Cameroon: Opposition party to stage protests on June 1 and 8

Event

Political opposition party Cameroon Renaissance Movement has called for nationwide protests on Saturday, June 1, and Saturday, June 8, to call for the release of their leader, Maurice Kamto, as well as other supporters of the party who have been detained since January. The party also plans to denounce the crisis in the Anglophone Northwest and Southwest regions. Protests are expected to take place in Yaoundé and other major urban areas; however, specific details have not been released as of May 29.

An increased security presence and localized traffic disruptions are to be anticipated around demonstration sites. Heightened political tensions are to be expected over the coming weeks.

Context

Cameroonian opposition leader Maurice Kamto faces eight charges including sedition, insurrection, inciting violence, and hostility against the homeland. He has asked to be tried in open court. If he is found guilty, he could face a sentence of five years to life in prison. Cameroon held presidential elections in October 2018. Kamto, who came in second in the voting, claims that the elections were fraudulent.

Tensions between the country's minority English-speaking community and the national authorities are high in the Northwest and Southwest regions amid an ongoing separatist movement.

Advice

Individuals in Cameroon are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests or large gatherings due to the risk of associated violence, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.