2.1 Lying on the west coast of Africa, the Republic of Cameroon is bordered by Nigeria, Chad, the Central African Republic, Congo, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. It covers an area of 475,442 sq kms (183,569 sq miles) and has a 200 km coastline. [1][2]

2.2 In mid-1995 the population was estimated to be 13,277,000. Population growth between 1985 and 1994 was at an average of 2.8% per year. The population is very unevenly distributed, and is concentrated in the west, the south-central region and the Sudan savannah zone of the north. Most of the towns are located in the south, including the capital, Yaoundé, with an estimated population in 1992 of 800,000. Also in the south is the main port of Douala, with a population estimated at 1,200,000. [2]

2.3 There are over 200 tribes including the Bamiléké (in the west) and many local languages spoken, although the official languages are French and English. The North-West and South-West Provinces of Cameroon are Anglophone and constitute less than one tenth of the area with just over one fifth of the population. The Francophone areas are larger and more populous. The majority of the population is rural. [2][3]

3.1 Following military occupation in 1919 the German protectorate of Kamerun was divided into British and French zones of influence. [1][2]

3.2 In 1922 both zones became subject to mandates of the League of Nations (later converted to United Nations Trust Territories), with four-fifths of the territory being allocated to French administration and known as French Cameroun, and the remainder allocated to British administration which was known as the Northern and Southern Cameroons. [1][2]

3.3 In 1957 French Cameroun became an autonomous state and in January 1960, following both domestic and international pressure for independence from France, the Republic of Cameroon was formed, with Ahmadou Ahidjo being elected as its first president. [1][2]

3.4 Meanwhile in British Cameroons pressure was growing for a break from Nigeria to which it had been attached for administrative purposes. In 1961 the Southern Cameroons' electorate voted in favour of union with the Republic of Cameroon, whilst the Northern Cameroon electorate voted to merge with Nigeria. Ahmadou Ahidjo assumed the presidency of the new Federal Republic of Cameroon with John Foncha as his vice-president. [1][2]

3.5 In May 1972 a new Constitution was endorsed and in June of the same year the country was re-named the United Republic of Cameroon. With a view to reducing its dependency on France, the Union nationale camerounaise (UNC), (formed by the merger of six political parties, including the Kamerun National Democratic Party and the Union camerounaise), assumed responsibility for Cameroon's political and social affairs. [1][2]

3.6 In April 1975 Ahidjo was re-elected as president with Paul Biya as prime minister and despite some dissatisfaction with the single party system and with the low representation of English-speaking politicians in the government, the electorate approved the UNC chosen candidates for the National Assembly in May 1978. [1][2]

3.7 Ahidjo resigned in November 1982 and presidential power was transferred to Paul Biya, who appointed Bello Bouba Maigari as prime minister. In August 1983 Biya announced that an attempt to overthrow the government had failed. Two of Ahidjo's advisers were arrested and Maigari and the minister for the armed forces dismissed. Later that month Ahidjo resigned the chairmanship of the UNC and later left the country and remained in exile in France and Senegal until his death in November 1989. Biya was elected chairman of the UNC and in January 1984 he was re-elected as president. [1][2]

3.8 In February 1984, in his absence, Ahidjo and his two advisers were tried for their part in the 1983 attempted coup. They all received death sentences which were later commuted to life imprisonment. [1][2]

3.9 A further attempt to overthrow the government was made in April 1984 by members of the republican guard. Those involved were subsequently tried by a military court and 46 of the defendants were executed. [1][2]

3.10 Following the destabilising effects of these coups some members of the government were removed from office, and twelve members of the political bureau of the UNC central committee were dismissed. [1][2]

3.11 In March 1985 the UNC was renamed the Rassemblement démocratique du peuple camerounais (RDPC) - Cameroon Peoples Democratic Movement (CPDM). Legislative and presidential elections were held in 1988. All the candidates for the National Assembly were RDPC approved and Biya was the sole candidate for the presidency. [1][2]

3.12 On 5 December 1990, following increasing civil unrest, the National Assembly approved an amendment to the Constitution which provided for a multi-party system. Continuing reluctance by President Biya and the government to hold a conference to formulate a timetable for multi-party elections led to demonstrations and strikes in 1991, organised by the National Co-ordination Committee of Opposition Parties (NCCOP). This resulted in the temporary detention of several opposition leaders. [1][2]

3.13 In October 1991 Biya announced that legislative elections would take place in February 1992. These were later re-scheduled to 1 March 1992 but a number of parties, including the Social Democratic Front (SDF), refused to take part, claiming the elections were too early. The RDPC won 88 of the 180 seats contested and secured an absolute majority by forming an alliance with the Mouvement pour la défense de la République (MDR). Presidential elections were subsequently held on 11 October 1992 and Biya was re-elected with 39.9% of the votes. John Fru Ndi, the leader of the SDF, and Bello Bouba Maigari, the leader of the UNDP, secured 35.9% and 19.2% of the votes respectively. John Fru Ndi disputed the official results, claiming that he had won. Demonstrations were staged by the opposition supporters, but the Supreme Court ruled against Fru Ndi's appeal that the results should be declared invalid. The unrest continued and Fru Ndi was placed under house arrest. [1][2]

3.14 In 1993 an alliance of opposition parties organised a campaign of demonstrations and demanded that a new presidential election take place. Although the alliance was accused of inciting civil unrest the government announced that a debate on constitutional reform would take place. Draft constitutional amendments were announced in May 1993 but the debate on constitutional reform was suspended in November 1993 when teachers took strike action following a reduction in the salaries of public sector workers. Other public sector workers joined the strike in early 1994. In response, the government dismissed some teachers and suspended the salaries of others. Students were also demonstrating at this time in support of their demands for better conditions. [1][2]

3.15 Cameroon was admitted to the Commonwealth in November 1995, despite some concerns that little progress had been made on either human rights issues or the democratic process. [1]

3.16 On 18 January 1996 the president promulgated amendments to the Constitution, including limits to the presidential term, from five years renewable without limit to seven years renewable once. [1][2]

3.17 A student strike at the University of Yaoundé took place in May and June 1996 in which the students called for improved facilities and protested against the introduction of additional fees. The strike continued despite concessions by the authorities. In June 1996 several students were reportedly arrested and assaulted following violent confrontations between students and the security services and a vigilante group known as auto-défense, reportedly established by the university authorities to counter student unrest. A number of students were detained briefly and several were suspended from the university. [3][4]

3.18 Municipal elections took place on 21 January 1996 and legislative and presidential elections were held on 17 May 1997 and 12 October 1997 respectively (refer to paragraphs 4.1 to 4.9)

3.19 Agriculture accounts for 25% of annual gross domestic product (GDP), with industry and the services sector representing 22% and 35% respectively. Cameroon is an oil producer, and its principal exports include timber, coffee, cocoa, cotton, bananas and rubber, although the government has banned the export of raw timber since January 1999, in line with commitments given to the Rio Earth Summit goals. Following the decline in the price of petroleum and other commodities in the mid 1980's the economy was in crisis for several years. In an effort to rectify the situation a series of austerity measures was introduced and a programme of economic restructuring was undertaken. This included the reduction in the salaries of public sector workers which in turn provoked a series of strikes. The CFA franc was devalued in 1994 since when the economic performance has improved, with GDP growth averaging more than 5% between 1996 and 1997. The CFA franc has been given a fixed parity against the euro, at 655.957 per euro. Cameroon's population of about 14 million has a per capita GNP of US $650. [2] [5] [42] [43] [44]

3.20 The government has considerable external debts. On 20 August 1997 it signed a stringent three year structural adjustment agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In October 1997 Cameroon agreed a debt relief initiative with Paris Club creditors and this was followed by some individual debt cancellation and rescheduling agreements. In February 1998 the IMF reported that the Cameroon government had made significant progress in implementing its economic reform programme. [6] [7]

3.21 The IMF held a seminar in Yaounde in January 1999 entitled "The IMF and Africa: The Social Dimensions of Structural Adjustment and External Debt" for journalists and social workers, aimed at improving the poor image of the IMF which had resulted from the severe financial measures nesessary to implememt economic reform. [45]

4.1 Cameroon is a unitary state and a multi-party democracy which has held presidential, municipal and legislative elections in the last five years. The next legislative and presidential elections are scheduled to take place in May 2002 and October 2004 respectively. [7]

4.2 Municipal elections took place on 21 January 1996 and were judged by international observers to be generally free and fair. The RDPC retained approximately 55% of the local government areas. Opposition parties, including the SDF and the UNDP, made important gains, notably in major towns. In many areas this was followed by the immediate appointment of government delegates who were given overall control of municipal councils. [2][3]

 4.3 Legislative elections were held on 17 May 1997. International and Commonwealth observers found the electoral process to be flawed. In particular, the Commonwealth Observer Group noted irregularities in voter registration and the distribution of polling cards to those presumed to be opposition supporters. The Commonwealth Observer Group also recommended the establishment of an impartial and autonomous institution such as an independent electoral commission. [8]

4.4 On 6 June 1997 the Supreme Court announced that the ruling RDPC had obtained 109 seats, with the SDP and UNDP winning 43 seats and 13 seats respectively. The opposition parties called for the elections to be annulled because of irregularities and fraud. The Supreme Court however, annulled elections in seven constituencies only. Some known opposition leaders who demonstrated outside the Supreme Court were detained and charged with inciting revolt. They were released a week later and all charges were dropped. Candidates of the RDPC gained the seats in a re-run of the elections in the seven constituencies held on 3 August 1997(*). [2][5][9]

  Legislative Elections: 17 May 1997

[2]

4.5 Presidential elections took place on 12 October 1997 and were contested by the incumbent, Biya, and seven other candidates. The main opposition parties, the SDF, UNDP and UDC, refused to participate, having failed to secure a postponement of the elections and the creation of an independent national electoral commission. They further called for an "active boycott" of the presidential poll. Despite the threat of disruption from the main opposition parties, the elections passed off peacefully. [10][11][12]

4.6 The turnout figures for voting in the presidential elections were disputed and there were allegations of vote rigging. The Supreme Court rejected four petitions submitted by three political parties requesting total or partial cancellation of the elections. [5][13]

4.7 The official result of the presidential poll gave Biya a landslide victory with 92.6% of the vote. He was sworn in for a further presidential term at a ceremony on 5 November 1997, which was boycotted by opposition parties. [5][14]

Presidential Election: 12 October 1997

4.8 President Biya established a "Government of National Unity". The government, which was formed in January 1998, is a coalition of the RDPC, UNDP, the Union des Populations (UPC) and the Nouvelle Convention (NC). All but five members of the cabinet belong to the RDPC. The UNDP leader, Bello Bouba Maigari, was appointed a minister of state and two other UNDP members were appointed to the cabinet. The runner-up in the presidential election, Henri Hogbe Nlend (UPC), also accepted a ministerial post, as did Antar Gassagaye (NC). [1]

4.9 In 1998 the SDF engaged in talks with the RDPC, however, it declined the invitation to join the government because the two sides remained divided over opposition calls for revised electoral laws and an independent electoral commission. Some influential members of the SDF's National Executive Committee have reportedly challenged Mr Fru Ndi's decision to discontinue talks with the RDPC. [7][15][16][17][18]

4.10 Responsibility for security is shared by the national police, the National Intelligence Service (DGRE), the gendarmerie, the Ministry of Territorial Administration, military intelligence, the army, and the Presidential Security Service. The police and gendarmerie have dominant roles in enforcing intenal security laws. The security forces are under the control of the President, the civilian Minister of Defence and the civilian head of police. [5] [43]

4.11 There is no national service in Cameroon. A plan to introduce it was made in 1989, but was not implemented. [19]

4.12 In the north of Cameroon some traditional rulers have private militias which operate with tacit government approval. [4]

4.13 Following a 1913 agreement which ceded the Bakassi peninsula to Cameroon, a long running border dispute has ensued with Nigeria. Both Cameroon and Nigeria have deployed several thousand troops to the region, which is rich in oil reserves, and clashes have resulted in fatalities on both sides. Negotiations between the two countries have been on-going for several years and despite calls from the Organisation of African Unity for the cessation of hostilities, clashes continued in 1998. The border dispute is currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at the Hague. A final decision is expected in 1999. The ICJ has ruled that both countries should desist from new activity in the disputed area pending its final ruling on ownership. On 24 November 1998 Nigeria and Cameroon exchanged 211 prisoners under the auspices of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

4.14 The Constitution provides for an independent judiciary. In practice it is prone to political influence, inefficiency and corruption. The legal system comprises the High Court of Justice, the Supreme Court, a court of appeal in each province and a court of first instance in each division. [5][26] [43]

4.15 The court system is a subordinate of the Ministry of Justice and is strongly influenced by the French legal system. However, certain aspects of Anglo-Saxon tradition apply in Anglophone provinces. [5]

4.16 Traditional courts operate in some rural areas and arbitrate in domestic disputes and disputes over property. [5]

4.17 In 1995 the National Assembly passed amendments to the Constitution which provided, inter alia, for a judiciary independent of executive and legislative powers. President Biya indicated that action to establish this could be expected in 1998. The Supreme Court demonstrated some independence and a respect for the law when opposition parties, having been denied the right to contest some localities in the municipal elections in January 1996, brought cases against the government. The Supreme Court declared 18 of the election results to be null and void. [3][5][26]

V. HUMAN RIGHTS: GENERAL SITUATION

5.1 According to the United States Department of State Reports for 1997 and 1998, the government's human rights record continued to be generally poor. Cameroon is a party to the Convention against Torture and other Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Despite this, and the provision in the Constitution that 'under no circumstances shall any person be subjected to torture, to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment', prisons are severely overcrowded and prisoners are often denied access to sanitation facilities. The Penal Code also bans torture and renders any "evidence" obtained that way inadmissable in court. However, it is known that the security forces inflict beatings on prisoners. There are reliable reports that the "balancoire" torture technique is still in use in the interrogation of certain prisoners. In this technique, the prisoner, with his hands tied behind his back, is suspended from a rod and beaten. Also favoured is the "bastinade" in which the victim is beaten on the soles of the feet. [5][27][28] [43]

5.2 Prison conditions are reported to be extremely harsh, sometimes even fatal. There is a general lack of food and health care within prisons and families of prisoners often assist their relatives in these respects. However, when over sixty prisoners arrested in the North-West Province in March 1997 were transferred to Yaoundé, the distances involved have meant that families are frequently unable to visit or provide assistance. Seven of the prisoners are reported to have died as a result of torture and ill-treatment or lack of medical care. Ten of the detainees were released unconditionally and returned to North-West Province on 24 November 1998 (also refer to paragraph 6.13). [4][5] [29][30] [43]

5.3 In the north of the country the government allows traditional chiefs (Lamibe) to operate private prisons outside the government penal system. The International Committee of the Red Cross has declined to visit any prisons since 1992 because the government has refused to guarantee it unrestricted access to all detention centres. The Cameroonian Red Cross and the National Human Rights Commission make frequent visits to prisons. [3][5]

5.4 The Constitution also states that 'no person may be prosecuted, arrested or detained except in the cases and according to the manner determined by law' and that 'the law shall ensure the right of every person to a fair trial'. Despite this, and the requirement of the Penal Code that detainees be brought before a magistrate promptly, arbitrary prolonged detention is still a problem (refer to paragraph 5.2). [5][26][28]

5.5 A person may be detained in custody for a maximum of 72 hours before referral to a judicial authority to be charged or released, however, this limit is often exceeded. Legislation also allows administrative detention without charge for renewable periods of 15 days, ostensibly to combat banditry and maintain public order. It has reportedly been used in some cases to detain critics and opponents of the government. [4][5][28]

5.6 The courts have punished some instances of arbitrary detention, notably the sentencing of six policemen (four in absentia) who had arrested, detained and beaten a deputy magistrate in 1994, to long custodial sentences and heavy fines. [3][5]

5.7 Security forces continue to use excessive force and commit extrajudicial killings. However, the authorities do not condone such abuse of power and recent cases of such killings have been subject to official investigation. At the end of 1997, two cases were under investigation following the deaths of two detainees in Yaoundé prison in 1997. In one, a police commissioner and three colleagues were arrested pending trial. [3][5]

5.8 In July 1998 a court convicted two police officers in connection with the death in custody in November 1997 of a man arrested for robbery. He died in the commissariat in Yaoundé, having been tortured to extract a confession. The court sentenced a police inspector and commissioner responsible for the unit to ten years' and six years' imprisonment respectively, together with a fine of 15m CFA francs in damages for the family of the deceased. [31]

5.9 There are no confirmed reports of political killings. [5]

5.10 Domestic and international human rights groups generally have considerable freedom to operate in Cameroon. A large number of independent human rights monitoring groups exist in the country. The government has, on occasion, withheld official recognition of non-governmental organisations (NGOs). [5]

5.11 Human rights NGOs have issued press releases and reports detailing specific human rights violations and many have held seminars and workshops on various aspects of human rights. [5]

5.12 The governmental National Commission on Human Rights and Freedoms has also conducted investigations into alleged human rights abuses and organised several human rights seminars aimed at judicial officials, security personnel and other government officers. Its reports have been submitted to the prime minister and president, but have never been published or released. [5]

5.13 In February 1996 Cameroon hosted the first conference of African National Human Rights Institutions with a view to strengthening co-operation between national human rights organisations. The government has also requested that the UN Human Rights Commission establish an office in Yaoundé. [3]

5.16 The government co-operates with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and other humanitarian organisations in assisting refugees. Cameroon currently provides asylum for approximately 47,332 refugees. The majority of these persons, some 44,390, are Chadian. The remainder are mainly from Liberia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In 1996 and 1997 Cameroon as a first country of asylum received 1,400 and 800 refugees respectively. The government accepts for resettlement refugees who are granted refugee status by the UNHCR. In 1996 Cameroon accepted approximately 30 Rwandan refugees from Tanzania for resettlement and in 1997 received 66 Rwandan refugees from Tanzania and DRC. [5]

6.1 Until 1990 Cameroon had been a one party state. However, in 1990, following continued pressure and civil unrest, President Biya announced the intention to adopt a multi-party system, a reform in laws governing subversion and a reform of legislation which prohibited political association. In December 1990 the National Assembly approved a constitutional amendment which provided for the establishment of a multi-party system. The amendments required the government to grant or refuse registration within three months to any political organisation seeking recognition. In addition, recognised parties would receive support from the state during election campaigns. The financing of political parties from external sources was however, prohibited, as was the recruitment of party activists on a regional or ethnic basis. There are reported to be in excess of 140 political parties operating legally in Cameroon (a number of which are listed in Annex A). [2][5]

6.2 Political party support from the early 1990s has tended to be defined along regional and sometimes ethnic lines. The SDF draws its primary support from the West Province, where the Bamiléké are from, and the Anglophone North-West Province. The UNDP is strong in the three mainly Northern provinces, while the RDPC traditionally has been strong in the Centre and South provinces, where the Beti ethnic group is based. [32]

6.3 The law provides for freedom of assembly, but government approval needs to be sought to hold public meetings, demonstrations or processions. The government will withhold approval on public order grounds, and this was the reason given for banning an opposition rally in Yaoundé in October 1997 prior to the presidential election. In the run-up to the elections in 1997, Article 19 reports interference with opposition party campaigns and meetings in some areas in Cameroon. [2][5][11][32]

6.4 The Constitution provides for freedom of expression and of the press. [5][26]

6.5 All radio and television broadcasting is operated by the government and weekly programmes include an opportunity for political parties represented in the National Assembly to present their views. Since 1990 the law has provided for the licensing of private radio and television stations however, the government has yet to approve implementing regulations. [5][32]

6.6 The government publishes an official bilingual newspaper, the Cameroon Tribune, and there are 40 to 50 private newspapers, only 15 of which are published on a regular basis. Until 4 January 1996 newspapers had been subject to censorship and although the law now prohibits this, the government has retained its right to seize newspapers deemed to be a threat to public order or decency. Private newspapers have considerable latitude to publish their views. They are critical of the president and of the government and this has led to the seizure or the suspension of some newspapers and the prosecution of some publishers and journalists, usually for libel. In 1997 the Ministry of Territorial Administration ignored court orders and seized print runs of private newspapers on at least three occasions. [5][32][33][43]

6.7 Legal provisions make defamation a criminal offence. The Cameroon Penal Code specifies that defamation, abuse, insult and the dissemination of false news are punishable by prison terms of up to five years and heavy fines. [34]

6.8 In a recent and highly publicised case, Pius Njawé, the editor and publisher of the independent newspaper, Le Messager, was detained on 24 December 1997 and charged with publishing false information concerning the health of the president. He was sentenced to two years' imprisonment and a fine of £500. Njawé appealed, and on 14 April 1998 the Court of Appeal reduced his sentence to one year's imprisonment and a fine of £300. The sentence was confirmed by the Supreme Court on 17 September, however, Njawé was granted a presidential pardon and released from prison on 12 October 1998. In another case, Phillip Afuson Njaro a journalist for the English language paper The Herald, was arrested and severely beaten by police in Ekondo Titi allegedly because he wrote about the corrupt pracrices of the local poloce chief. [4][5][35][36][37][38][39] [43]

6.9 Approximately 53% of the population follow the Christian faith (mainly Roman Catholic) and 22% are Muslims. The remainder adhere to traditional religious beliefs. The Constitution provides for freedom of religion, although religious groups must be registered with the Ministry of Territorial Administration in order to be legally recognised. There are no reports that the government has refused registration to any Christian denomination. Muslim centres operate freely throughout the country. However, the government has verbally attacked the Catholic church for being overly supportive of the Opposition through its forthright criticism of corruption and mismanagement in government. [2][3][5] [43]

6.10 From 1970 to 1990 the Jehovah's Witnesses were banned in Cameroon. Since then they have remained legal. [19]

6.11 Cameroon is a party to the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination. The Constitution ensures the protection of minorities and preserves the rights of indigenous populations. Furthermore, it mandates that 'everyone has equal rights and obligations'. Nevertheless, with more than 200 ethnic groups allegations of discrimination by other ethnic groups are common. Pygmies in the south and south-east are often treated as inferior by other groups. Key government positions are held by members of the Beti tribe, President Biya's ethnic group. [5][26][27]

6.12 The Anglophone community based in the North-West and South-West Provinces claim that the Francophone majority enjoy more power and economic benefits. The Southern Cameroons National Council (SCNC) was established to represent the interests of the Anglophone community and has advocated the independence of the two Anglophone provinces. It is reported that the Anglophone community suffers disproportionately from human rights violations committed by the government and its security forces. The SCNC is not a political party, but shares a number of supporters with opposition parties, most notably the SDF whose stronghold is the Anglophone provinces. The subject of greater autonomy for these provinces has been a source of political tension in Cameroon. President Biya is Francophone and John Fru Ndi of the SDF is Anglophone. [4][5] [43]

6.13 In March 1997 attacks by an armed gang in Bamenda, North West Province, resulted in the deaths of ten people, including three gendarmes. Whilst no group claimed responsibility for the attacks, the government attributed them to members of a group supporting independence for the two Anglophone provinces (including the SCNC and the affiliated Southern Cameroons Youth League, SCYL). In the region of 300 people were initially arrested and of these, approximately 50 are currently in detention in Yaoundé awaiting trial (refer to paragraph 5.2). [4][5][40]

6.15 Cameroon is a party to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women. The Constitution prohibits discrimination based on gender, however, women do not always enjoy the same rights as men. [5][27]

6.16 Women are often subject to violence and the law does not impose effective punishment on those who commit these acts, nor are there any gender-specific assault laws despite the fact that women are the predominant victims of sexual violence. Nor is abuse grounds for divorce. Families of victims are often left to impose punishment upon the perpetrators of sexual assault. [5] [43]

6.18 In the absence of a will, traditional law usually benefits male rather than female heirs and in cases of divorce husbands determine the custody of children over the age of six. [5]

6.19 Female genital mutilation (FGM) is not widely practised, but does occur in some of the Far North and South-West provinces. In 1997 the government sponsored several events directed at this problem in Yaoundé. [5]

6.20 Cameroon has achieved one of the highest rates of school attendance in Africa, however, education facilities vary from region to region. Education, which is bilingual, is provided by the government, missionary societies and private organisations and is free of charge in state schools. The Constitution provides for compulsory education to start at the age of 6 and is mandatory to the age of 14. It can continue until the age of 19 or 20 depending on the region. [1] [43]

6.23 The Constitution does not restrict freedom of movement within the country, or an individual's right to settle in any place. The police do stop travellers to check documents for security and immigration control purposes. Security forces also use roadblocks to extort bribes. [5][26]

6.24 It has been reported that the government does, on occasion, use its power to refuse passports to those it considers to be a potential threat and it withdrew the passport of Victorin Hameni Bieleu, the president of the Union des forces démocratiques du Cameroun. He was however, issued a passport following the legislative elections on 17 May 1997. It is reported that some student activists implicated in clashes in Yaoundé in 1996 have been unable to obtain passports. [3][5]

6.25 It has been reported that ministers dropped from the government in December 1997 have been banned from leaving the country. The last case concerned the former minister of state in charge of posts and telecommunications, Dakoule Daisala. [41]

 ANNEX A

 Organisation Abbreviation Leader Founded

3. US Department of State Cameroon Country Report on Human Rights Practices for 1996 issued 30 January 1997

4. Amnesty International Report: Cameroon - Blatant disregard for human rights dated 16 September 1997

6. Reuters' News Service dated 9 October 1997

7. Economic Intelligence Unit Country Report: 2nd quarter 1998

8. The Parliamentary Elections in Cameroon, 17 May 1997 Conclusions and Recommendations - The Report of the Commonwealth Observer Group dated December 1997

9. Amnesty International 'Urgent Action' dated 23 June 1997

10. Reuters' News Service dated 12 October 1997

11. Reuters' News Service dated 7 October 1997

14. BBC Monitoring Service dated 5 November 1997

15. Reuters' News Service dated 7 December 1997

16. Reuters' News Service dated 5 December 1997

17. AFP news agency, Paris dated 15 December 1997

18. BBC Monitoring Service dated 11 February 1998

19. Foreign and Commonwealth Office note dated 16 September 1998

23. BBC Monitoring Service dated 9 October 1998

24. AFP news agency, Paris dated 16 October 1998

25. Africa News Service dated 25 November 1998

26. Cameroon Constitution as amended on 18 January 1996

27. Human Rights: International Instruments - Chart of Ratifications as at 31 December 1997, United Nations

28. Amnesty International Africa Update: September 1997 to March 1998

29. Amnesty International 'Urgent Action' dated 15 April 1998

30. Reuters' News Service dated 30 November 1998

31. BBC Monitoring Service dated 2 July 1998

32. Article 19: Cameroon - A Transition in Crisis dated October 1997

33. Reuters' News Service dated 16 January 1996

34. Article 19: Cameroon - Harassment of the Press Continues Issue 47 dated February 1997

35. The Times newspaper dated 26 February 1998, Reuters' Business Briefing

36. BBC Monitoring Service dated 17 April 1998

37. Amnesty International 'Urgent Action' dated 16 October 1998

38. Radio France Internationale, Paris dated 18 September 1998, BBC Monitoring Online

39. Radio France Internationale, Paris dated 12 October 1998, BBC Monitoring Online

40. Amnesty International 'Urgent Action' dated 29 October 1998

41. BBC Monitoring Service dated 25 May 1998