Cameroon: CHRDA has condemned the killing of at least eight civilians in Maotu and calls for investigations into the heinous act by the alleged defense and security forces.
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Few days into the year 2021 have witnessed a rise in the killing of civilians by the warring parties in Cameroon’s English Speaking Regions. The armed separatists are fighting since 2016 for the restoration of the autonomy of the then Southern Cameroons or to create a new state, Ambazonia.Â
The recent massacre is coming at a time when inhabitants of the English Speaking Regions of the country are still mourning the killing of women and children in Ngarbuh and Kumba amongst other mass killings in the year 2020. The killing of at least eight civilians has drawn criticism from individuals and institutions who described the act as heinous which violates national and international Human Rights Law
On their official Facebook account, Officials of the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa said “On Sunday 10 January 2021, CHRDA received with dismay, reports about the killing of at least eight civilians in Maotu village. Alleged members of the State Defense and Security forces reportedly invaded Maotu village in the Muyuka Subdivision, Fako Division of the South West region and committed the act.”Â
The Human Rights NGO also said they have received videos, pictures, and testimonies depicting the heinous massacre of women and children. “CHRDA received and analyzed some videos and images from the scene, which all depict that the victims were shot dead. Sources revealed that there was a military invasion in the village that kept everyone running for safety. “So many people were killed including a grandmother and her grandchild, we do not know what that old woman and the innocent child did to deserve death” an eyewitness recounted to CHRDA. The persons killed included women and children, which are classified under the group of vulnerable persons. Young and unarmed boys were also killed. This attack brings back to the minds of Cameroonians the Ngarbuh and Kumba Massacres, which occurred in 2020.”Â
The Centre’s statement also reminded the national and international audience that the beginning of this year in Cameroon has been disastrous for civilians. “Sequel to this, CHRDA strongly condemns this attack and killing of civilians. CHRDA notes that the recent attacks on the civilian population in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon has become rampant in the first 10 days of 2021. CHRDA extends its heartfelt condolence to the bereaved families.”
At the end of its statement, CHRDA urged the Cameroon government authorities to launch investigations into the heinous crimes and also calls on the warring parties to cease from committing human rights violations as it is against international human rights and humanitarian law. “CHRDA calls on the state authorities to investigate this heinous act and let justice be served for the victims. We also call on all combatants to fully respect International Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.”
Berinyuy Cajetan is the founder and publisher of Human Rights and Legal Research Centre (HRLRC) since 2017. He has intensive experience in strategic communications for Civil Society Organizations, campaign and advocacy, and social issues. He has an intensive experiencing in human rights monitoring, documentation and reporting.
