The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has expressed on September 2 concern over mounting restrictions on civic freedoms in Cameroon as the country prepares for its presidential election on 12 October.
He warned that the current environment does not guarantee conditions for a peaceful, inclusive and credible vote, pointing to limits on freedom of expression, banned gatherings and the exclusion of certain opposition candidates.
Türk highlighted the arrest of at least 53 opposition supporters outside the Constitutional Council in early August, noting that although they were later released, they should never have been detained for exercising fundamental rights. He also criticised recent suspensions and bans on NGOs, stressing that neither civil society nor the media should be hindered in their essential roles during an election period.
Calling for urgent reforms, the UN rights chief urged the government in Yaoundé to address hate speech, misinformation and incitement to violence both online and offline, in line with international human rights standards. The election will see President Paul Biya, 92, extend his four-decade rule as he faces 11 other candidates in the October contest.