Visionary Reports

The “Rilov Case,” the controversial distribution of “fly money,” and allegations of community manipulation: these are the central themes of this exclusive interview with Barrister François Ngatchuessi Kamdem, legal counsel for Socapalm S.A.In several villages neighboring Socapalm notably Poungou Aviation and Lendi residents report the circulation of “fly money” paid via Bange Bank. Has Socapalm paid any compensation for damages to these communities, directly or indirectly?Barrister Ngatchuessi Kamdem,Absolutely not. Socapalm has paid no such compensation. What is being referred to as “fly money” actually originates from legal proceedings initiated in France in March 2021.A group of plaintiffs petitioned the Nanterre Judicial Court to obtain documents regarding the shareholding and governance of Socfin and Socapalm. Following a decision by the Versailles Court of Appeal, a €140,000 penalty (aster international) was imposed not as damages, but as a technical sanction for a delay in disclosing specific documents. Our information suggests this sum was subsequently redistributed on the ground in an opaque manner, which explains the sudden tensions and confusion within the villages.Several villagers claim they discovered their names on the plaintiff list without their consent. Some have even sent formal withdrawal letters to the court. How do you analyze these developments?Barrister Ngatchuessi Kamdem,These withdrawals expose a crisis of representation. In law, any claimant must prove three things: the capacity to act, a personal interest, and legal standing.We have seen numerous testimonies where names were used without prior consultation. Traditional authorities have even confirmed that some “plaintiffs” are entirely unknown to their communities. This raises a serious question regarding the validity of the mandate given to the lawyers representing these individuals. We welcome a full judicial opening so these discrepancies can be examined in depth.There are reports of promises of up to €20,000 per plaintiff, leading some residents to open bank accounts in anticipation. How do you interpret this?Barrister Ngatchuessi Kamdem, If such promises were made, they point to predatory recruitment methods. We are aware of the role played by local intermediaries who allegedly organized these efforts. If proven, these facts suggest a deliberate campaign to exploit the population. Our priority is to clarify the truth and shield these communities from further manipulation.To be clear, has any court actually ruled against Socapalm on the merits of the case?Barrister Ngatchuessi Kamdem, No. The rumor of a “€140,000 victory” is a total misinterpretation. No court has recognized any liability on the part of Socapalm for the alleged damages. That specific sum was purely a procedural penalty. The substantive merits of the accusations are only now beginning to be examined by the Paris Judicial Court.A new summons was filed in May 2025. What is the current status of the proceedings?Barrister Ngatchuessi Kamdem,The new filing seeks compensation for alleged damages. Socapalm and Socfin are eager for this to proceed normally. We are not seeking to delay; on the contrary, we want to present our evidence and demonstrate that these grievances are unfounded. We want a substantive examination under the best possible conditions.The complaint also targets the Bolloré Group. What is the actual legal link between Bolloré and Socapalm?Barrister Ngatchuessi Kamdem,It is important to look at the facts: Socapalm is a subsidiary of the Socfin Group. Its shareholders include Socfin, the State of Cameroon, and private investors via the Central African Stock Exchange. The Bolloré Group holds no direct stake and exercises no control over Socapalm. Therefore, the attempt to apply French “Duty of Vigilance” laws to Bolloré in this context is legally tenuous and requires strict judicial scrutiny.Some see this as “legal activism” targeting major African industries. Your thoughts?Barrister Ngatchuessi Kamdem says,we must distinguish between legitimate community concerns and legal strategies serving external agendas. Socapalm has a long history of bilateral and tripartite dialogue with local residents and the administration. Most issues are resolved within that constructive framework. Our goal is a fair hearing that protects both the company’s integrity and our relationship with the local communities.

By VisionaryReports