Twelve people arrested in connection with the post-election crisis of October 2025 were released on bail in Bafoussam on March 5, 2026, while concerns are growing about detention conditions at the Foumban prison. Initially charged with several offenses, including "illegal immigration" and "insurrection," the charges were reduced to "failure to report insurrection," an offense that allowed for their release on bail. However, they will have to appear in court as free individuals.
Despite these releases, 17 other people, including one Nigerian and one Chadian, remain in detention, facing charges including "revolution," "gathering," and "destruction of public property". Voices are rising to demand their release as well, along with that of other detainees in similar situations. The October 2025 elections were contested and led to protests. The announcement of the victory of President Paul Biya, 92, for an eighth term was followed by demonstrations and arrests.
Annie Tchoko, an activist with the organization United4Cameroon, is raising the alarm about the situation of detainees in the Foumban prison, where, according to her, young people under the age of 25 are in danger of dying. She denounces the lack of medical care and the theft of medication, calling on Cameroonians to break their silence in the face of this humanitarian crisis.
Echoing this call, the UPC-Manidem, a Cameroonian political formation, has reaffirmed its solidarity and commitment to demand the release of all political prisoners throughout the country. This party, stemming from the Union of the Peoples of Cameroon (UPC), advocates for a political transition and denounces rigged elections. The post-election situation remains tense in Cameroon, between challenges to the results, repression, and calls for the release of political prisoners.
