Cameroon’s Democratic Space Under Pressure Ahead of Presidential Elections: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk warns.
As Cameroon approaches its presidential elections in October, concerns are mounting over the shrinking civic and democratic space across the country. In a recent statement from Geneva, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed deep alarm over the deteriorating conditions for free and fair participation in the electoral process. “A safe and enabling human rights environment is essential for peaceful, inclusive, and credible elections. It regrettably appears that this is not the case in Cameroon,” Türk stated.
The 92-year-old president announced in July that he would seek re-election, ending speculation that he might step aside. Cameroon’s second president since independence from France in 1960, Biya has been in power since 1982.
In recent months, several public gatherings have been banned, and opposition political parties have faced increasing restrictions. One particularly disturbing incident involved the interruption of a live television interview with a political figure by security forces—an act that starkly illustrates the growing intolerance for dissent.
The expressions from Turk outline concerns relating to the exclusion of certain political figures, like Prof. Maurice Kamto, from the race and irregularities in voter registration. Reports of intimidation and threats against opposition candidates and their supporters further cast doubt on the integrity of the upcoming Presidential Elections. elections.
“Equal access to participation in electoral processes for all Cameroonians is absolutely essential,” Türk emphasized. “Any measures that could disenfranchise sections of Cameroonian society should be promptly addressed.”
On August 4th, Cameroonian security forces arrested at several opposition supporters outside the Constitutional Council in Yaoundé during appeal hearings. Although the majority were later released, their initial arrest raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to upholding basic freedoms. “They simply should not have been arrested in the first place,” Türk said. “No one should ever be arrested for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.”
According to the statement, this incident follows a broader pattern of suppression. In December of last year, three civil society organizations were suspended and two others banned. Restrictions have also been imposed on the operations and funding of several groups working to promote human rights and democratic participation.
Türk’s message is clear: Cameroon must take urgent steps to restore trust in its democratic institutions. This includes protecting the rights of civil society organisations and the media, ensuring transparency in the electoral process, and addressing the rise of hate speech and disinformation both online and offline.
Click HERE to read full statement
Berinyuy Cajetan is the founder and publisher of Human Rights and Legal Research Centre (HRLRC) since 2017. He has intensive experience in strategic communications for Civil Society Organizations, campaign and advocacy, and social issues. He has an intensive experiencing in human rights monitoring, documentation and reporting.
