Yaoundé, 15 April 2025: As Cameroon approaches its next General Elections, Paradigm Initiative (PIN)  is raising concerns over the country’s deteriorating digital rights state, marked by increasing threats to online freedoms, opaque governance, and a shrinking civic space. 

Between 2024 and 2025, Cameroon has witnessed an alarming escalation in digital rights violations and repression of online freedom of expression, particularly in the context of the upcoming 2025 General Elections. This period has been marked by a concerted effort by the government to suppress dissent, control information, and intimidate both media professionals and civil society actors.​

In October 2024, the government banned media discussions regarding President Paul Biya’s health following his prolonged absence from public view. The Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji declared that any debate on the president’s health was strictly prohibited, labeling it a matter of national security. Regional governors were instructed to monitor and report any violations on both traditional media and social networks, with offenders facing legal consequences.

The media landscape has also been subjected to increased censorship. Équinoxe TV’s flagship political program, “Droit de Réponse,” was suspended for a month by the National Communication Council (NCC) for allegedly harming the reputations of government ministers. When the station attempted to air a replacement show, “Le Débat 237,” it was also swiftly banned. Journalists associated with these programs reported receiving death threats and being forced into hiding due to fears of arrest. 

Physical attacks on journalists have intensified. Emmanuel Ekouli, editor of La Voix du Centre, was assaulted twice by unidentified men on motorcycles in July and August 2024, resulting in the theft of his equipment and personal belongings. These attacks are believed to be linked to his investigative work on corruption and the 2023 murder of journalist Martinez Zogo. ​

The government has also targeted civil society organisations. In December 2024, the Minister of Territorial Administration suspended the Central African Human Rights Defenders Network (REDHAC), a prominent human rights group, without providing a clear justification. This action was widely condemned by media professionals  as a significant setback for freedom of expression. 

Opposition coalitions have not been spared. In March 2024, the government banned two opposition alliances, the Political Alliance for Change (APC) and the Political Alliance for Change in Cameroon (APC), labeling them as “clandestine movements.” Human rights organisations criticised this move as an attempt to stifle political dissent ahead of the elections. ​

Disinformation campaigns have also manipulated the digital space. Researchers have identified coordinated efforts to spread false information about opposition parties, including the use of fake social media accounts and foreign influence operations. These campaigns aim to undermine the credibility of the electoral process and manipulate public perception. 

These developments underscore a troubling trend of increasing repression and control over digital and traditional media spaces in Cameroon, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the forthcoming elections and the state of human rights in the country.

In light of these concerns, PIN and CIVIC WATCH call for the following actions:

To the Government of Cameroon:

• • Ensure open and uninterrupted access to the internet before, during, and after the elections.
    
  • Cease the use of vague or overly broad laws to criminalise legitimate online expression and dissent.
    

• Refrain from arbitrary surveillance or online harassment of journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens.
  

• Proactively disclose election-related information, including voter lists, candidate details, and key timelines, in accessible formats.
  

To the Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ART) and Network Operators:

• Maintain transparency around any government requests for shutdowns or data access and commit to upholding user rights.
  
• Guarantee equal access to digital infrastructure, especially in rural and underserved areas.
  
• Engage with civil society to build trust and improve accountability in the digital communications sector.
  

To Political Parties and Electoral Candidates:

• Avoid sponsoring or spreading disinformation, hate speech, or inciting content online.
  
• Use digital platforms to share accurate, inclusive, and verified information with voters.
  
• Respect the rights of media and civil society actors to operate freely online.
  

To Civil Society and Media Actors:

• Continue to monitor and report on digital rights violations and advocate for policy reform.
  
• Strengthen fact-checking initiatives and digital literacy campaigns to empower voters.
  
• Engage in cross-sector collaboration to promote safe and inclusive digital participation.

Issued by: Paradigm Initiative (PIN)
Date: 15 April 2025