Cameroon remains gripped by political tension just weeks after the country conducted its presidential election.
Between Friday night, December 12, and Saturday, December 13, about 30 protesters were held overnight at the Yaoundé-Nkondengui Central Prison.
Meanwhile, the military court prosecutor ordered the release of roughly 20 others.In total, 50 individuals, including one minor, arrested during post-election demonstrations were presented before the military court prosecutor. Of this number, close to 30 were remanded in custody at Yaoundé’s Kondengui prison.
Lawyers representing the detainees have demanded their immediate and unconditional release.
Civil society groups and government officials estimate that more than 1,000 people are still being held following the unrest that erupted after the disputed re-election of President Paul Biya.
On October 27, Cameroon’s highest court confirmed Biya as the winner of the presidential race with 53.66 percent of the vote, ahead of his former ally-turned-rival, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who secured 35.19 percent.
Protests broke out in several parts of the country days after the October 12 election. This was followed by a three-day lockdown earlier this week after Tchiroma declared himself the winner and accused authorities of manipulating the vote.
The government has acknowledged that at least five people lost their lives during the protests, though opposition figures and civil society organisations argue that the death toll is significantly higher.
Tchiroma continues to maintain that President Biya’s victory was the result of electoral fraud.
