Military Gadgets: Civilian Use Prohibited and Punishable by Law

Civilians in Cameroon are prohibited by law from using military gadgets. The law was instituted to clearly distinguish between law enforcement officers and civilians.

Military attire such as the camouflage suits, the berets and military decorations are not to be worn by civilians.

Curiously, a lot people can easily access these uniforms, guns and other military gadgets, although they are prohibited by the law.

A civilian Mumah Portius, thinks more awareness should be created in order to inform people of why they should neither wear military attires or use other gadgets belonging to the military.

“The military clothing is beautiful and people wear it to feel empowered. Others wear them to impersonate the military and carry out crimes. People need to be more informed, and know that sanctions follow offenders,” Mumah said.

Recently, the Minister delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defense, Joseph Beti Asomo, issued a press release banning civilians from wearing face masks bearing the logo of the Ministry of Defense, “MINDEF”.

He recounted instances where civilians wearing the these special printed MINDEF masks have impersonated military officials and carried out dubious acts.

Colonel Didier Badjeck, former Communications Manager in Cameroon’s Defense Ministry, explains that civilians are strictly forbidden from wearing military uniforms because it leads to confusion in the society and, some people use them for mischievous purposes.

Wearing Military Gadgets: Punishable by law

Wearing military gadgets is clearly punishable by by the Cameroonian law.
Producing, selling, distributing or wearing military uniforms is governed by the law N°82-19 adopted by Cameroon’s National Assembly and promulgated on November 26, 1982 by the president of the country.

The law stipulates that those who sell, make, buy, distribute, wear or hold military badges or attires will be imprisoned for three months to two years and would pay a fine ranging from CFA50,000 to CFA200,000.Defaulters could also get be jailed and also pay a fine.

Bruno Ndonwie Funwie

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