US Senator James E. Risch, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has expressed deep concern over the detention of two American citizens, Dr. Amber Murrey-Ndewa and her husband, Mr. Derogy Ndewa, in Cameroon. In a letter addressed to Cameroon's Minister of External Relations, Lejeune Mbella Mbella, Senator Risch called for the couple's fair treatment under Cameroonian law and their safe departure from the country.
Mr. Ndewa has been in pre-trial detention since March 12, 2025, over cyberdefamation charges related to a housing dispute involving Cameroonian Ambassador André Magnus Ekoumou and his spouse. Senator Risch described Mr. Ndewa's detention as "unlawful" and expressed alarm over credible reports suggesting that the legal actions against the couple are politically motivated.
The Senator urged the Cameroonian government to grant immediate consular access to Mr. Ndewa, ensure fair legal treatment for both Dr. Murrey and Mr. Ndewa, and allow the family to depart safely from Cameroon once the matter is resolved. He emphasized that the handling of this case raises serious concerns about due process and judicial impartiality in Cameroon.
Senator Risch also highlighted the potential impact of this case on the longstanding relationship between the United States and Cameroon, stating that the continued detention of Mr. Ndewa and the threat of further action against Dr. Murrey risk straining the two countries' diplomatic cooperation.
The Senator's letter underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law and diplomatic cooperation between nations. A prompt resolution to this case could help reaffirm the mutual respect between the United States and Cameroon, said the U.S Senator.
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