Cameroonian Authorities Accused of Torturing Social Media Activist
Nairobi — Human Rights Watch has accused Cameroon’s authorities and security forces of forcibly disappearing and apparently torturing Ramon Cotta, a social media activist, who has been living in Gabon for the past 10 years. Cotta, born Yves Kibouy Bershu, is known for his TikTok videos criticizing the Cameroonian authorities.
According to Human Rights Watch, Cotta’s lawyers located him in a security cell of the military court in Yaoundé, Cameroon’s capital, on August 20, 2024. He was paralyzed on his left side and had severe visual impairments, reportedly as a result of torture in detention. The authorities should immediately release Cotta, ensure he has access to adequate medical care, and investigate his apparent torture and inhuman treatment.
Ilaria Allegrozzi, senior Sahel researcher at Human Rights Watch, expressed concern that Cotta may have already lost his sight and ability to walk properly due to torture. She urged the authorities to ensure he receives appropriate medical care and thoroughly investigate his apparent torture.
Cotta’s lawyers said he was arrested in Libreville, Gabon’s capital, on July 19 and held incommunicado until July 21, when he was handed over to Cameroonian authorities. He was then taken to the Directorate General for External Research (DGRE) and later to the State Defense Secretariat, where he is still being held.
Cotta’s lawyers reported that DGRE members interrogated him twice, tortured him, and subjected him to inhuman and degrading treatment. He was allegedly beaten multiple times and exposed to bright lights through a projector, causing serious eye issues.
Cotta has been charged with acts of terrorism, insurrection, and other offenses, but his lawyers claim he was not taken before a judge and was instead presented to the military prosecutor twice. Cameroonian law gives the military judicial system jurisdiction over civilians charged with terrorism offenses, a practice that violates international norms.
The Cameroonian government has a history of cracking down on opposition and free speech, jailing political activists, journalists, and dissidents. Ahead of the general elections in 2025, it has increasingly restricted freedoms of expression and association.
Human Rights Watch and other organizations have previously documented the widespread use of torture and incommunicado detention in Cameroon’s detention centers, including ungazetted facilities like military barracks. Under human rights law, all forms of torture and inhuman treatment are strictly prohibited.
The organization is calling on the Cameroonian authorities to release Cotta, ensure his rights are respected, and investigate his apparent torture and inhuman treatment.
