“I had to be strong”: Patrick Mengue reflects on six months in detention

Nyat Mengue Cyrille, known as Patrick Mengue, says messages, visits and other support during his incarceration at Yaoundé Central Prison helped him stay mentally and emotionally strong. In July 2026, he was sentenced to six months in prison for insulting the head of state over a Facebook post published after the death of former Senate president Marcel Niat Njifenji, which authorities considered an indirect reference to Paul Biya. Released on October 24 after serving his sentence, Mengue says he is in good health and thanks his friend Aristide and Cameroonians in the diaspora for their support.