MRC Assemblée Régionale Bertoua Dispersion: Leaders Arrested, Meeting Broken Up

• The Mouvement pour la Renaissance du Cameroun (MRC) reported its regional assembly in Bertoua was dispersed by security forces on August 30, 2026.
• Two MRC officials were arrested and later released on guarantee, charged with holding an "undeclared public meeting" despite the event occurring in a private home.
• The MRC disputes the charge, arguing the meeting's private location exempts it from public assembly regulations.
• The party views this incident as part of an intensified campaign of repression against its political activities, citing a previous convention ban.
• The MRC has urged its militants to remain mobilized for upcoming elections and warned against an undemocratic political succession.

This incident, therefore, highlights a significant ambiguity in the enforcement of public assembly laws in Cameroon, particularly concerning the distinction between private and public gatherings.

The Mouvement pour la Renaissance du Cameroun (MRC) reported that its regional assembly for the East region was forcibly broken up by security forces in Bertoua on Sunday, August 30, 2026. The political party characterized this intervention as both "illegal and brutal," urging its members to maintain their readiness for forthcoming electoral contests. The MRC's account, detailed in a statement issued the following day, August 31, and signed by Justin Roger Noah, described how dozens of gendarmes, acting under the direct command of a company commander and at the specific instruction of the sous-préfet of Bertoua 2e, disrupted their meeting.

This MRC assemblée régionale Bertoua dispersion took place at a private residence, where the party's regional structures were gathered. During the operation, the secretary of the MRC's regional federation and the secretary of its departmental federation for Lom-et-Djerem were apprehended. They were subsequently taken to security force premises before being released on guarantee. The authorities cited "réunion publique non déclarée" (undeclared public meeting) as the infraction, a charge the MRC vehemently disputes given the private setting of their gathering.

The central point of contention revolves around the legal classification of the gathering. The Mouvement Renaissance Cameroun maintains that because the meeting was held within a private, enclosed home, it should not be subject to the regulations governing public assemblies. This incident, therefore, highlights a significant ambiguity in the enforcement of public assembly laws in Cameroon, particularly concerning the distinction between private and public gatherings. The party views the charge of "réunion publique non déclarée Cameroun" as a misapplication of the law, designed to stifle legitimate political activity and undermine the principle of liberté d'association politique Cameroun.

This episode is not isolated, according to the MRC, which alleges an escalating pattern of pressure against its political operations. The party points to previous instances, such as the prohibition of its extraordinary national convention in November 2025, as evidence of a broader campaign of Mouvement Renaissance Cameroun répression. The party also voiced strong criticism regarding the functioning of the Cameroonian justice system, accusing it of failing to address the infringements it claims to endure.

Beyond the immediate incident, the party led by Maurice Kamto issued a stern warning against any attempt at a "gré à gré" (private agreement) political succession, signaling its concern over potential undemocratic transitions. This Maurice Kamto avertissement régime Biya underscores the heightened political tensions in the country. Despite these challenges and what it perceives as systematic repression, the MRC has called upon its militants and sympathizers to resist succumbing to fear.

Instead, the party encourages its members to actively prepare for the upcoming legislative and municipal elections. The MRC affirmed its unwavering commitment to continue its political mobilization efforts, interpreting the recent measures taken against its activities not as a sign of strength from the authorities, but rather as an indication of the power structure's underlying weakness. This steadfast resolve reflects the party's determination to navigate the complex political landscape and uphold its right to political expression and organization.

This incident highlights the ambiguous interpretation and enforcement of public assembly laws in Cameroon, particularly regarding the distinction between private and public gatherings. Lawyers advising political parties, NGOs, or individuals involved in political activities in Cameroon should be aware of the potential for authorities to interpret private meetings as 'public gatherings' requiring prior declaration, leading to arrests and legal challenges, and should counsel clients on navigating these risks.

Source: Reporting based on original coverage from Actu Cameroun.