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CAMEROON opposition leader Maurice Kamto started a hunger strike today following his transfer to a maximum security jail where he faces the death penalty on charges of rebellion.
The former presidential candidate was arrested at the end of January along with others from the Renaissance of Cameroon (MRC) party, accused of organising unauthorised demonstrations across the country during which dozens of activists were injured.
Mr Kamto and his supporters challenged the results of the presidential elections held in October last year, won by President Paul Biya who first came to power in 1982 — making him Africa’s longest serving head of state.
Demonstrations demanding a recount of the election erupted across Cameroon in cities including the capital Yaounde along with Douala, Bangangte and Bafoussam.
Mr Kamto began his hunger strike over the “inhumane conditions” he and his fellow prisoners are being held in.
His lawyer Emmanuel Simh confirmed that Mr Kamto had been charged with “hostility against the homeland, incitement to insurrection, offence against the president of the republic, destruction of public buildings and goods.”
