UN Calls Investigation Post-Election Violence Cameroon

Following the announcement of President Paul Biya's eighth-term victory in Cameroon's October 12, 2025 election, widespread protests erupted across major cities including Douala and Yaoundé, with opposition supporters rejecting the results and claiming electoral fraud. The United Nations and human rights organizations have expressed deep concern over the violent crackdown by security forces, which has resulted in deaths, injuries, and numerous arrests, urging restraint, adherence to international human rights law, and independent investigations into the use of excessive force. Human Rights Watch highlighted the role of Cameroonian security forces in escalating violence rather than protecting civilians, calling for the release of detainees and accountability for abuses. The UN Human Rights Council and OHCHR condemned hate speech and incitement to violence, stressing the principles of necessity, proportionality, and precaution in law enforcement responses. Critics underscore that Biya's prolonged rule, now spanning over four decades, has been marked by repression and shrinking civic space, fueling public frustration and undermining democratic participation. Calls for impartial probes and respect for civil liberties continue amidst growing tensions and contested legitimacy of the election results.