Dozens detained as post-election tensions persist in Cameroon

A political crisis continues to grip Cameroon weeks after the country’s disputed presidential election, with dozens of protesters reportedly detained and hundreds more still in custody following nationwide unrest.

At least 30 protesters were held overnight between Friday, December 12, and Saturday, December 13, at Yaoundé’s Kondengui Central Prison.

At the same time, according to Africa news, the military court prosecutor’s office released about 20 other detainees, according to legal and civil society sources.

In total, around 50 people — including a minor — arrested during post-election demonstrations were brought before the military court prosecutor. Of these, approximately 30 were remanded in custody at Kondengui prison, while their cases continue to be reviewed.

A team of lawyers representing the accused has called for their immediate and unconditional acquittal.

Civil society organisations and government officials estimate that more than 1,000 people remain detained across the country in connection with the protests that erupted after the announcement of the election results.

Cameroon’s Constitutional Council on October 27 declared long-serving President Paul Biya the winner of the October 12 poll with 53.66 percent of the vote.

His main challenger and former ally, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, was credited with 35.19 percent. Tchiroma has rejected the results, alleging widespread vote tampering and insisting that Biya’s victory was fraudulent.

Protests broke out in several cities in the days following the election, intensifying this week after Tchiroma claimed victory and called for mass action.

Authorities responded by imposing a three-day lockdown in parts of the country to curb the unrest.

The government has confirmed that at least five people were killed during the protests.

However, opposition figures and civil society groups argue that the death toll is significantly higher, raising concerns over the use of force and the ongoing detention of demonstrators.

The continued arrests and detentions have heightened fears of further instability as calls grow for dialogue, transparency, and the release of those held in connection with the post-election violence.

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