Cameroon: February protests banned in Yaoundé

Event

Demonstrations planned in Yaoundé for Friday and Saturday, February 1 and 2, and Friday and Saturday, February 8 and 9, have been banned by the Cameroonian government. The demonstrations were planned by the Collectif 300 + Diaspora group and the opposition party Cameroon Renaissance Movement (MRC). Gatherings and demonstrations are still possible; a heightened security presence is likely and clashes between security forces and potential protesters cannot be ruled out.

Context

The MRC party staged nationwide demonstrations on January 26 to protest alleged election irregularities. Security forces opened fire on MRC supporters during a demonstration in Douala, wounding at least three people; police also reportedly arrested more than 100 people nationwide during the anti-government protests. Protests were reportedly held in Douala overnight (local time) on January 28-29 following the arrest of Maurice Kamto, leader of the MRC.

Kamto won 14 percent of the vote in the October 7 presidential elections, taking second place behind incumbent President Paul Biya. He subsequently rejected the election results and called for an independent vote recount. Cameroon's electoral body has denied all claims of election interference and the Constitutional Court has validated the election results.

Advice

Individuals in Cameroon, particularly in Yaoundé, are advised to closely monitor developments, avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of violence and arrest, anticipate a heightened security presence, and avoid discussing political subjects in public or on social media.