The ethical challenges of supporting MSM (Men who have Sex with Men) in 21st- century Cameroon

Sammanfattning: Given the state and social homophobias one can encounter in Cameroon, it can be rightly assumed that MSM (men who have sex with men) constitute an extraordinarily vulnerable group. Such vulnerability, besides its legal nature, encompasses a number of sexual risk behaviours and psychological distress precisely derived from criminal prosecution and social discrimination. For that reason, and following the humanitarian imperative, humanitarian actors might want to launch an operation targeting such populations. Nevertheless, various ethical challenges linked to conflicting humanitarian principles, the post-colonial socio-political positions, and the diversity of queer identities might arise. This thesis will explore such ethical challenges, in an attempt to sensitise foreign humanitarians about the most sensible, yet effective, ways to support MSM in 21st- century Cameroon. The methodology used will include primary data collection through interviews and open- ended questionnaires, secondary data collection through articles and books, and the analysis and discussion of both. The theoretical framework utilised will be a combination of the Post-colonial and Queer theories, complemented with concepts borrowed from the advocacy and humanitarian ethics field.