Cameroon government offers a sum of at least 80 Million FCFA to victims of the Ngarbuh Massacre
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The administration of President Paul Biya has handed over a sum of at least 80 Million FCFA to victims of the Ngarbuh Massacre, a locality in the Northwest region of Cameroon. On 14 February 2020, the Cameroonian military with the aid of some vigilante group members raided the Ngarbuh village and killed at least 21 unarmed civilians, including women and children.
The financial aid will help victims to reconstruct their houses and buy household utensils. Reports indicate that each beneficiary was given a sum of at least five (5) million. Adolphe Lele L’Afrique, the governor of the Northwest Region, while speaking on 3 January 2021 at Ntumbaw village in Dunga Matung Division said that “I have given five million francs to each family that lost a member in the massacre. The money will help to rebuild the houses.”
The atrocious act, which the government denied in the first instance, was widely condemned by the national and international community. Condemnation prompted the government authorities to open investigations into the killings. Findings by the commission of inquiry, set up by the government later showed that members of the Cameroon military were responsible for the act.
The three soldiers accused of being involved in the Ngarbhuh killings have been appearing in court for trials since 17 December 2020. Human Rights Defenders across the globe have appreciated efforts by the government authorities but at the same time not happy with the handling of the ongoing armed
The announcement made by the administration of President Paul Biya has been partially welcomed as many individuals, institutions and some victims think that the best thing to do is to end the prolonged armed conflict. The financial gift which is made known ten days to the commemoration of the first anniversary is also described by some people as a means to silence the victims/survivors.
Apart from the ongoing trial of three members of the state defense and security forces and the financial gift, the government authorities have also set up a military barrack in the locality.
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.
