Human Lives Human Rights: The Cameroonian government is facing urgent calls to release three members of the association Pouvoir au Peuple Camerounais (Power to the People of Cameroon – PPC) and their relatives, who have been arbitrarily arrested and held in detention for two weeks. Human rights advocates are demanding the immediate end to arbitrary arrests and detention practices across the country.
On September 9, three PPC supporters—Moustapha Tizi, Mohamadou Ballo, and Ibrahim Oumarou—were taken into custody for allegedly wearing t-shirts emblazoned with the organization’s name in Figuil, located within the Mayo-Louti department of the northern region. Additionally, Hapsatou Issa, the sister of a PPC spokesperson, was arrested on the same day. The PPC, a youth-led organization established in August 2024, is advocating for a change in government.
As the presidential election approaches in 2025, during which President Paul Biya, in power since 1982, is expected to run for re-election, reports indicate a marked increase in the arbitrary detention of individuals viewed as critical of the regime. This pattern follows a visit in early August by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, who expressed serious concerns regarding restrictions on freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly in Cameroon.
The detained PPC members were relocated to Garoua on September 13. Hapsatou Issa is currently at the northern gendarmerie legion, while Moustapha Tizi and Mohamadou Ballo are being held at the Garoua 1 gendarmerie research brigade. Ibrahim Oumarou is detained at the Garoua judicial police. Hapsatou Issa was arrested at her home on the night of September 9-10, reportedly due to her family connection to the PPC spokesperson, who is fleeing threats. Additionally, Hapsatou Issa’s son, who attempted to deliver food to her, was also detained.
The crackdown on dissenting voices in Cameroon is escalating. Those who criticize the government—including human rights defenders, journalists, and activists—face the risk of arbitrary arrest, torture, and prosecution in military courts, all in violation of the country’s international human rights obligations. This suppression is expected to intensify as the presidential election draws nearer.
Human rights groups are calling on the authorities to halt this alarming trend, protect the rights of all citizens, and uphold their commitments under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, of which Cameroon is a signatory.
In related developments, activist Yves Kibouy Bershu (known as Ramon Cotta) has been arbitrarily detained since July 19, 2024. After his arrest in Gabon, he was transferred to Cameroon under questionable legal circumstances. Currently held in Yaoundé at the Central Judicial Research Department, he has been charged with terrorism-related offenses for primarily voicing criticism against Cameroon’s government. According to his legal team, Ramon Cotta has reportedly endured torture leading to partial paralysis and has had difficulties accessing adequate healthcare.
Further, Junior Ngombe, a 23-year-old hairdresser and activist, was detained briefly from July 24 to July 31 after posting a viral TikTok video denouncing Ramon Cotta’s arrest, which garnered over 218,000 views.
