In a landmark ruling that could reshape labour law jurisprudence in Cameroon, the Mfoundi High Court has ordered the United States Embassy in Yaoundé to pay reparations to a former employee, Julius Banka, after finding his dismissal unlawful.
The verdict, delivered on September 8, 2025, by Presiding Judge Achille Owondja, declared that Banka’s termination constituted an arbitrary dismissal in violation of Cameroon’s labour code. The court’s decision, hailed as historic, marks the first time an individual has successfully challenged a diplomatic mission in a Cameroonian court.
“A Milestone in Accountability”
Banka’s legal team, led by senior counsel James F. Epo and assisted by Attorneys Bouba Soukeymanou and Blaise Amolo Raul, celebrated the ruling as a turning point in the protection of workers’ rights.
“This decision is a milestone in holding foreign missions and multinational corporations accountable for their actions,” Attorney Epo said in a post-trial statement. “It underscores the responsibility of the Cameroonian state to protect its citizens, especially vulnerable young workers, from exploitation and abuse.”
Legal observers noted that the Banka v. U.S. Embassy case sends a strong signal that diplomatic missions operating in Cameroon are not shielded from liability when they violate the rights of local employees.
Seven Years in Court
The judgment follows a seven-year legal battle that had been conducted under strict confidentiality. Banka, who worked for more than nine years as the Embassy’s Warehouse and General Services Manager, described the period after his dismissal as one of “trauma, tribulations, and terrible ordeals.”
“At one point, I even contemplated suicide,” he admitted. “But the perseverance of my lawyers and my determination to resist injustice kept me alive.”
Over the years, his personal struggle transformed him into an outspoken advocate for human rights and labour protections. Following the verdict, he broke down in tears of relief, saying the judgment had finally vindicated his long fight for justice.
Allegations of Delay
The drawn-out nature of the proceedings fueled speculation that the Ministry of Justice, under Laurent Esso, may have obstructed the case. Court insiders, however, dismissed the claims as unfounded and politically motivated.
The case involved three government ministries External Relations, Justice, and Labour & Social Security and even attracted the attention of the U.S. State Department, which reportedly followed proceedings closely to ensure respect for the rule of law.
Initially presided over by Judge Thierry Massoussi, the matter was eventually concluded by Judge Achille Owondja, whose ruling has now set a critical precedent in Cameroon’s labour law landscape.
A New Chapter in Labour Rights
For legal experts, the decision is more than a personal victory for Banka. It is a judicial statement that Cameroon’s courts are willing to assert the primacy of national law, even in cases involving powerful international institutions.
“This case demonstrates the necessity of upholding labour rights and ensuring that all entities operating in Cameroon comply fully with national laws and regulations,” Attorney Epo said. “We hope it sets a precedent for future cases and contributes to building a fair and just working environment for all Cameroonians.”
As Banka walked out of court with tears of joy, his story stood as both a cautionary tale of abuse and a symbol of resilience, a reminder that even the most powerful institutions can be held accountable when the rule of law prevails.
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