The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has expressed grave concern about growing restrictions on civic and democratic freedoms in Cameroon as the country approaches the October 12 presidential election.
Türk warned that these restrictions threaten the ability of voters to freely express their will, casting doubt on the prospects for a fair and credible electoral process.
“A safe and enabling human rights environment is essential for peaceful, inclusive, and credible elections. It regrettably appears that this is not the case in Cameroon,” Türk stated.
The High Commissioner said there is a need for equal access to electoral participation for all Cameroonians, adding that any measures that threaten civil and political rights must be addressed promptly.
“Equal access to participation in electoral processes for all Cameroonians is absolutely essential. Any measures that could disenfranchise sections of Cameroonian society should be promptly addressed,” he said.
The Cameroon government has restricted freedom of assembly and movement for opposition leaders and their members within the past months.
Maurice Kamto was barred from meeting his supporter in Douala in June, and authorities arrested about 53 supporters in Yaounde on August 4 before freeing them.
The opposition leader, was also barred from participating in the upcoming election in a controversial decision upheld by the Constitutional Council.
Other leaders like Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a former government Minister who recently joined the opposition ranks, was also prevented from traveling out of the country and the government offered no public explanations.
These restrictions, the Volker Turk said, may fuel doubts on the prospects of a credible election.
“While it is welcome news that all the 53 opposition supporters have since been released, they simply should not have been arrested in the first place. No one should ever be arrested for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly,” he asserted.
The UN Human Rights Chief also called on the government to cease suppressing the work of civil society organizations and the media.
“The Government should not suppress the essential work of civil society organisations and the media,” Türk said.
With President Paul Biya, in power since 1982, seeking another term, the UN’s call for action indicates the urgency of safeguarding democratic freedoms to ensure a credible election.
