Douala Military Tribunal: André Blaise Essama Acquitted

• Activist André Blaise Essama was declared not guilty by the Douala military tribunal after nearly 300 days of detention.
• The acquittal sets a significant precedent for cases involving rebellion or spreading false news under Cameroon's military justice system.
• The defense team successfully challenged the prosecution's case, which relied on a disputed and unfindable video.
• André Blaise Essama was arrested in November 2025 and detained at New Bell Central Prison in Douala.

The defense team successfully challenged the prosecution's case, which relied on a disputed and unfindable video.

Activist André Blaise Essama was declared not guilty along with his co-defendant Nzepang Scotty Winner by the military tribunal in Douala. The acquittal came after nearly 300 days of preventive detention, which sparked concerns about the conditions of their imprisonment. The defense team successfully challenged the prosecution's case, which relied on a disputed and unfindable video allegedly calling for insurrection.

The arrest of André Blaise Essama on November 7, 2025, was made in the aftermath of the presidential oath-taking ceremony. He was detained at New Bell Central Prison in Douala, where his lawyers and human rights organizations had raised concerns about the conditions of his detention.

The acquittal sets a significant precedent for cases involving rebellion or spreading false news under Cameroon's military justice system. Lawyers and compliance officers should take note of this development, as it may impact future prosecutions. The defense team's success in challenging the prosecution's case highlights the importance of robust legal representation in such matters.

The prosecution's reliance on a disputed video raises questions about the admissibility of evidence in military tribunals. This case may have implications for the use of digital evidence and the burden of proof in similar cases.

André Blaise Essama's acquittal is a significant victory for freedom of expression and the right to a fair trial in Cameroon. The case highlights the need for robust legal representation and the importance of challenging questionable evidence. As the country continues to navigate its complex military justice system, this precedent may have far-reaching implications for future cases involving rebellion or spreading false news.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for the precedent set by this acquittal, particularly in cases where defendants are charged with rebellion or spreading false news under Cameroon's military justice system.

Source: Original reporting via Actu Cameroun