The United Nations has raised alarm over rising political restrictions in Cameroon ahead of the October 12 presidential election.
President Paul Biya, now 92, is seeking another seven-year term. If he wins, his reign will stretch beyond 50 years.
He has ruled Cameroon since 1982, making him the world’s oldest elected leader and one of the longest-serving heads of state.
UN rights chief Volker Turk didn’t mince words.
“A safe and enabling human rights environment is essential for peaceful, inclusive, and credible elections,” he said.
“It regrettably appears that this is not the case in Cameroon.”
Turk urged the government to act fast and create conditions for a free and transparent vote.
Last month, security forces arrested 53 opposition supporters. They were accused of rebellion, unlawful assembly, and incitement to revolt.
Although they’ve been released, Turk said the arrests should never have happened.
“No one should ever be arrested for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly,” he said.
The UN also reported bans on opposition gatherings and intimidation of candidates.
One incident involved Dieudonne Yebga, a former opposition figure, who was escorted off live TV by security forces just eight minutes into his interview.
Biya’s Grip and a Divided Opposition
Cameroon’s opposition remains deeply divided.
Many parties are struggling to unite behind a single candidate to challenge Biya’s dominance.
Rights groups have long accused Biya of silencing rivals and shrinking political space.
The UN says the current climate risks undermining the credibility of the election.
Turk added, “The government should not suppress the essential work of civil society organisations and the media.”
He also called for action against hate speech and disinformation.
With Biya’s age and health under scrutiny, and his tight-fist on power and no clear succession, the central African nation and Africa remains on edge.
Should Cameroon introduce a Vice President role to ease future transitions? Can the opposition overcome its divisions before October 12? Share your thoughts in the Comments Section.
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