Cameroon: Protest in Yaoundé February 1 /update 1

Event

A civil society group is planning to stage a protest in Yaoundé on Friday, February 1, to denounce recent opposition protests in Douala. Protesters are expected to gather at the Hotel de Ville and march to the Governor's office building.

In the meantime, a heightened security presence have reportedly been deployed in Yaoundé as well as in Douala following the arrest of opposition leader Maurice Kamto on January 28. Further opposition protests are also possible in the coming days. Clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.

Context

Kamto's Cameroon Renaissance Movement (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 also eurpted reportedly in Douala overnight (local time) on January 28-29 following the arrest of Kamto.

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 and Douala, are advised to closely monitor developments and avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of violence.