In 2013, Cameroon activist Maximilienne C. Ngo Mbe moved her children to France, to protect them. The powers that be in central Africa were not pleased with her fight for civil rights in the region and there had been too many threats against her and her family.

She sent the children to safety. She stayed.

Mbe leads the Network of Human Rights Defenders of Central Africa (Réseau de Défenseurs des Droits Humains de l’Afrique Centrale)—REDHAC. She’s also treasurer of the African Democracy Network.

REDHAC reports on human rights violations as well as threats to attorneys representing victims of such violations, and journalists covering the stories.

Attorneys and journalists in central Africa have been routinely arrested if what they are doing doesn’t jibe with the goals of their respective governments.

Mbe has spoken out against security forces in different parts of Cameroon, and against the national government of Cameroon, as when she challenged the government’s version of the massacre of 22 civilians, killed by Cameroonian soldiers.

Mbe is operating on little to no money as well as constant threats, assaults, burglaries, and smear campaigns. She's gotten some relief from knowing her children are safe.

Despite it all, she’s not pessimistic. “The fact that REDHAC’s doors have not been shut down despite these challenges shows a level of respect for human rights. People allowed to talk freely on TV stations without being arrested shows some positivity on the respect of human rights.

Mbe’s advice to others: “Never give up, despite the huge challenge we face in our country. We have to continue to work for peace and protect human rights. . . . We are vulnerable, but we have to find the courage. Courage is the only way.”