The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission) is closely following the recent developments in Cameroon following the proclamation of the results of the presidential election held on 12 October 2025, which declared Mr. Paul Biya as the winner.
While welcoming the calm that prevailed during the presidential election, the Commission expresses its deep concern about the post-election violence and the resulting deterioration of the human rights situation.
The Commission expresses its concern over reports of confrontations between demonstrators and security forces in several parts of the country. It is particularly alarmed by the loss of life resulting from, inter alia, the use of excessive force and the arrest of individuals in the context of efforts to suppress and disperse demonstrators.
The Commission also notes with concern the recurrent Internet shutdowns during this post-election period. Disabling the means of communication during such periods hinders citizens' rights to exercise their right to freedom of expression and access to information.
The Commission condemns the excessive and disproportionate use of force against peaceful demonstrators and acts of vandalism against private property and public property as well as all other human rights violations. It offers its condolences to the bereaved families.
The Commission calls on the Government of Cameroon to take all necessary measures to end impunity and to ensure that all perpetrators of the acts of violence are prosecuted. It also calls on the government to put an end to arbitrary arrests and detentions and to release protesters detained solely for exercising their civil and political rights.
The Commission reminds the Government of Cameroon of its obligations to guarantee the fundamental rights of citizens, including the rights to life and physical integrity, liberty, as well as the freedoms of expression, association and assembly as prescribed by the provisions of Articles 4, 6, 9, 10 and 11 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights as well as other relevant regional and international human rights instruments.
The Commission urges the Cameroonian political class to make every effort to preserve democratic gains and to consolidate national unity. It calls on all stakeholders to exercise restraint and to prioritise dialogue with a view to resolving the situation peacefully, sparing the population from any form of destabilisation and violence, and ensuring full respect for human rights.
Honorable Idrissa Sow
Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights
Honorable Rémy Ngoy Lumbu
Commissioner in charge of monitoring the human rights situation in the Republic of Cameroon
