Banjul, Gambia / Yaoundé, Cameroon — November 5, 2025 | Dalena Reporters
A coalition of 21 civil society organisations across Africa has condemned the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) for issuing a “congratulatory letter” to President Paul Biya of Cameroon following his controversial re-election on October 12, 2025. The letter, dated October 27, 2025, was described by the groups as “deeply disappointing” and a “dangerous signal” at a time when democracy and human rights are under severe threat across the continent.
The organisations’ joint statement read in part:
“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 … to President Paul Biya of Cameroon following the disputed elections conducted on 12 October 2025.
They argued that 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.”
The groups pointed out that the ACHPR’s mandate is to promote and protect human and peoples’ rights, not to endorse or legitimise contested political outcomes. They asserted that the congratulatory letter is incompatible with that mandate and said:
“By congratulating President Biya … the Commission has … undermined public trust in the Commission and the wider African human rights system…
The statement noted the timing particularly: just days after sending the letter, the Commission issued another statement on October 31 acknowledging “post-election violence and the resulting deterioration of the human rights situation” in Cameroon. The groups said the juxtaposition of congratulatory messaging and rights concerns “sends confusing signals to the world.
Among their key recommendations, the organisations demanded that the ACHPR:
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Cease issuing letters of congratulations to politicians or candidates in elections, arguing such letters compromise the Commission’s mission.
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Reaffirm its commitment to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and resist any actions that dilute or contradict its protective mandate.
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Investigate electoral-related abuses in Cameroon, Tanzania and elsewhere, particularly in connection with killings and protests following elections.
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Strengthen its responsiveness and proactivity, including fact-finding missions, timely communications, and direct engagement with state parties and human-rights defenders.
The backlash reflects broader concerns about Africa’s democratic trajectory. The groups said:
“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…
In Cameroon, President Biya — at age 92 the continent’s oldest head of state — was declared winner of the October 12 election with official results placing him at 53.66 % of votes. The announcement triggered widespread protests in Douala, Yaoundé, Garoua and other cities, with reports of security force shootings and fatalities.
As of this publication, the African Commission has not publicly responded in detail to the joint statement. The civil society coalition said that unless the ACHPR takes immediate corrective measures and acts in line with its mandate, it risks further eroding public confidence and empowering authoritarian tendencies across the continent.