UN Human Rights Commissioner visits Cameroon amidst growing rights abuses

By David Atangana

The head of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Volker Türk, is on a working visit to the Republic of Cameroon, according to a statement from the rights body.

The visit, which began on Monday, August 5, is expected to conclude with a press conference in Yaoundé on Wednesday, August 7.

During his visit, Türk is scheduled to meet with President Paul Biya, who has not returned to the country after attending the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris last month.

He is also expected to hold talks with Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute, political party leaders, officials of the Cameroon Human Rights Commission, representatives of civil society organizations, members of the diplomatic corps, and UN entities.

Additionally, a new premises of the UN body will be inaugurated by the rights chief.

Michelle Bachelet was the last UN rights chief to visit Cameroon in 2019 when human rights abuses were at their peak in the country’s Anglophone regions.

Despite international attention, little has been done to curb the rights violations by the army and separatist fighters in these regions.

Atrocities continue with impunity, with the population suffering from kidnappings for ransom, arbitrary arrests, killings, property destruction, and internal displacement by armed groups.

This visit comes as the crisis in the English-speaking regions enters its eighth year.

INCREASING RIGHTS VIOLATIONS

Meanwhile, Cameroonians across the country have also seen their basic rights violated by the government.

The regime has resorted to threats and arrests of dissenting voices.

A recent case involves the arbitrary arrest and release on bail of social media activist, Junior Ngombe.

He was detained for seven days for advocating voter registration ahead of the 2025 presidential elections and only regained freedom following public outcry.

Instances of arbitrary arrests and detentions are numerous. Peaceful advocates like Abdul Karim, Tsi Conrad, Mancho Bibixy, among others continue to languish in jail.

The regime recently orchestrated the arrest and deportation from Gabon of Ramon Cotta, a vocal advocate for regime change.

Many are questioning the role of the UN Human Rights Council in holding rogue states like Cameroon accountable for violating their citizens’ basic rights.

©Mimi Mefo Info