08/06/2025
Condemnation of Government Interference in CRM Rally*
The right to peaceful assembly is enshrined in the Constitution of Cameroon, specifically upheld by the Preamble to Constitution and the 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which Cameroon is a State Party to. The Preamble guarantees freedom of assembly "under the conditions fixed by law," while Article 21 of the ICCPR explicitly recognizes the right of peaceful assembly. This fundamental right applies to all Cameroonians, regardless of their political affiliations. It is imperative that this constitutional provision is respected and upheld by the government.
Recent attempts by government authorities to disrupt the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM) rally in Douala are a blatant violation of this right. Just as members of the ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM), have the legitimate right to gather and express their political aspirations, so too do members of the CRM and other opposition parties.
The freedom to assemble peacefully is a cornerstone of democracy. It allows citizens to engage in political discourse, advocate for their beliefs, and hold their leaders accountable. Disrupting the CRM rally not only undermines the democratic process but also stifles the voices of countless Cameroonians who seek to express their views on governance and national progress.
It is crucial for the government to recognize that the suppression of dissent only breeds further discontent and erodes trust in democratic institutions. The right to assemble must be protected for all citizens, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives can coexist and thrive.
The government must respect the constitutional rights of all Cameroonians, allowing peaceful assemblies to take place without intimidation or interference. A fair and just society is built on the foundation of mutual respect and the acknowledgment of every citizen's right to participate in the democratic process.
Ndifor Richard
Political and Civil Society Activis
