Cameroon’s Unchecked Atrocities in Anglophone Regions: Demanding an End and Accountability

Amnesty International Report Exposes Rampant Human Rights Violations in Cameroon‘s Anglophone Regions

The Crisis in the Anglophone Regions

Amnesty International has released a damning report detailing widespread human rights violations and other crimes committed by multiple actors in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon. The report, titled “With or against us: the population caught between the army, armed separatists and militias in north-west Cameroon,” sheds light on the violence and suffering experienced by the population as various armed groups clash.

The Anglophone crisis originated from largely peaceful protests in 2016-2017, which called for an end to the marginalization of the Anglophone minority. Since then, the situation has escalated into a full-blown armed conflict in the North-West and South-West regions, resulting in severe human rights abuses and loss of life. The report emphasizes the urgent need for protection for those who speak out against these atrocities.

Crimes Against the Mbororo Fulani Community

Amnesty International’s report meticulously documents the serious crimes committed by armed separatists, militias, and members of the defense and security forces. In particular, it highlights the targeting of the Mbororo Fulani community in the North-West region. The report includes harrowing testimonies from survivors, exposing the horrifying extent of the violence.

One survivor described how armed separatists attacked a Mbororo Fulani compound, burning down the house with his wife and two children inside. Discriminatory and inflammatory rhetoric targeting the Mbororo Fulani community has also spread on social media, exacerbating tensions and inciting further violence.

Furthermore, the report reveals that the Mbororo Fulani militias have also been involved in killings and the destruction of homes in the North-West region, sometimes with the assistance or complacency of Cameroonian troops. This highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of the conflict, with multiple actors contributing to the violence.

Grave Human Rights Violations by Defense and Security Forces

Amnesty International’s report also sheds light on grave human rights violations perpetrated by the defense and security forces in the North-West region. Testimonies from displaced victims reveal a pattern of extrajudicial killings, rapes, and other sexual violence against women. The report includes horrifying accounts of military personnel committing atrocities, including the rape of women and young girls.

The lack of transparency in investigations into these crimes raises concerns about impunity. Instead of genuinely investigating the crimes committed by armed separatists, authorities have accused individuals denouncing atrocities of being armed separatists or supporters and have arbitrarily arrested and detained them. This further violates the rights of those seeking justice and accountability.

The Role of International Partners

Amnesty International’s report also examines the military cooperation between Cameroon and its international partners, raising concerns about the origins and diversion of weapons. The report suggests that some weapons used in the commission of crimes against the population were stolen from the Cameroonian army, which obtained them through foreign assistance. The organization calls on international partners, including France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Croatia, Israel, Russia, Serbia, and the USA, to rigorously assess the human rights risks before sending further arms and to ensure end-use monitoring.

Moreover, the report highlights the Cameroonian authorities’ failure to cooperate effectively with international and regional human rights institutions. Requests for fact-finding missions have been unanswered, hindering efforts to assess the situation and advocate for justice.

Editorial: Urgent Action Needed to Stop the Atrocities

The findings of Amnesty International’s report are deeply troubling and highlight the urgent need for action to protect the population in Cameroon‘s Anglophone regions. The crimes and violations documented in the report, including killings, rapes, burning of houses, and other atrocities, demand accountability and justice.

The Cameroonian authorities must take immediate steps to investigate these allegations and ensure fair trials before independent and impartial tribunals. Victims of these crimes and violations have a right to justice and reparation. Additionally, the authorities must guarantee the safety and protection of journalists, human rights defenders, and activists who bravely denounce these atrocities.

It is also crucial for Cameroon‘s international partners to conduct rigorous human rights risk assessments before providing further military assistance. The diversion of weapons to armed groups accused of committing serious crimes must be prevented, and accountability mechanisms should be in place to ensure responsible use of arms.

The situation in Cameroon‘s Anglophone regions cannot continue to deteriorate. The international community must leverage its influence to push for an end to the violence and to support efforts towards a peaceful resolution. Diplomatic pressure, economic sanctions, and targeted interventions can all play a role in bringing the perpetrators to justice and preventing further suffering.

Conclusion: A Call for Accountability and Justice

Amnesty International’s report sheds light on the severe human rights violations and crimes committed by multiple actors in Cameroon‘s Anglophone regions. The Mbororo Fulani community has been targeted by armed separatists, while the defense and security forces have been involved in grave human rights abuses. The Cameroonian authorities must investigate these allegations, prosecute and punish those responsible, and ensure fair trials and due process.

Furthermore, international partners must conduct thorough human rights risk assessments before providing military assistance and monitor the end-use of weapons to prevent their diversion to armed groups. Diplomatic pressure and targeted interventions can help bring an end to the violence and pave the way for a peaceful resolution.

The time for action is now. The atrocities committed in Cameroon‘s Anglophone regions cannot go unpunished. The victims deserve justice, and the international community has a moral obligation to hold those responsible accountable.

Through cooperation, commitment, and a firm stance against human rights abuses, we can work towards a future where all Cameroonians can live in peace and dignity.

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