Lawyers in Cameroon launched a three-day strike protesting police brutality against their profession, leaving many courtrooms vacant. The Cameroon Bar Association condemned police violence and pledged to take legal action. This protest reflects ongoing issues under President Paul Biya’s regime, amid rising concerns for civil liberties as the next presidential election approaches.
On Wednesday, lawyers in Cameroon initiated a three-day strike to protest against escalating police brutality targeting their profession, resulting in deserted courtrooms. The Cameroon Bar Association denounced the acts of “physical violence, barbarity, and other humiliating treatment” directed toward lawyers. Bar council president, Mbah Eric Mba, referenced a viral incident involving police assaulting a lawyer and another case where a lawyer was abducted for protesting rights violations.
Correspondence from an AFP journalist indicated that many courtrooms in the capital city of Yaoundé remained unoccupied due to the strike. The Bar Association has pledged to pursue legal action against these violations to safeguard their rights. This protest is not unprecedented; in November, lawyers demonstrated following the hospitalization of a colleague due to police detention in Douala.
Concerns regarding civil liberties have intensified under Cameroon’s long-serving President Paul Biya, who has governed for 42 years. As the October 2025 presidential election approaches, both activists and human rights organizations have flagged increased repression in the country.
The strike by Cameroonian lawyers underscores a profound dissatisfaction with police violence against legal professionals. By committing to legal action for violations, the Bar Association aims to reinforce the protection of their rights. Additionally, this movement highlights the broader climate of repression in Cameroon under a long-standing authoritarian regime, raising concerns leading up to the next presidential election.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
