Cameroon has detained activist Junior Ngombe for posting videos on TikTok advocating democratic change before the 2025 elections, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW).
The rights group demands his release.
Ngombe, a 23-year-old hairdresser and social media activist, was arrested on July 24 in Douala by three men posing as intelligence officers.
This arrest has sparked an outcry from international human rights groups over the crackdown on freedom of expression under President Paul Biya.
Ngombe was moved to a detention center in Yaounde, known for severe mistreatment, including torture.
His arrest is linked to his TikTok videos urging electoral participation and challenging the government’s suppression of dissent.
Ngombe’s lawyers say he faces charges of “incitement to rebellion” and “propagation of false information,” connected to his social media content.
His posts criticized the long-term rule of Biya’s party, the RDPC, and encouraged voting.
Since his detention, civil society and opposition figures have rallied for his release using the hashtag #FreeJuniorNgombe.
HRW has called on Cameroon’s authorities to release Ngombe and address peaceful calls for reform rather than repressing freedom of expression.