27 Oct 2018 | 09:51 PM UTC
Cameroon: 50 people arrested during opposition protest in Douala Oct. 27
Around 50 opposition supporters arrested by security forces during unauthorized demonstration in Douala on October 27; further protests possible in the near term
Event
On Saturday, October 27, around 50 supporters of opposition leader Maurice Kamto were arrested during an unauthorized demonstration in Douala. According to local sources, the demonstration had been staged to protest the results of the October 7 presidential election. Further demonstrations by opposition supporters are possible in the coming days. A heightened security presence is anticipated in the vicinity of any demonstration; clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.
Context
On October 21, security forces dispersed opposition supporters gathered to condemn the government's crackdown on suspected separatists in the Northwest and Southwest regions, as well as to highlight alleged electoral fraud. As many as 30 protesters and two journalists were arrested.
Eighteen requests, including some from all three major opposition candidates, were sent to the Constitutional Court to annul all or part of the October 7 vote; all 18 were rejected. The opposition candidates cited incidents of voter fraud and vote-rigging. Cameroon's electoral body has denied all claims of election interference.
Advice
Individuals in Cameroon are advised to closely monitor developments to the situation and avoid any rallies, protests, or other large public gatherings due to the potential for unrest. Abide by all instructions issued by the local authorities and your home government.
