Self-declared President-elect, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, has announced that he has filed two criminal complaints before the Swiss judicial authorities under the principle of universal jurisdiction, alleging torture, enforced disappearances, unlawful killings, and other serious human rights violations committed during the government’s response to protests following the disputed October 12, 2025 presidential election.
The announcement, made in a communiqué dated July 11, 2026, marks the latest legal initiative by Tchiroma aimed at pursuing accountability for what he describes as a campaign of violent repression against Cameroonians who demanded what he calls “truth in the ballot box.”
Complaints Filed Under Universal Jurisdiction
According to Tchiroma, the complaints were submitted to the Federal Public Prosecutor of the Swiss Confederation and are based on Switzerland’s obligations under international law, particularly:
- The United Nations Convention against Torture (1984); and
- The International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (2006).
He stated that the Swiss filing follows an earlier criminal complaint lodged before the French judicial authorities on June 12, 2026, adding that similar legal actions are expected in other countries that recognize universal jurisdiction for serious international crimes.
Why Switzerland?
Tchiroma argued that Switzerland is an important jurisdiction because President Paul Biya has frequently spent extended periods in Geneva. He said the legal action forms part of a broader campaign against impunity and seeks accountability for alleged abuses committed during the post-election crackdown, including deaths, arbitrary arrests, torture, enforced disappearances, and prolonged detention of political opponents.
Allegations of Continued Repression
In his communiqué, Tchiroma alleged that thousands of Cameroonians continue to be detained under inhumane conditions and claimed that security forces remain engaged in arrests aimed at silencing critics of the government.
Among the individuals he cited were:
- Jacques Bertrand Mang, whom he described as having been harassed, arrested, and imprisoned on politically motivated grounds; and
- Mayor Joseph-Espoir Biyong, whom he said had been summoned by police authorities acting on unlawful instructions.
These allegations have not been independently verified, and the Cameroonian government had not publicly responded to the claims at the time of publication.
Call for International Accountability
Tchiroma said he has instructed his legal team to continue pursuing similar proceedings in other countries where universal jurisdiction applies.
According to the communiqué, the objective is to ensure that individuals allegedly responsible for ordering, facilitating, or carrying out serious human rights violations are investigated and prosecuted wherever they may be found.
He also called for victims of the alleged abuses to receive justice and full reparations.
Humanitarian and Legal Support
The opposition leader further stated that humanitarian and legal assistance is being coordinated for detained individuals through a team led by lawyer Alice Nkom, alongside other lawyers and civil society organizations.
He thanked those involved in providing legal representation and humanitarian support to persons detained following the post-election crisis.
Political Message to Supporters
Addressing his supporters, Tchiroma reaffirmed his claim that he won the October 2025 presidential election and reiterated his commitment to defending what he described as the will of the Cameroonian people.
He urged supporters to remain committed to their campaign for electoral justice, expressing confidence that accountability would eventually be achieved through both national and international legal mechanisms.
Attached Documents
According to the communiqué, the filing includes:
- A notice confirming the dispatch of two criminal complaints to the Federal Public Prosecutor of Switzerland before the Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona;
- One complaint specifically relating to Anicet Ekane;
- Another complaint concerning alleged victims of the post-election crisis in Cameroon; and
- A list of political, civilian, police, and military figures alleged to have been implicated.
Background
The principle of universal jurisdiction allows national courts in certain circumstances to investigate and prosecute individuals suspected of committing grave international crimes, including torture, crimes against humanity, and enforced disappearances, regardless of where the alleged crimes occurred or the nationality of those involved. Whether Swiss authorities will open a formal criminal investigation into the complaints remains to be seen.
Editor’s Note: This article reports claims contained in a public communiqué issued by Issa Tchiroma Bakary. The allegations have not been adjudicated by any court. Individuals named in the complaints are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in accordance with applicable law. BeriComsEmpire will update this story if responses are received from the Government of Cameroon, the Swiss authorities, or other parties mentioned.
