Defend, Educate, Inform
We, the undersigned, express our deep concern and disappointment over the recent letter of
congratulations purportedly issued in the name of the African Commission on Human and
Peoples’ Rights (‘African Commission’) on 27 October 2025 to President Paul Biya of
Cameroon following the disputed elections conducted on 12 October 2025. This letter
compromises the impartiality and independence of the Commission as the continental institution
whose mandate includes investigating and considering allegations of human rights violations that
may arise in connection with the electoral process. As such, this act represents an incompatibility
with the mandate of the Commission and a dangerous signal at a time when democracy,
accountability, and respect for human rights are under severe threat across the continent and
especially in Cameroon, where the authorities have already acknowledged the loss of lives
during the post-electoral protests.
The African Commission was established to promote and protect human and peoples’ rights, not
as an institution that endorses or legitimizes contested political outcomes. By congratulating
President Biya — amid credible reports of election-related violence leading to verified fatalities
— the Commission has, wittingly or unwittingly, undermined its credibility and betrayed both
the letter and the spirit of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. This letter risks
eroding public trust in the Commission and the wider African human rights system, which
already faces increasing skepticism from citizens who see impunity and selective engagement
replacing principled leadership.
Across Africa, the democratic landscape is deteriorating at an alarming pace. The return of
unconstitutional changes of government in several states, the weakening of independent
institutions, and the manipulation of electoral processes have combined to create a climate of
impunity and repression. In the absence of independent mechanisms to check the excesses of
corrupt and authoritarian leaders, citizens across the continent have taken to the protests to
demand accountability and reforms, often at great personal risk. These developments should
have prompted the African Commission to take proactive, coordinated action to remind states of
their obligations under both the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the African
Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. Instead, the Commission has chosen to issue
congratulations that undermine the very values it is mandated to uphold. It is also worth noting
that such congratulatory statements have not been standard practice for the Commission.
Four days after transmitting the letter of congratulations to President Biya, the Commission on
31 October 2025 issued a statement on the human rights situation in Cameroon in which it
acknowledged “post-election violence and the resulting deterioration of the human rights
situation”. The following day, the Commission issued a similar statement on the situation of
human rights in Tanzania, in which it acknowledged “unrest has left hundreds of people dead,
and hundreds injured, following clashes with security forces”. We note with regret that the
elections in Cameroon — and in Tanzania — occurred during the Commission’s public session in Banjul. Yet, there was a conspicuous absence of engagement by the Commission, including its
relevant Special Rapporteurs on human rights defenders, freedom of association and assembly,
and the situation in Cameroon and Tanzania. The Commission’s conduct on this occasion sends
confusing signals to the world and reflects a worrying pattern of disengagement at precisely the
moments when its intervention is most needed.
These statements underscore the point that the letter of congratulations has damaged the
Commission’s credibility and public standing. In this circumstance, we consider these statements
insufficient in discharging the high burden on the Commission to clarify its position. Merely
issuing a statement is insufficient. What is required is concrete action to uphold the sanctity of
human life and dignity, particularly in the context of elections, and to restore confidence in the
institution’s impartiality and integrity. The African people deserve institutions that act
consistently, courageously, and transparently — particularly in defense of those whose rights are
most under threat.
At a time when public faith in continental institutions is at its lowest since the adoption of the
African Charter, the Commission must recommit to its founding mission. Trust, once broken, can
only be rebuilt through truth, accountability, and visible action. The credibility of the
Commission depends on its ability to prioritize the rights and dignity of African citizens over
political convenience and deference to power. We therefore call on the Commission to take
immediate corrective measures and to act in full fidelity to its mandate.
Recommendations
In light of the above, we, the undersigned organizations and individuals, call on the African
Commission to urgently consider the following:
Individuals:
Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA)
949 Brusubi Layout, AU Summit Highway,
P.O. Box 1896 Banjul, The Gambia.
Tel: +220 44 10 413/4
Cell: +220 77 51 200
Email: ihrda@ihrda.org