The sentencing of some 26 PPA – CI party members to 2 years in prison for disturbing public order is attracting national discourse.

Rights groups including Amnesty International have described the court’s ruling as arbitrary convictions.

The detentions of these activists are arbitrary and contrary to the exercise of their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and movement says Amnesty.

Recall they were arrested and detained when they accompanied the party’s secretary general, who was summoned by the courts.

The rights group is, therefore, calling for their immediate and unconditional release.

Firmin Mbala is a researcher at Amnesty International’s West and Central Africa office.