Cameroon lifts opposition leader’s house arrest

The house arrest of Cameroon’s main opposition leader, Maurice Kamto, was lifted on Tuesday following the withdrawal of a security cordon around his residence that had been in place since 21 September.

The development follows what the government said was the peaceful organisation of regional elections that Mr Kamto’s party, Cameroon Renaissance Movement (MRC), had boycotted.

One of his lawyers, Henri Kouokam, confirmed the withdrawal of security officials around Mr Kamto’s home.

A release order signed by the government spokesman, Rene Sadi, indicated that some of Mr Kamto’s supporters held in detention had also been freed.

The opposition leader was held under house arrest after calling for peaceful anti-government protests. Hundreds of his supporters who participated in the protests were arrested.