Cameroon: UN denounces restrictions on civic space ahead of presidential election
Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - The UN human rights chief on Tuesday denounced restrictions on civic and democratic space in Cameroon ahead of the 12 October presidential election.
These restrictions raise concerns about the ability of voters to freely express their will, warned the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), urging Yaoundé to take "urgent measures to ensure an environment conducive to free, transparent, inclusive and honest elections".
For the OHCHR, a safe and conducive environment for the promotion of human rights is essential for peaceful, inclusive, and credible elections. "It is regrettable that such an environment does not appear to prevail in Cameroon," regretted High Commissioner Volker Türk.
UN News reported that this alert comes amid heightened tensions. Several rallies have been banned amid increasing restrictions on opposition party activities, and a live television interview with a political figure was interrupted by security forces. According to Cameroonian media reports, Dieudonné Yebga's interview on the private channel STV was abruptly interrupted on 7 August, just minutes after it began.
Opposition candidates and their supporters have also reportedly been intimidated and threatened, the UN reports. There are also concerns about the exclusion of some political figures from the race, as well as irregularities in voter registration.
“Equal access to participation in electoral processes for all Cameroonians is absolutely essential. Any measure likely to deprive certain sectors of Cameroonian society of their rights should receive immediate attention,” said Mr. Türk.
Meanwhile, Cameroonian security forces arrested approximately 53 opposition supporters on 4 August outside the Constitutional Council in the capital, Yaoundé, during appeal hearings against certain decisions of the electoral council. The supporters were charged with disturbing public order, illegal assembly, rebellion, and incitement to revolt.
"While the release of the 53 opposition supporters is welcome news, they simply should not have been arrested. No one should be arrested for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly," said Mr. Türk.
These developments follow the suspension of three civil society organisations and the banning of two others last December. Restrictions have also been imposed on the activities and funding of some civil society groups.
“The government should not suppress the essential work of civil society organisations and the media,” said the UN human rights chief. He also urged the government to take concrete steps to combat the rise of hate speech, disinformation, and incitement to violence, both online and offline, in accordance with international human rights law.
-0- PANA MA 3Sept2025
