On October 31, 2019, the US Trade Representative announced that President Trump notified Congress and the Government of Cameroon of his intent to terminate the eligibility of Cameroon for trade preference benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), as of January 1, 2020, due to persistent gross violations of internationally recognized human rights. 

Based on the results of the required annual AGOA eligibility review, the President determined that Cameroon engages in gross violations of internationally recognized human rights. Consequently, Cameroon is out of compliance with eligibility requirements of AGOA.  Specifically, Cameroon has failed to address concerns regarding persistent human rights violations being committed by Cameroonian security forces. These violations include extrajudicial killings, arbitrary and unlawful detention, and torture. 

The United States will continue to monitor whether Cameroon continues to engage in gross violations of internationally recognized human rights in accordance with the AGOA eligibility requirements.