Govt Critic and Academic Prof Moïse Timtchueng Goes Missing

By Tata Mbunwe

Professor Moïse Timtchueng, a prominent lawyer, critic of the Cameroon government and academic at the University of Dschang, has been missing since he was reportedly abducted from his home between December 13 and 14.

His disappearance follows weeks of surveillance by unidentified individuals at his residence, creating what observers have described as a campaign of intimidation.

The Movement for the Renaissance of Cameroon (MRC), one of the country’s main opposition parties, has issued a strongly worded statement linking the kidnapping to his political activities.

Professor Timtchueng had publicly acknowledged opposition figure Issa Tchiroma Bakary as the winner of Cameroon’s contested October 12 presidential election. He also criticized what he called widespread electoral fraud by incumbent President Paul Biya’s regime.

In a press release dated December 18, the MRC expressed “deep concern and indignation” over what it termed the “enforced disappearance” of Timtchueng. They described him as “a prominent party figure and respected academic.”

The party’s statement outlined its position with direct accusations on the government.

“The MRC denounces in the strongest terms these outdated methods of intimidation,” wrote Mamadou Mota, the MRC’s national president.

“We directly call upon the Biya government to cease these arbitrary actions, reminiscent of the darkest Soviet-era tactics, which aim to silence dissenting voices and intellectuals in our country. The MRC holds the government responsible for the physical and moral integrity of the Professor,” he added.

He demanded the “immediate and unconditional release” of Prof Timtchueng and called for mobilization, urging Cameroonians, human rights organizations, and the international community to remain vigilant amidst political violence and enforced disappearances.

Prof Timtchueng’s case adds to a tense post-election climate in the country.

Civil society groups report that more than 2,000 people have been arrested since the October vote, which extended President Paul Biya’s over-four-decade rule.

The government has not yet issued a statement regarding the professor’s disappearance.