrégulières ?

Des notifications d’irrégularité sont adressées au déposant ou au mandataire. Un
délai de trois mois leur est accordé pour la régularisation de leurs demandes. Ce délai
peut être prolongé de 30 jours sur demande justifiée du déposant ou de son mandataire.

La demande non régularisée dans ce délai est rejetée sur décision du Directeur
Général de l’OAPI.

VII – DE LA DUREE DE LA PROTECTION

1°) Quelle est la durée de protection d’un nom commercial ?

La durée de la protection du nom commercial est de 10 ans à compter de la date
de dépôt de la demande d’enregistrement.

2°) – Qu’advient-il au terme de la 10ème année ?

La propriété du nom commercial peut être conservée sans limitation de durée par
des renouvellements successifs tous les dix ans.

3°) – Q’arrive-t-il si le nom commercial n’est pas renouvelée dans les délais ?

Le nom commercial non renouvelé en raison de circonstances indépendantes de
la volonté du titulaire peut faire l’objet de restauration pendant une période de deux ans à
compter de la date à laquelle le renouvellement devait intervenir.

VIII – DES INSCRIPTIONS AU REGISTRE SPECIAL DES NOMS COMMERCIAUX

1°) – Qu’est ce qui doit être inscrit ?

Il s’agit de tous les changements affectant la vie juridique du nom commercial, tels
que : la cession, la transmission par fusion d’établissements commerciaux, changement
de nom du propriétaire du nom commercial etc

2°) – Quelles sont les modalités de cette inscription ?

Les actes portant sur ces changements doivent être constatés par écrit et
communiqués à l’OAPI afin d’être inscrits au Registre Spécial des Noms Commerciaux.

IX – DES RECOURS

A – De la procédure en opposition

La Commission des oppositions est un organe interne de l’OAPI chargé de statuer
sur les requêtes aux fins d’opposition à l’enregistrement d’un nom commercial.

1°) – Qui peut formuler une opposition ?

Toute personne qui y a intérêt peut faire opposition à l’enregistrement d’un nom
commercial.
2°) – Dans quel délai ?

La requête en opposition doit intervenir dans les 6 mois qui suivent la publication
du nom commercial au Bulletin Officiel de l’Organisation.

B – De la Commission Supérieure de Recours

La Commission Supérieure de Recours est un organe de l’OAPI statuant sur les
décisions du Directeur Général consécutives au rejet d’une demande d’enregistrement
de nom commercial ou à la radiation suite à une procédure d’opposition.

1°) – Qui peut la saisir ?

Toute personne contestant la décision du Directeur Général rendue dans l’une
des hypothèses susvisées, moyennant paiement de la taxe prescrite.

2°) – Dans quel délai ?

En cas de rejet de la demande, le recours doit être fait dans un délai de trente
jours à compter de la date de notification de rejet.

S’agissant de l’opposition, le recours doit intervenir dans un délai de trois mois à
compter de la réception de la notification de la décision de l’opposition aux intéressés.

X – ANNEXES

• Contacts / SNL
• Liste des mandataires agréés disponible sur le site WEB de l’OAPI
• Modèle des formulaires NC 501 et 501’
• Extrait du barème des taxes.

[elfsight_file_embed id=”15″]

OAPI – Guide Du Depot: Marques

OAPI

cameroun_ahcmf5

March 14, 2021

Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle
***************

INTRODUCTION

Le présent guide, qui a pour objet de répondre aux préoccupations et
interrogations des usagers du système OAPI, a été élaboré pour vulgariser la procédure
de dépôt des demandes d’enregistrement de marques de produits ou de services.

Dans ce guide, le déposant trouvera des informations sur :

– les formalités à accomplir
– les démarches à entreprendre et,
– les pièces à fournir
pour faire enregistrer une marque de produits ou de services.

Il connaîtra la durée de protection et les pays dans lesquels cette protection
produit des effets.

Nous espérons que ce guide répondra aux attentes des déposants. Vous voudrez
bien nous faire part de vos suggestions en vue d’améliorer ce guide.

II – PRESENTATION DE L’OAPI

L’Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle (O.A.P.I.), a été créée
par l’Accord de Bangui du 02 Mars 1977 constituant révision de l’Accord de Libreville
du 13 Septembre 1962.

L’Organisation doit sa création à la volonté des Etats membres de protéger
sur leurs territoires, les droits de propriété intellectuelle d’une manière aussi efficace
et uniforme que possible.

En matière de propriété industrielle, tel que le stipule l’Accord de Bangui en
son article 2, l’OAPI est chargée entre autres de mettre en œuvre et d’appliquer les
procédures administratives communes découlant d’un régime uniforme de protection
de la propriété industrielle ainsi que des stipulations des conventions internationales
auxquelles les Etats membres sont parties.

Ainsi, l’Organisation constitue pour chacun de ses Etats membres l’office
national en matière de propriété industrielle et, à ce titre, administre et gère entre
autres titres, la protection des marques de produits ou de services qui font l’objet du
présent guide.

La délivrance d’un titre par l’OAPI donne automatiquement naissance à des
droits valables dans l’ensemble des Etats membres.

La marque enregistrée par l’OAPI couvre, à ce jour, quinze (15) pays africains
(voir territoire OAPI).

II – TERRITOIRE OAPI

Le territoire de l’OAPI comprend, à ce jour, 15 Etats membres, à savoir :

– Le BENIN ;
– Le BURKINA FASO ;
– Le CAMEROUN ;
– La CENTRAFRIQUE ;
– Le CONGO ;
– La CÔTE D’IVOIRE ;
– Le GABON ;
– La GUINEE ;
– La GUINEE-BISSAU ;
– Le MALI ;
– La MAURITANIE ;
– Le NIGER ;
– Le SENEGAL ;
– Le TCHAD ;
– Le TOGO.

III – GENERALITES

La marque de produits ou de services est un signe visible utilisé ou que l’on se
propose d’utiliser pour distinguer les produits ou services d’une entreprise
quelconque de ceux de ses concurrents. Les signes admis comme marques
sont multiples ; nous pouvons citer en guise d’exemples :

– les noms patronymiques ;
– les dénominations particulières, arbitraires ou de fantaisie ;
– la forme caractéristique du produit ou son conditionnement ;
– les étiquettes, enveloppes, emblèmes, empreintes, timbres, cachets,
vignettes…

La marque peut être individuelle ou collective : la marque individuelle est celle
qui appartient à une personne physique ou morale. La marque collective est celle qui
est utilisée conjointement par plusieurs personnes exerçant leur activité sous le
contrôle du titulaire dans le même domaine ou dont les produits ou les services
présentent des qualités communes.

IV – DE LA CONSTITUTION DU DOSSIER

Quels sont les éléments constitutifs d’une demande de protection de la
marque ?

La demande d’enregistrement d’une marque comprend :

a) – le formulaire M 301 contenant les mentions obligatoires suivantes :

– l’adresse complète, le domicile et la nationalité du déposant ;
– la reproduction de la marque ;
– la revendication de couleurs le cas échéant ;
– la liste des produits ou services ;
– les classes de produits ou services : dans le système OAPI en vigueur, le
dépôt se fait distinctement en classe de produits ou en classe de services ;
– l’adresse du mandataire le cas échéant ;
– la date, le numéro et le pays du dépôt antérieur lorsqu’une priorité est
revendiquée ;
– la date de la demande, la signature et le cachet du déposant ou du
mandataire. Si le déposant est une personne morale, l’identité et la qualité
du signataire doivent être indiquées ;
– le mode de versement des taxes et le décompte desdites taxes.

b) – la pièce justificative du paiement des taxes prescrites.

c) – un pouvoir sous seing privé, sans timbre, si le déposant est représenté par
un mandataire.

d) – la reproduction de la marque sur le formulaire M 301’ le cas échéant.

e) – le document de priorité le cas échéant.

Le droit de priorité attaché à un dépôt antérieur doit être revendiqué au
moment du dépôt de la marque ou, au plus tard, dans les trois mois qui
suivent.

Le document de priorité doit être accompagné d’une traduction en français
ou en anglais lorsqu’il est établi dans une langue autre que celles-ci.

f) – le règlement d’utilisation joint au dépôt de la marque collective doit être
approuvé par décision ministérielle fixant les conditions d’utilisation de
cette marque.

V – DES MODES DE DEPÔT

1°) – Où et comment peuvent s’effectuer les dépôts ?

Deux voies s’offrent au déposant :

La voie du dépôt direct :

La demande est déposée directement à l’OAPI, ou transmise par voie
postale.

Le dépôt direct est effectué :

– auprès du bureau chargé de l’accueil à l’OAPI ;
– dans une boîte expressément prévue à cet effet à l’OAPI les jours fériés et
en dehors des heures de travail ;
– par courrier adressé au Directeur Général de l’OAPI.

La voie du dépôt indirect :

La demande est déposée ou adressée par pli postal au ministère chargé de la
propriété industrielle.

Cette voie de dépôt n’est réservée qu’aux déposants domiciliés sur le territoire
OAPI.

2°) – Qu’en est-il des déposants domiciliés hors du territoire OAPI ?

Les déposants domiciliés hors des territoires des Etats membres doivent
effectuer leurs dépôts directement à l’OAPI par l’intermédiaire d’un mandataire choisi
dans l’un de ces Etats.
Les déposants domiciliés sur le territoire OAPI peuvent, s’ils le désirent,
effectuer leurs dépôts par l’intermédiaire d’un mandataire.

VI – DE LA DELIVRANCE DU TITRE

1°) – A quel moment s’effectue la délivrance de l’Arrêté d’enregistrement de la marque ?

La délivrance de l’Arrêté d’enregistrement intervient environ 7 mois après le
dépôt de la demande au terme d’un examen concluant.

2°) – Qu’en est-il des demandes irrégulières ?

Des notifications d’irrégularité sont adressées au déposant ou au mandataire.
Un délai de trois mois leur est accordé pour la régularisation de leurs demandes. Ce
délai peut être prolongé de 30 jours sur demande justifiée du déposant ou de son
mandataire.

Toute demande non régularisée dans ce délai est rejetée sur décision du
Directeur Général de l’OAPI.

VII – DE LA DUREE DE LA PROTECTION

1°) Quelle est la durée de protection d’une marque ?

L’enregistrement d’une marque produit des effets pendant 10 ans à compter
de la date de dépôt de la demande.

2°) – Qu’advient-il au terme de la 10ème année ?

La propriété de la marque peut être conservée sans limitation de durée par
des renouvellements successifs pouvant être effectués tous les dix ans, dans l’année
du dixième anniversaire.

3°) – Qu’arrive-t-il si la marque n’est pas renouvelée dans les délais ?

La marque qui n’a pas été renouvelée dans les délais tombe, en principe,
dans le domaine public.

Toutefois, la marque non renouvelée en raison des circonstances
indépendantes de la volonté de son titulaire peut faire l’objet de restauration pendant
une période de 24 mois à compter de la date à laquelle le renouvellement devait
intervenir.

Une marque dont l’enregistrement n’a pas été renouvelé ne peut donner lieu à
un enregistrement au profit d’un tiers, pour des produits ou des services identiques
ou similaires, moins de trois ans après l’expiration de la période de l’enregistrement
ou du renouvellement.

VIII – DES INSCRIPTIONS AU REGISTRE SPECIAL DES MARQUES

1°) – Qu’est ce qui doit être inscrit ?

Il s’agit de tous les changements affectant la vie juridique de la marque, tels que :
la cession de la marque, la concession de licence, le changement de nom du propriétaire
de la marque, etc.
2°) – Quelles sont les modalités de cette inscription ?

Les actes portant sur ces changements doivent être constatés par écrit et
communiqués à l’OAPI afin d’être inscrits au Registre Spécial des Marques tenu à cet
effet.

IX – DES RECOURS

A – De la procédure en opposition

1°) – Qui peut formuler une opposition ?

Toute personne qui y a intérêt peut faire opposition à l’enregistrement d’une
marque en adressant à cet effet au Directeur Général de l’OAPI un avis motivé
accompagné de la pièce justificative du paiement de la taxe d’opposition.

2°) – Dans quel délai ?

La requête en opposition doit intervenir dans les 6 mois qui suivent la publication
de la marque enregistrée au Bulletin Officiel de l’Organisation.

B – De la Commission Supérieure de Recours

La Commission Supérieure de Recours est un organe de l’OAPI statuant sur les
décisions du Directeur Général consécutives au rejet d’une demande d’enregistrement
ou à la radiation d’une marque suite à une opposition.

1°) – Qui peut la saisir ?

Toute personne contestant la décision du Directeur Général rendue dans l’une
des hypothèses susvisées, moyennant paiement de la taxe requise.

2°) – Dans quel délai ?

En cas de rejet de la demande, le recours doit être fait dans un délai de 60
jours à compter de la notification de la décision.

S’agissant de l’opposition, le recours doit être fait pendant un délai de trois
mois à compter de la réception de la notification de la décision de l’opposition aux
intéressés.

X – ANNEXES

• Contacts / SNL
• Liste des mandataires agréés auprès de l’OAPI disponible sur le site WEB
de l’OAPI
• Modèle des formulaires M 301 et M 301’
• Extrait du barème des taxes.

[elfsight_file_embed id=”14″]

OAPI – Guide Du Deposant: Dessins et Modeles

OAPI

cameroun_ahcmf5

March 14, 2021

Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle
***************

INTRODUCTION

Dans ce guide, le déposant trouvera des informations sur :

– les formalités à accomplir,
– les démarches à entreprendre et,
– les pièces à fournir
pour faire enregistrer un dessin ou modèle industriel.

Il connaîtra la durée de protection et les pays dans lesquels cette protection
produit des effets.

Nous espérons que ce guide saura répondre aux attentes des déposants. Vous
voudrez bien nous faire part de vos suggestions en vue d’améliorer ce guide.

I – PRESENTATION DE L’OAPI :

Ainsi, l’Organisation constitue pour chacun de ses Etats membres l’office national
en matière de propriété industrielle et, à ce titre, administre et gère entre autres titres, la
protection des dessins et modèles industriels qui font l’objet du présent guide.

La délivrance d’un titre par l’OAPI donne automatiquement naissance à des droits
valables dans l’ensemble des Etats membres.

Le dessin ou modèle industriel enregistré par l’OAPI couvre, à ce jour, quinze (15)
pays africains (voir territoire OAPI).

II – TERRITOIRE OAPI :

III – GENERALITES :

Un dessin ou modèle industriel est l’aspect ornemental ou esthétique d’un objet
industriel. Un tel aspect peut résider dans la forme, dans la composition ou dans la
couleur de l’objet. Cet objet doit être susceptible d’être reproduit par des procédés
industriels ou artisanaux.

Le dessin ou modèle protégé confère à son titulaire l’exclusivité de l’exploitation
pendant un temps limité, sur un territoire donné.

IV – DE LA CONSTITUTION DU DOSSIER

Quels sont les éléments constitutifs d’une demande d’enregistrement
d’un dessin ou modèle industriel ?

La demande d’enregistrement d’un dessin ou modèle industriel comprend :

a) – Le formulaire DM 401 contenant les mentions obligatoires suivantes :

– l’adresse complète, le domicile et la nationalité du déposant ;
– les nom et adresse de l’auteur du dessin ou modèle ;
– les nom et adresse du mandataire, le cas échéant ;
– la désignation précise du produit auquel le dessin ou modèle est destiné à être
incorporé ;
– la classe de produits ;
– la date, le numéro et le pays du dépôt antérieur lorsqu’une priorité est
revendiquée ;
– la date de la demande, la signature et le cachet du déposant ou du
mandataire. Si le déposant est une personne morale, l’identité et la qualité du
signataire doivent être indiquées ;
– le mode de versement des taxes et le décompte desdites taxes.

b) – La pièce justificative du paiement des taxes prescrites.

c) – Un pouvoir sous seing privé, sans timbre, si le déposant est représenté par
un mandataire

d) – Deux exemplaires identiques d’une représentation ou d’un spécimen de
dessin ou modèle placés sous pli cacheté.

N.B. : Un même dépôt peut comprendre de un à cent dessins ou modèles
numérotés du 1er au dernier.

e) – Le document de priorité le cas échéant.

Pour bénéficier d’une priorité, le dépôt intervenu à l’OAPI doit être fait au plus tard
6 mois après le dépôt antérieur auprès d’un autre Office.

Le droit de priorité attaché à un dépôt antérieur doit être revendiqué au moment
du dépôt du dessin ou modèle industriel ou, au plus tard, dans les trois mois qui
suivent.

Le document de priorité doit être accompagné d’une traduction en français ou en
anglais lorsqu’il est établi dans une langue autre que celles-ci.

V – DES MODES DE DEPÔT

1°) – Où et comment peuvent s’effectuer les dépôts ?

Deux voies s’offrent au déposant :

La voie du dépôt direct :

La demande est déposée directement à l’OAPI, ou transmise par voie postale.

Le dépôt direct est effectué :

La voie du dépôt indirect :

La demande est déposée ou adressée par pli postal au Ministère chargé de la
propriété industrielle.

Cette voie de dépôt n’est réservée qu’aux déposants domiciliés sur le territoire
OAPI.

2°) – Qu’en est-il des déposants domiciliés hors du territoire OAPI ?

Les déposants domiciliés hors des territoires des Etats membres doivent
effectuer leurs dépôts directement à l’OAPI par l’intermédiaire d’un mandataire choisi
dans l’un de ces Etats.

Les déposants domiciliés sur le territoire OAPI peuvent, s’ils le désirent, effectuer
leurs dépôts par l’intermédiaire d’un mandataire.

VI – DE LA DELIVRANCE DU TITRE

1°) – A quel moment s’effectue la délivrance de l’Arrêté d’enregistrement d’un dessin ou modèle industriel ?

La délivrance de l’Arrêté d’enregistrement intervient environ 7 mois après le dépôt
de la demande au terme d’un examen concluant.

2°) – Qu’en est-il des demandes irrégulières ?

Des notifications d’irrégularité sont adressées au déposant ou au mandataire. Un
délai de trois mois lui est accordé pour la régularisation de leurs demandes. Ce délai
peut être prolongé de 30 jours sur demande justifiée du déposant ou de son mandataire.

La demande non régularisée dans ce délai est rejetée sur décision du Directeur
Général de l’OAPI.

VII – DE LA DUREE DE LA PROTECTION

1°) Quelle est la durée de protection d’un dessin ou modèle ?

L’enregistrement d’un dessin ou modèle industriel produit des effets pendant 5
ans, à compter de la date de dépôt de la demande.

2°) – Qu’advient-il au terme de la 5ème année ?

La protection peut être prolongée pendant deux périodes de 5 ans consécutives,
par le simple paiement d’une taxe de renouvellement sans obligation d’exploitation du
dessin ou modèle industriel dans l’un des Etats membres.

3°) – Qu’arrive-t-il si le dessin ou modèle n’a pas été renouvelé dans les délais ?

Le dessin ou modèle qui n’a pas été renouvelé dans les délais tombe, en principe,
dans le domaine public.

Toutefois, le dessin ou modèle industriel qui n’a pas été renouvelé en raison des
circonstances indépendantes de la volonté de son titulaire peut faire l’objet de
restauration pendant une période de un an à compter de la date à laquelle le
renouvellement devait intervenir.

VIII – DES INSCRIPTIONS AU REGISTRE SPECIAL DES DESSINS OU MODELES INDUSTRIELS

1°) – Qu’est ce qui doit être inscrit ?

Il s’agit de tous les actes affectant la vie juridique du dessin ou modèle industriel,
tels que : cession du dessin ou modèle, concession de licence, changement de nom du
propriétaire du dessin ou modèle etc.

2°) – Quelles sont les modalités de cette inscription ?

Les actes portant sur ces changements doivent être constatés par écrit et
communiqués à l’OAPI afin d’être inscrits au Registre Spécial des Dessins ou Modèles
Industriels tenu à cet effet.

IX – DES RECOURS

De la Commission Supérieure de Recours

La Commission Supérieure de Recours est un organe de l’OAPI statuant sur les
décisions du Directeur Général consécutives au rejet d’une demande d’enregistrement
ou de restauration du dessin ou modèle industriel.

1°) – Qui peut la saisir ?

Toute personne contestant la décision du Directeur Général rendue dans l’une
des hypothèses susvisées, moyennant paiement de la taxe prescrite.

2°) Dans quel délai ?

En cas de rejet de la demande, le recours doit être fait dans un délai de 60 jours à
compter de la notification de la décision.

S’agissant du rejet de la demande de restauration, le recours doit intervenir dans
un délai de 30 jours à compter de sa notification.

X – ANNEXES

• Contacts / SNL
• Liste des mandataires agréés disponible sur le site WEB de l’OAPI
• Modèle des formulaires DM 401
• Extrait du barème des taxes.

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Sur Le Cameroun

CYBERSECURITE ET LA CYBERCRIMINALITE AU CAMEROUN

La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

TITRE PREMIER – DISPOSITIONS GENERALES

Article 1er.-

Commentaire

L’Antic combattre le cybercriminalité au Cameroun.

Autres lois pénales camerounaises

Article 2.-

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La Cybercriminalité au Cameroun

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