Torture of suspects in Police custody-Yaoundé: CHRDA urges Cameroon government to punish perpetrators and compensate victims
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The Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa (CHRDA) has in a five-page document encouraged the Cameroonian government to uphold human rights by investigating all allegations of torture committed within its territory, establish the responsibility, punish the perpetrators and compensate the victims of torture.
The Institution headed by Barrister Agbor Balla, a prominent rights defender in Cameroon made the statement following the recent torture of suspected group of young men by police officers in Yaounde. It is worthy to note that torture cases have been recorded especially in the armed conflict hit North West and South West Regions of Cameroon. Though the government authorise have responded to some of the cases, the majority casee have not been looked into and the implementation of the verdicts has largely been neglected.
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According to CHRDA, on 16 September 2021, they received and analyzed an amateur footage which has been circulating on social media platforms depicting about 5 police men, severely beating a group of young men, using the flat side of a machete on the sole of their feet during a police investigation for an alleged act of theft.
The CHRDA states that the Delegate General for National Security, Martin Mbarga Nguelle had Confirmed the violatent act and that it happened at the 18th District Police Station in Yaoundé, the Centre Region of Cameroon. He further promised judicial sanctions to be taken against the five police officers identified as: 1) Aroh Andre Anatole, 1st grade assistant superintendent of police. 2) Kweyo David, 2nd grade police inspector. 3) Kolwe Patrick, Senior Police Constable. 4) Ngo Kouya Marguerite, 2nd grade police constable. 5) Ndjea Foaleng Jean Marie, 1st grade police constable.
While commending the Delegate General for reacting promptly to the incident which falls clearly as an act of torture or inhumane and degrading treatment, committed by law enforcement agents against suspects within the context of an investigation in police custody, CHRDA urged the state authorities to ensure that justice is not only done, but must be seen to be done in the case and other cases.
Since the Human Rights Institution has been monitoring, documenting, reporting on Human Rights Violations and recommending for further investigation on the cases by the state authorities, CHRDA also reminded the Cameroon not to only intervene on cases which are circulated on social media but should also look into cases documented and reported by CHRDA and other credible human rights organizations and media outlets being committed by Security agents and the military against suspects in custody,
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While condemning several cases of torture by the military, CHRDA also brought into scene the following two cases wherein efforts have been made by the state of Cameroon though justice have not been seen to be done. The case of Jean Fai Fungong who was assaulted on 11 February 2021 in Ndu in Donga-Mantung Division of the Northwest Region. Two (2) Gendarmes, two (2) Soldiers and Four (4) Police officers who were caught on camera and later detained at the Ndu territorial Gendarmerie Brigarde according to a government statement, committed this and no news has been heard about their trial since February 2021. And the case of Ibrahim Bello who was brutally interrogated, tortured and cut with a machete and electricity at the Ombessa police station, he was later amputated in both legs. He also lost a paralyzed upper limb. After three years, the Mbam and Inoubou regional court in the Center region sentenced the two accused police officers respectively to 4 years ‘imprisonment and to three years’ suspended imprisonment. None of the police officers were detained during the trial. The above cases and others show lapses when it comes to implementing justice
Cameroon is a party to some international treaties that prohibit torture, as well as cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment including; the Convention against Torture (CAT), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights. The Constitution of Cameroon, Penal Code, and Criminal Procedure Code forbid the use of torture and other treatment that violates human dignity and integrity.
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The crime of torture is subject to universal jurisdiction, and any state can prosecute it irrespective of the nationality of the victim or perpetrator and the place of commission of the offense. While drawing the conclusion, CHRDA urged the Cameroonian to expeditiously investigate all allegations of torture committed within its territory, establish responsibility, punish the perpetrators and compensate the victims of torture. Doing all of these will put an end to unlawful practices; restore trust, the rule of law and Cameroons engagement under international law.
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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.
