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Aboubacar Siddiki, also known as Babadjo, Cameroon On June 21, Babadjo was imprisoned after serving a three-month sentence for insulting the local governor. Shortly after leaving prison, he was arrested again on charges of disturbing public order, demonstration, and hate speech. Babadjo’s lawyer told Human Rights Watch that the charges were based on claims by Cameroonian BroadCast Unitedligence that Babadjo’s supporters planned to hold demonstrations to celebrate his release.
Babajo, a member of the National Union for Democratic Progress (Union nationale pour la démocratie et le progrès), was first arrested at his home in Ngaoundere, Adamawa region, on March 8 after he criticized the region’s governor in a WhatsApp group. His friends and local human rights defenders told Human Rights Watch that the governor ordered his arrest.
This is not the first time Babacho has run afoul of the authorities. Arrested He was detained for releasing a song critical of local officials. He is currently being held at the gendarmerie headquarters in Ngawendere. On June 24, his lawyers filed a writ of habeas corpus with the High Court, which is expected to rule on the case on July 4. Friends and relatives said Babacho suffers from diabetes and requires specialized medical care.
“The latest arrest of Babajo is a classic example of the government’s repression of opposition and dissent,” said Aboubakari Sidiki, president of the Cameroon Patriotic Rescue Movement, another opposition party in northern Cameroon. “The crackdown is increasing in the run-up to the 2025 elections, and we are seeing political meetings and political alliances banned.”
Cameroonian authorities have been suppressing opposition and dissent for years. In March this year, the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji prohibit There are two opposition alliances, the Alliance for Change (Alliance politique pour le changement) led by Jean-Michel Ninche and the Alliance for Cameroon Transition (Alliance politique pour la transition) led by Olivier Bulle.
Cameroonian President Paul Biya, 91, has been in power since 1982 and is currently serving his seventh term. He was last re-elected in 2018 following a controversial election process that sparked a Wave of political repression and deadly repression of peaceful protests.
Babacho’s subsequent arrest after being released from prison highlights how Cameroonian authorities are suppressing free expression in the country. Authorities should release Babacho, drop the charges against him, and ensure he has access to adequate health care while in detention.
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