The arbitrary detention of members of the Pouvoir au Peuple Camerounais (PPC) and their relatives in Cameroon represents a significant violation of fundamental human rights, particularly the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.
Development Diaries reports that three supporters of the PPC, Moustapha Tizi, Mohamadou Ballo, and Ibrahim Oumarou were arrested allegedly on 09 September for wearing T-shirts bearing the name of the organisation in the town of Figuil, according to Amnesty International.
International human rights frameworks such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) guarantee freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.
Hence, arresting individuals for merely wearing T-shirts linked to a political organisation suggests stifling dissent and repression of political opposition, which undermines these global principles.
This incident is especially concerning given its timing. It occurred a year before the presidential elections in which President Paul Biya, who has held power for over four decades, is expected to run.
Arresting perceived critics in the run-up to an election can signal a deliberate attempt to suppress political opposition and intimidate civil society.
It reflects a broader pattern of increasing restrictions on political freedoms in Cameroon, as observed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights during their recent visit.
The crackdown on dissent is a worrying indication of shrinking democratic space.
The detention of PPC members’ relatives further compounds the gravity of this situation. It appears that authorities are not only targeting direct political actors but also their families, which suggests an escalation of tactics aimed at creating fear and dissuading others from supporting the opposition.
Development Diaries calls on the Cameroonian government to ensure the immediate release of the detainees and to respect the rights of its citizens, especially in the lead-up to critical elections.
If Cameroon continues this trend of arbitrary arrests, it risks further damaging its democratic process, eroding public trust, and provoking greater unrest among civil society.
Source: Amnesty International
Photo source: Amnesty International
