Civil Society Organizations strongly condemn the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights’ Congratulatory Letter to President Paul Biya and the Deepening Crisis of Democracy in Africa

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:

1. Cease issuing Letters of Congratulations to Politicians or Candidates in Elections
   Issuing congratulatory letters to candidates or politicians who have contested or run for
   public office compromises the Commission’s mission and falls outside its remit. The
   Commission should disclose its previous practice in this regard and publicly commit to
   discontinuing it, as it is antithetical to its mission and incompatible with the African
   Charter.
2. Renewed Commitment to the African Charter:
   The Commission should reaffirm its unwavering dedication to the principles of 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.
3. Investigate Electoral-Related Abuses:
   The Commission should urgently initiate or support independent investigations into
   human rights violations, killings, and abuses that occurred during recent elections in
   Cameroon, Tanzania, and other states, in line with the African Charter on Human and
   Peoples’ Rights and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.
4. Strengthen Responsiveness and Proactivity:
   The Commission must act with urgency and consistency in responding to emerging
   crises—particularly around elections and mass protests—both during its sessions and
   through the continuous work of its Special Rapporteurs and country rapporteurs. It should
   issue timely public communications, undertake fact-finding missions, and engage directly
   with state parties, including in the lead-up to elections, to prevent and respond to human
   rights violations, conflict-related sexual violence, killings, and abuses. Above all, the
   Commission must speak out firmly against the manipulation of electoral processes and
   the exclusion of legitimate political actors, such as the disqualification of opposition
   leader Tundu Lissu in Tanzania on unfounded high treason charges.
   Africa stands at a critical crossroads. The continent’s human rights institutions must rise above
   political pressures and reclaim their role as defenders of justice and democracy. Signed:
   Civil Society Organizations:
   • African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders
   • Atrocities Watch Africa
   • Centre de Documentation et de Formation sur les Droits de l’Homme (CDFDH)
   • Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria
   • Committee for Justice (CFJ)
   • DITSHWANELO – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights
   • Global Rights
   • Initiative for Strategic Litigation in Africa (ISLA)
   • Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA)
   • International Commission of Jurists (ICJ)
   • International-Lawyers.Org (INTLawyers)
   • Kenya Legal and Ethical Issues Network on HIV and AIDS (KELIN)
   • KUTAKESA | Movimento dos Defensores de Direitos Humanos
   • LCK Freedom Foundation
   • Open Bar Initiative
   • Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU)
   • Robert F Kennedy Human Rights (RFK Human Rights)
   • Synergía – Initiatives for Human Rights
   • WILDAF/Mali (Women in Law and Development in Africa/Mali)
   • World Organisation Against Torture
   • Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR)

Individuals:

1. Stanley Ibe – Nigeria
2. Chidi Anselem Odinkalu – Nigeria
3. Ikechukwu Uzoma- Nigeria
4. Dismas Nkunda – Uganda
5. Alioune Tine – Senegal
6. Ibrahima Kane – Senegal
7. Don Deya – Kenya
8. Isabella Mwangi – Kenya
9. Aimexe Amoussou – Benin
10. Professor Danwood Chirwa – Malawi
11. Dr Musa Kika – Zimbabwe
12. Adaobi Egboka- Nigeria
13. Ikeazor Ajovi Akaraiwe SAN – Nigeria
14. Kiiza Eron – Uganda
15. Amos Simpano – Kenya.
16. Humphrey Sipalla – Kenya
17. Lloyd Kuveya – Zimbabwe
18. Kaajal Ramjathan-Keogh – South Africa
19. Mary Pais Da Silva – Swaziland
20. Chepkorir Sambu – Kenya
21. Frans Viljoen – South Africa
22. Michael Gyan Nyarko – Ghana
23. Elsie Milimu- Kenya
24. Roselyn Hanzi- Zimbabwe
25. Tarisai Mutangi- Zimbabwe
26. Mai Aman Sudan
27. Joy Bii – Kenya
28. Maria Lúcia Da Sirviera- Angola
29. Odi Lagi Nigeria
30. Delma Monteiro – Angola
31. Félix Bom-Ano – Angola
32. Eduardo Tchipilica – Angola
33. Godinho Cristóvão – Angola