Amnesty Calls Uut Cameroon Over Arbitrary Arrests, Military Trials Ahead of Elections
By Synthia Lateu
Amnesty International has urged the Cameroonian government to release 36 protesters who have been arbitrarily detained for five years, warning of an escalating crackdown on human rights ahead of the October presidential election.
Amnesty’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Marceau Sivieude, said on September 22 that authorities must “immediately release these individuals, who have committed no crime other than to express their opinion.”
The rights group further called on Cameroon to end the practice of trying civilians in military courts, which it said violates international law and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
According to Amnesty, critics of the government, including human rights defenders, journalists, political activists, and protesters, face the risk of arbitrary arrest, detention, torture, or unfair trials, a trend the organization says has worsened as the election nears. “This travesty of justice must end,” Sivieude stressed.
Among the detainees, 24 will have completed their five-year sentences by the end of September. One prisoner, who has suffered multiple strokes, has not been released despite repeated medical requests. Amnesty noted that more than 500 opposition supporters were initially arrested during peaceful protests organized by the Movement for the Renaissance of Cameroon (MRC) in several cities, with 36 still languishing in Kondengui prison in Yaoundé after being sentenced by a military court to terms of five to seven years.
The organization also flagged recent arrests. On August 4, at least 54 MRC supporters were detained near the Constitutional Council in Yaoundé during pre-election dispute hearings; all were later granted bail, though 23 still face prosecution for inciting revolt and disturbing public order. On August 9, a man who posted videos protesting the rejection of MRC leader Maurice Kamto’s candidacy was arrested and remains in New Bell prison in Douala, charged with condoning crimes against state security.
Amnesty International condemned these actions as part of a wider effort to stifle dissent and urged the authorities to drop all charges against those prosecuted for peaceful protests.
The press release also highlighted the shrinking civic space as President Paul Biya, 92, seeks a seventh term in office.
