The Request alleges that the World Bank-financed Project forcibly expropriated approximately two hectares of their company’s legally owned land in Piti-Dibamba, Dizangue Subdivision, Cameroon, without any compensation. According to the Request, the compensation offered was far below the official minimum. Requesters denied the offer, because it allegedly violated both national standards and World Bank policy requirements for full replacement cost. The Request alleges that the expropriation was based on a 2017 decree later declared void, and that it was carried out without consultation, negotiation, or compensation. The Requesters demand compensation as it prescribed in the Project’s Resettlement Action Plan (RAP).
The Request further alleges that the World Bank failed to verify the legality of the expropriation, has not ensured proper supervision and is in violation of World Bank safeguard policy on Involuntary Resettlement (OP/BP 4.12), Cameroonian law, and other bilateral investment agreements. The Request asserts that these actions have caused significant business disruption, delayed project implementation, undermined financial projections and partnerships, and threatened local employment and incomes of individuals and their livelihoods.
The Panel reviewed whether the Request is admissible as per the Panel’s mandate and operating procedures. The Panel determined that this Request does not meet the admissibility criteria set forth in the Panel’s Resolution, nor does it fulfill the requirements specified in paragraph 13 of the Resolution and paragraph 15(a) of the Operating Procedures, as the Requesters were not the party concerned during the land acquisition. Consequently, the Panel did not register this Request and has issued a Notice of Non-Registration.
