Homosexuality in Cameroon: identity and persecution

What does it mean to come out of the closet in Cameroon? It is clear that it takes courage, particularly lately, as the law has always expressly prohibited homosexuality. (1) The police, generally feared because of their brutal extortion of money from people, are eager to react to accusations of 'improper’ proposals. That provides more opportunity for blackmail of both foreigners or Cameroonian citizens. Moreover, in the last few years homosexuality has become, quite abruptly, a hot issue evoking great indignation throughout society. The result is a hunt for alleged 'homosexuals’, not just by the police, but also by the population.