A violent incident has erupted at Kondengui Central Prison, where a political prisoner named Michel Deugoue was stabbed by another inmate. The assailant is allegedly the same individual accused of the murder of Avenur Ava, a Cameroonian cultural figure whose tragic death deeply affected public opinion. This assault raises concerns about the safety of detainees and the management of high-risk profiles within the prison.
The exact circumstances of the altercation remain unclear. According to sources close to the investigation, a dispute broke out between the two men in the prison yard, quickly escalating into physical violence. The assailant, already incarcerated for murder, reportedly used a makeshift weapon to attack Michel Deugoue. The victim's state of health has not been officially released.
Michel Deugoue was arrested in October 2025 following his public support for Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a candidate in the last presidential election. After his arrest, he allegedly suffered torture at the Central Police Station N°4 in Yaoundé, acts denounced by human rights organizations. Commissioner Mindjom was directly implicated at the time. Four months later, Michel Deugoue is still awaiting trial before the military court.
This prolonged pre-trial detention highlights a recurring problem in Cameroon. Despite his incarceration in Kondengui, no hearing has been set for Michel Deugoue. This judicial deadlock keeps him in a state of permanent uncertainty and exposes him to the dangers of prison overcrowding.
The assault raises questions about the management of prisoners in Cameroonian prisons. How can a political prisoner and a notorious murderer find themselves in direct contact? Lack of resources and overcrowding are often cited, but this incident also highlights a possible failure to classify and segregate high-risk profiles.
The case takes on an additional dimension due to the acts of torture that Michel Deugoue allegedly suffered during his detention. These acts, attributed to Commissioner Mindjom, have not been the subject of any public investigation to date. This alleged impunity undermines confidence in the judicial system and adds a layer of complexity to the case.
It is imperative to ensure the safety of Michel Deugoue and to investigate this assault. This event highlights the need to eliminate torture during police custody and to reduce trial delays in Cameroon.
