Valsero is one of the most well-known rap artists in Cameroon.
It is incredible that he should be arrested today for his political opinions. He has been expressing them for over 15 years. The titles of some of his most popular songs say it all.
- Ce pays tue les jeunes (This country kills young people)
- Lettre au Président (Letter to the President in which he asks the President to resign due to his longevity)
- Ne me parle plus de ce pays (Don't talk to me anymore about this country)
- etc.
Valsero is Valsero, and he has channelled the frustrations of an entire generation in his music for years.
In 2018, Valsero decided to join the MRC (Mouvement pour la Renaissance du Cameroun) campain with Maurice Kamto as candidate for the Presidency of the Republic. Valsero did not become a politician, he joined a campaign. On that campaign he did what he does best, mobilizing youth to act for freedom and justice through music. After the election the MRC organized non-violent marches to contest the results. Valsero participated in these marches. He had contributed to bring about change and he was doing his best to ensure that change came about. He was doing this as usual, without violence, with laughter and with the particular charm that is his own.
On January 26, 2019, Valsero was arrested as he came home from a non-violent protest march, along with dozens of other MRC members. By the end of the next day, over 200 Cameroonians who were protesting the results of the presidential elections had been arrested. Over 100 of them are still under arrest today, Valsero is one of them. Since their arrest, they have suffered grave violations of their legal and human rights.
- Their arrest was illegal per Cameroonian law. They were neither arrested while committing an illegal act, nor upon the issue of a warrant.
- They were held illegally for over 48 hours without access to their families or lawyers.
- They are civilians who are being tried in a military court!
- Some have undergone beatings and torture.
It is imperative that the Government of Cameroon release Valsero and all others arrested with him immediately. They have committed no crimes, they have contributed to building Cameroon's democracy. They are voices for freedom, liberty and respect for human rights. Free them and drop all charges now!
