Cameroon: Police confine opposition leader to home following September 22 unrest /update 2

Event

Police have reportedly placed the leader of the opposition Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM) party, Maurice Kamto, under house arrest for his role in planning anti-government protests, which occurred in towns across the country on Tuesday, September 22. The CRM claims that police forcefully entered Kamto's home on the evening of Monday, September 21, and arrested a number of his supporters, including the CRM's secretary-general, Christopher Ndong. Kamto has stated that he has not been detained; however, security forces have surrounded his home, and he is concerned that he may be arrested if he attempts to leave.

Further opposition-led protests are likely in Douala and other areas of the country in the medium term.

Context

Protests occurred in major urban centers mainly in the north and west of Cameroon on Tuesday, September 22, to demand the resignation of President Paul Biya, who activists claim used fraud to secure a seventh term in office. The Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM) is also calling for Biya to cancel regional elections scheduled for November 6. Police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse protesters and arrested at least 20 activists in Douala 20. The CRM has claimed that at least one person was killed in clashes between protesters and security forces, and several others were injured.

Advice

Those in Cameroon are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests and political gatherings, and adhere to instructions issued by the local authorities.