Protests Erupt in Geneva Over President Biya's Presence and Human Rights Concerns

A small group of activists gathered outside the hotel in the Nations district on Tuesday afternoon, calling for a meeting with the president to address urgent human rights issues.

The demonstrators voiced their worries about Steeve Akam, an opposition figure detained in Yaoundé, Cameroon’s capital. Akam's family has reportedly lost contact with him, raising fears about his well-being.

"We just want to speak with the president peacefully," said one of the protestors. "Our compatriot should have the right to communicate with his lawyer and his family."

Local police confirmed their presence during the protest. As the group consisted of fewer than five people, no formal permit was required for their gathering.

Among the activists was Maman Elise, a member of the Cameroonian diaspora, who confronted President Biya at the Intercontinental Hotel. She demanded that he return to Cameroon and address the plight of Steeve Akam, who was reportedly abducted with the help of Gabonese authorities and subsequently sent back to Cameroon.

The protest was organized by the Brigade Anti-Sardinards (BAS) Switzerland, a group known for its vocal opposition to President Biya’s regime. Their efforts aim to highlight the alleged human rights abuses and call for the release of political detainees.

President Biya's stay in Geneva has frequently drawn criticism due to his lengthy and costly visits abroad while his country faces numerous socio-political challenges. This recent demonstration is part of a broader movement by the Cameroonian diaspora to hold their government accountable and seek justice for those unjustly detained.