African Commission rules against Cameroon over arbitrary detention

The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights has ruled in favor of economic operator Kaptue Tagne Serges Bruces against the Republic of Cameroon, citing violations of the African Charter.

The Commission concluded that Cameroon violated several provisions, including the right to individual liberty, the right to be tried within a reasonable timeframe, and the obligation to ensure judicial independence. Kaptue Tagne was arrested on March 9, 2012, and did not receive a ruling from the Special Criminal Court until March 21, 2021. This period of legal proceedings exceeded the 18-month maximum for provisional detention allowed under the Cameroonian Code of Criminal Procedure by more than seven years.

As a result, the Commission has recommended that the Cameroonian state pay Kaptue Tagne 3,500 euros in moral damages within one year, alongside material damages to be assessed by local courts. Additionally, the Commission requested a revision of a 2013 decree regarding the restitution of evidence to ensure compliance with the African Charter. The Cameroonian government is required to submit a report on the implementation of these recommendations within 180 days.