Post-Electoral Crisis: Hiram S. Iyodi Calls for Immediate Amnesty for Political Prisoners, Electoral Code Reform
By Synthia Lateu
Unsuccessful candidate in the October 12 presidential election, Hiram S. Iyodi has called for the immediate release and amnesty of all political and opinion prisoners in Cameroon, from those arrested during the 2016 protests in the North-West and South-West regions to the peaceful marchers of 2020 and demonstrators involved in the current 2025 post-electoral crisis.
This demand is part of a ten-point roadmap Iyodi addressed to President Paul Biya on November 14, outlining what he describes as a path toward appeasement, social justice, and shared prosperity. Iyodi said he was responding to the president’s request for proposals that could support a sustainable resolution to the crisis.
Among his key recommendations is the consensual revision of the electoral code before any new elections, including the organization of municipal and legislative polls based on the revised framework.
Iyodi also proposed a national recovery plan anchored on the formation of a Government of National Unity that reflects political balance and prioritizes youth under 50 and women. He further called for stronger measures against corruption and illicit enrichment to ensure transparent governance and safeguard national wealth.
His roadmap includes the launch of a national sovereignty program centered on sustainable economic and social development, the convening of a National Inclusive Conference to reform the country’s institutional model, and the holding of a referendum to adopt a new constitution, followed by the implementation of institutions created under that new constitutional order.
Defending the ongoing demonstrations, he stressed that “the five million fellow citizens who have been demonstrating for weeks are not all criminals, nor are they simply youths manipulated by politicians.” This contradicts earlier remarks by the Minister of Territorial Administration, who had labelled protesters as assailants.
“They are the cry of a generation born into great ambitions, raised on greater accomplishments, yet still struggling to access the great opportunities that you, Mr. Paul Biya, promised Cameroonians through the rigorous management of public goods and the promotion of moral values,” Iyodi said.
He questioned how Cameroonians could be expected to endure another seven years of hardship without resistance.
“On November 6, 2025, when taking the oath of office, you called on Cameroonians to embrace peace. But how can we build lasting peace in the midst of injustice?” Iyodi asked.
