United States Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick has strongly condemned acts of violence and killings in Cameroon, insisting that the right to peaceful protest and free expression is fundamental.
In a recent statement following post-election violence in the Central African nation, the representative for Florida’s 20th congressional district urged restraint.
She said she is deeply concerned by the deteriorating security situation and reports of human rights violations across Cameroon.
“There is no place for violence in a democracy. I strongly condemn acts of violence, killings, destruction, and arbitrary arrests,” Sheila said. “The right to peaceful protest and free expression is fundamental and must be protected.”
Her statement comes amidst reports that at least 12 people have been killed since election day on October 12, and following the victory of incumbent 92-year-old President Paul Biya on October 27.
“I commend the people of Cameroon for their continued commitment to democracy, as shown by their participation in the recent presidential election.”
US-Cameroon Relationship
However, she reminded them that the U.S. partnership with Cameroon is rooted in shared values of democratic governance, the rule of law, and respect for human rights.
She stated that Cameroon’s unity and stability depend on an inclusive, peaceful post-election environment that reflects the will of its people.
“I urge the government and all political actors to exercise restraint, respect human rights, and engage in dialogue to preserve peace,” she added.
Post-Election Violence
Prior to the proclamation of Paul Biya as the winner, his main challenger, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, had declared himself the victor.
He also vowed never to allow his victory to be stolen. A day before the proclamation of the winner by the constitutional council, Tchiroma urged his supporters to peacefully protest against “stolen votes.”
On Sunday, October 26, four people were killed in Douala, Cameroon’s economic capital, and over 100 were arrested.
On Monday, October 27, when Biya was declared the winner, violent clashes occurred in several towns and cities. In Garoua, Tchiroma’s hometown, two people were killed.
Since then, several deaths have also been recorded in the East Region and certain parts of the Littoral and West Regions. At least 30 people have been killed in total.
Cameroon Government Targets the Opposition
Meanwhile, the Cameroon government has vowed to prosecute Issa Tchiroma Bakary, accusing him of “inciting unrest.” The Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, has publicly blamed Tchiroma for the protests — a claim widely rejected by civil society groups and observers.
Contrary to the government’s narrative, Tchiroma has never called for violence. His public statements since the election have consistently emphasized peaceful resistance and lawful protest.
In contrast, Minister Atanga Nji has repeatedly issued threatening statements, warning that protesters would be “crushed in a molinex” — language critics say embodies the government’s long-standing culture of intimidation and repression.
Despite this, Issa Tchiroma Bakary is undeterred. On October 29, he announced the third phase of his plan, saying, “In 2010, a similar situation happened in a neighbouring country, but the will of the people later triumphed.”
Cameroon is suffering from a separatist war in its English-speaking regions and a Boko Haram jihadist insurgency in its Far North region.
Any further acts of violence could jeopardize the fragile stability the country currently maintains.