Breaking News: Conscience Africaine, Human Rights Organization Condemns the Killing of Protesters and Calls for the Release of Political Prisoners in Cameroon
In a statement signed by Amadu Tarnteh, the Executive Secretary of Conscience Africaine and published on 30 October 2025, the Human Rights body has condemned in strong terms the ongoing killings and arbitrary arrest and detention amid the ongoing protest in Cameroon. In the wake of the October 12 presidential election, the country has plunged into a wave of unrest, repression, and sorrow. Over the past three days, peaceful protests have erupted across the nation, led by supporters and sympathizers of Issa Tchiroma’s FSNC party, who contest the legitimacy of the declared results. On October 27, the Constitutional Council proclaimed President Paul Biya as winner, sparking widespread demonstrations demanding transparency, justice, and respect for the people’s will.
International and national Civil Society Organizations have continued to raise concerns, over the killings and arrest and detention of protesters. What began as peaceful civic action tragically devolved into a national crisis. According to Conscience Africaine, reports confirm that more than 20 protesters have been killed, hundreds arrested, and many others subjected to torture, injury, and forced disappearances. The streets of Cameroon’s cities, once symbols of resilience, now echo with grief, fear, and defiance.
From Sunday, October 26 to Tuesday, October 28, citizens took to the streets in a show of democratic expression. Their demand was simple: uphold the sanctity of the vote and ensure accountability. But instead of dialogue, they were met with bullets. Defense and security forces responded with disproportionate force, violating the very principles they are sworn to protect.
Conscience Africaine strongly condemns this systematic crackdown. The use of live ammunition, arbitrary arrests, and brutal suppression of peaceful protesters is not only morally reprehensible, it is a direct affront to Cameroon’s Constitution and international human rights obligations. We also denounce the opportunistic looting and destruction of property that has marred the integrity of these protests, reminding all actors that violence only deepens division.
In light of these grave developments, Conscience Africaine has called on the national and international community to stand in solidarity with the people of Cameroon by demanding that,
- An immediate end to threats, intimidation, and violence against peaceful protesters.
- The unconditional release of all political prisoners and civilians detained for expressing dissent.
- Accountability for the killings, torture, and disappearances, through independent investigations and justice mechanisms.
- Respect for the right to peaceful protest and freedom of opinion, as enshrined in the 1996 Constitution and international treaties ratified by Cameroon.
- A sincere, inclusive dialogue to resolve the post-electoral crisis and restore public trust.
This is not just a political crisis, it is a moral one. Cameroon stands at a crossroads, and the choices made today will shape its future for generations. We urge authorities to choose peace over repression, dialogue over denial, and justice over impunity.
To the people of Cameroon: your courage is a beacon. Continue to exercise your rights peacefully, with dignity and resolve. To the international community: silence is complicity. Speak out, act, and support efforts for truth and reconciliation.
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.
