January 2023 EDITION
V O L U M E 18, I SSUE 18
The English-Speaking Regions of Cameroon have been host to critical Human Rights Abuses this January, 2022. The New Year began with another chapter of horrors recorded in these regions with an arguably disturbing increase in barbaric methods of killings. Needless to say the intensifications of this violence has directly affected the civilian population in the North West and South West Regions. The Bihndumlem Humanitarian Association of Peace and Hope (BIHAPH) in Cameroon as usual is committed to bring to light the most recent cases of Human right Violations/Abuses covering the month of January 2022. This report involves atrocities committed by Defense and Security Forces (DSF), Non-State Armed Groups (NSAG) and general community including individuals who are taking advantage of the conflict.
The gross, barbaric human rights violation is not only as a result of the continuous escalation of the conflict but as day goes by violence in English speaking Cameroon is a call for concern as not only members of Defense and Security, Non State Armed Group afflict pain on the community but individuals as well take part in afflict pain on the people while hiding behind the crisis. BIHAPH in documenting this inhumane act calls on all parties to uphold all the principles that dignify human life. Furthermore, children are still not allowed to go to school freely as schools are held from reopening in some areas in these regions, this act is violating right to education which is a fundamental human right therefore, BIHAPH sends this paper to serve as an eye opener to both state, international bodies and the population on ground to know the stage in which these two regions exist. Human life precedes all state entitlement and should be respected by all.
- RECORDED INCIDENCES BY ELEMENTS OF THE DEFENSE AND SECURITY FORCES
Student mercilessly brutalized by an element of the defense forces at the Bamenda University, North West Region:
On Tuesday, 31st January 2023, a student was mercilessly beaten to near death at the University of Bamenda by a security officer. An eye witness testified that the only crime committed by the student was the use of his bike around the university premises. The officer in response made use of his gun to brutalized the student who unfortunately loss his three teeth in the process while also incurring serious mouth injuries with five of his other teeth shaking. Even when some friends attempted helping the student they were threatened with thesame gun. The student is under medical care.
Elements of the defense force allegedly kill two drivers on Bamenda-Kumbo road North West Region of Cameroon
Men in military attire have reportedly killed two drivers plying the Bamenda-Kumbo road in the restive North West Region, Mimi Mefo Information has gathered. This incident happened on Sunday night January 29, 2023. The drivers whose identities are yet to be established were reportedly heading to Jakiri in Bui Division when they were stopped by soldiers. Sources say they were questioned for driving at night. The deceased are natives of Nso. Source: Mimi Mefo Info
Elements of the defense forces kill self-proclaim commander Zami of the Anglophone Restoration Force in Meme Division, Kumba
On January 11, 2023, a man claiming to be “commander Zami” of the Anglophone restoration force was apprehended and killed by the military in Kumba, Meme division. “There is another commander Zami and I’m sure he is the real Zami and we cannot rest until we get him so that peace can be restored in Meme”, the Senior Divisional Officer Ntu’uh Ndong Chamberlain, reviled earlier. The alleged imposter was said to have been shot during a gun battle in Kumba. Locals say his body was deposited at 3 Corners Kumba alongside guns and other items found on him.
Several shops and motorbikes set on fire following attack on government forces around mile 5 Nkwen:
Following an attack on government forces around mile 5 Nkwen in Bamenda on Thursday January 13, 2023, several shops and motorbikes were set on fire. Government forces invaded the area and ransacked places, setting several bikes on fire. The bike owners ran for their lives and only came to pick up the broken pieces of their bikes. According to a video circulating online, one could spot a bike rider carrying a broken bike that has been burnt with the owner seated at the back sit. Source; Cameroon News Agency
- ABUSES BY NON-STATE ARMED GROUPS
Separatist fighters kill security office, dump corpse at road junction in Bamenda:
On Wednesday January 4, 2023, when the remains of a gendarmerie officer was dropped at the Mbingfibie junction in Bamenda North West Region of Cameroon. The officer whose name MMI news agency got as Emva Emva Yvan was abducted at Nchuobou neighborhood around the area his lifeless body was displayed. Though the circumstances surrounding the incident are still sketchy, eye witnesses have confirmed that the said officer was not on duty at the time of his abduction. It was also gathered that soldiers reportedly invaded the area in response creating a tense atmosphere when they came for the body of the slain gendarme. According to locals, this led to random arrest of many of the youths in the community. Such random extrajudicial killings have become a significant feature of the ongoing conflict plaguing Cameroon’s English-speaking regions.
Separatist fighters attacked and killed three persons and several others injured in Bache village Akwaya sub division of Manyu Division in the South West Region
On Thursday January 4, 2023, separatist fighters reportedly invaded the village of Bache, killed three people and injured ten others during a raid. According to a resident of Bache, the fighters forced six people to drink a bottle of whiskey each and set the village palace on fire. The attackers also stole money and properties from private homes and businesses, causing widespread looting and destruction in the village. The three people who were killed were identified as Pa Jonas Ekwale Abang, aged 79, Mr Ebai Ashu John, aged 58 and Esua Desmond aged, 30. Many residents of Bache have fled to nearby towns of Mamfe and are calling for humanitarian assistance. (Source MIMI Mefo Info #daily echoes).
Separatists attack at Satom gendarmerie leaves one death at Mamfe Bridge South West Region
On January 16, 2023, separatist attacked the Satom gendarmerie post situated around the Mamfe Bridge. This led to the dead of one soldier by name Mbai Oroum. The attack according to sources in the army was perpetrated by separatist fighters who escaped with several weapons and ammunitions: (source Cameroon News Agency).
Popular business man and one other shot dead by unknown gunmen in Nkwen Bamenda
Two persons were shot death on Tuesday January 17, 2023 in Nkwen, Bamenda, North West Region. According to sources, a popular business man at Mobile Nkwen neighbourhood whose only name Mimi Mefo Info got as Michael was killed with one person still to be identified.
Fifteen mourners kidnapped by separatist fighters in central new town Ashong, Batibo subdivision North West Region
On Thursday January 5, 2023, at least 15 mourners were kidnapped by separatist fighters in central new town Ashong Batibo. A source from the village told Cameroon News Agency that they arrive the village to bury their grandmother before they were kidnapped and taken to Ewai village. On Friday they were released but the sub chief of the area, James Taboh was taken away under unclear circumstances.
Separatist fighters shoot and kill election official in Bamenda North West Region
On Wednesday January 18, 2023, the District Head of the Elections Cameroon ELECAM branch in Jakiri, Bui division was killed. A Mimi Mefo Infos reporter confirmed that Gilbert Yufola was killed on Wednesday evening at his Foncha street residence by separatist fighters. His death comes barely days after President Paul Biya announced the holding of the senatorial elections.
An old man shot death at Manda, Nkwen by Suspected separatist fighters
An old man has been reportedly shot death in Manda, Nkwen, Bamenda of the restive North West Region. The man popularly called Pa Shamag was gunned down at around 9:00pm on Saturday, January 21, 2023. Locals say the act was perpetrated by suspected armed separatists.
B). ABUSES BY THE COMMUNITY
Bamenda ELECAM official beaten to death by population at New Road Nkwen-Bamenda
John Fai, the Divisional Delegate of ELECAM for Momo Division was beaten to death in the New Road neighbourhood of Bamenda, Cameroon. He fell into the hands of an angry mob on Thursday, January 19, 2023, after a young man who was caught trying to break into a home to steal gave his name as an accomplice. The mob is said to have stormed his house and without hearing his side of the story attacked him. He was taken to the hospital where he died.
Six civilians killed in Esu by herdsmen in Menchum Division, North West Region
At least six civilians including a local chief were killed in Esu, Menchum division by allegedly herdsmen who came from the border between Nigeria and Cameroon, a source told Cameroon News Agency.
The herdsmen visited the farming area of Munkep on Thursday January 12, 2023 and killed 6 persons among them a chief of the village, chief Mathias Chi Eweh and his son. They further destroyed crops and burnt down houses. This attack comes barely a year after the paramount ruler of Esu Fondom, Fon Achuo II was murdered by unidentified gunmen on the 9th of March 2022 when he was returning from the installation ceremony of the Fon of Weh.
Farmer murder and body deposited in River Magha in Wum, Menchum Division
On Monday 24th January 2023, Mr Kang Pascal Nnam went missing and his body discovered in the early hours of Tuesday at river Magha, some 15km away from his farm. According to locals he was called by some graziers to come for the settlement of the destruction of this crops and he never return only for the population to wake up to his lifeless body floating on the River at Kong Magha. Currently, investigations are ongoing surrounding the sudden death of Pa Kang Pascal.
REFERNCES
Cameroon News Agency
Mimi Mefo Info
COMMUNITY FOCAL PERSONS