OBITUARY: roger william nowokap (1979 – 2007)

By Mashilo Mnisi (BTM Editor)

May 10, 2007: The controversial Air Kenya plane crash on Friday night of 4 May this year swept the life of one of staunch human rights defenders in Africa.

Roger Nowokap was anticipated at the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) conference of Africa region took place recently in Johannesburg, South Africa, to represent Alternatives Cameroun – which is a Cameroonian-based organisation fighting for gay rights, when he met his demise.

Nowokap missed the epitomising four-day ILGA Africa regional conference when the plane he had boarded was swept off by heavy rains and violent storms just immediately after take-off.

It’s just suspicious and unusual according to speculations for the plane to crash thirty seconds after take-off in Douala, and that the rescuing forces would only locate remnants and debris of the plane days after the crash.

Victor Mukasa, outgoing representative of Africa at ILGA, describes Nowokap as, “an LGBTI activist… and indeed one of us.”

She tributes her condolences to Alternatives Cameroun, Nowokap’s partner and family.

At the time of his death, Nowokap was staying with his partner in Douala, Cameroon, and he’s survived by his family. He qualified as an Accountant and taking charge of all finances at Alternative Cameroun.

May Nowokap’s soul rest in peace!