PLEASE SIGN YOUR NAME BELOW AND/OR SEND A LETTER TO GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS
Subject: URGENT – Imminent Military Trial: Risk of 20 Years in Prison for Mr. Djeukam TCHAMENI, Arbitrarily Detained in Cameroon
Dear Sir/Madam,
We are writing to you with the utmost urgency to draw your attention to the situation of Mr. Djeukam TCHAMENI Dominique, a prominent civic leader and defender of democracy in Cameroon, who is currently arbitrarily detained and faces an imminent trial before a military court, where he risks 15 to 20 years in prison on entirely unfounded charges.
1. A major civic leader kidnapped in the context of a post-election crisis
Mr. TCHAMENI is:
President of the MDI (Movement for Democracy and Interdependence),
President of the ROC (Network of Civil Society Organizations of Cameroon),
Co-founder and Coordinator of the Union for Change.
He was kidnapped from his home on 24 October 2025, amid a post-electoral crisis marked by:
more than 2,000 arrests,
enforced disappearances,
many injured,
dozens of deaths.
His lifelong commitment has been strictly peaceful, focused on civic education, non-violence, and democratic participation.
2. A political trial before an incompetent military court
Mr. TCHAMENI is currently being charged with:
“hostility toward the homeland,”
“insurrection,”
“incitement to insurrection,”
and reportedly, “apology for acts of terrorism.”
The Cameroonian Military Justice Code grants no competence to military courts to try civilians for political expression or peaceful mobilization.
Under Articles 60–62 of this Code, he faces:
15 to 20 years in prison,
and potentially more if charges are politically reinterpreted.
His trial is said to be imminent, with authorities accelerating hearings despite the total absence of material evidence.
3. Documented serious violations
a. Illegal detention
The legal maximum for custody (8 days) under the Military Justice Code has long been exceeded.
He has been detained for several weeks in violation of Cameroonian law.
b. Absence of procedural guarantees
No access to his legal file
Near-daily forced court appearances
Psychological pressure
c. Unfounded charges
Every public declaration he made emphasized:
non-violence,
respect for public order,
peaceful civic mobilization.
d. Arbitrary detention (UN WGAD Categories II & III)
He is jailed solely for exercising:
freedom of expression,
freedom of association,
political participation.
4. What we urgently ask your organization to do
We respectfully request immediate action, including:
1. Issue an Urgent Action or Public Alert
Condemn the arbitrary detention and the imminent unfair military trial.
2. Demand:
The immediate release of Mr. Djeukam TCHAMENI;
The end of military proceedings against him;
Immediate access to his lawyer, family, and an independent physician.
3. Deploy an international trial observation mission
If authorities maintain the military jurisdiction.
4. Urge the Cameroonian government and its diplomatic partners
to address grave violations of the ICCPR, the African Charter, and the Military Justice Code itself.
5. Why international intervention is decisive
Rapid international mobilization has led to the release of political prisoners in Cameroon in the past.
Your action could help:
prevent an arbitrary sentence of up to 20 years,
protect a peaceful civic leader,
reduce violence linked to the post-electoral crisis.
Contacts – International Committee (CIL-DT)
Email: cil.djeukam@gmail.com
Family Representative: mtchameni@yahoo.com
WhatsApp: +226 60 01 26 69 / +226 78 46 18 52
Conclusion
The arrest and imminent trial of Mr. Djeukam TCHAMENI represent one of the most serious cases of political repression in recent Cameroonian history.
We respectfully urge you to act immediately. Every hour counts.
Sincerely,
International Committee for the Liberation of Djeukam TCHAMENI (CIL-DT)
