The United Nations has expressed deep concern over reports of several deaths during protests following Cameroon’s 12 October presidential election. The demonstrations, which erupted over alleged irregularities in the election results, have been met with violence that has led to loss of life.
UN officials have called on the country’s security forces to refrain from using lethal force and urged protesters to exercise their right to peaceful assembly responsibly. They emphasized that the Cameroonian authorities must adhere strictly to their obligations under international human rights law, while political leaders and their supporters should avoid inciting violence or spreading hate speech.
The UN further urged the government to conduct prompt, impartial, and effective investigations into all cases of election-related violence, including instances of excessive or disproportionate force by security personnel. Those responsible must be held accountable through fair and transparent judicial processes, and the rights to due process and fair trial for all detainees must be fully upheld.
