Anglophone Crisis in Cameroon: ‘General No Pity’s’ Breastfeeding Ex-Girl Friend has been released from prison on bail
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Madam Kongnso Antoinette Gohla, ‘General No Pity’s’ Ex-Girl Friend has been released on bail by the Inquiry Control Chambers of the Buea Court of Appeal in the South West Region of Cameroon. Today 15 December 2021, barrister Edward Lyonga one of the leading counsels for Antoinette announced on his Facebook page that she has been released. Mbashie Clement, popularly known as ‘General No Pity’ is one of the most dreaded Ambazonian Generals, fighting for the restoration or separation of Southern Cameroons from French Cameroon, which was previously administered by Britain before their federation with French Cameroon on 1 October 1961. No Pity’s relationship with Madam Kongnso Antoinette ended long ago. ‘General No Pity’ has carried out several attacks against the Cameroonian Military in the North West Region of Cameroon.
According to Barrister NKEA ALEAMBONG EMMANUEL , one of the lead lawyers for Madam Antoinette while speaking to the praise, said that the bail granted to their client is a landmark case and it also strengthened the rule of law. “ We are happy that The Appeal Court upheld our submission and granted bail, because the rulings of this case is very clear to even the blind, from the very beginning……We were not sure to have Justice at The military tribunal, and examining Magistrate ruled his remand warrant, like a military man that he is. But did not provide reasons for the warrant. We expected him to say Antoinette Kongnso pertaining to her alleged crime, is a danger to the population, if she is a flight risk, all should have been stated to back the warrant”.
She was granted bail under the requirements of FCFA one million, two sureties, all from the Buea Municipality, with certified landed properties, which will be deposited at the Appeal Court Registry, MIMI MEFO INFO reported.
It is worthy to note that the Buea Military Court had earlier refused her bail and that she was to remained in costudy until 2022. But today the 15 of December, the above ruling was overturn as the judges in the Buea Court of Appeal saw lopholds in the ruling of the military court refusing her bail. The Appeal Court as reported by MIMI MEFO INFO , noted that international laws protecting children indicates that “ a child in his physical and mental immaturity, needs special safeguarding and care, including appropriate legal protection. This case involving a month old baby, requires special considerations”
The release of the former girlfriend of General No Pity come shortly after he captured the Fon of Babalang in the North West Region. In a short audio circulated online, the General No Pity is allegedly giving conditions for the release of the traditional ruler which includes the release of his ex-girlfriend
Madam Kongnso Antoinette has spent close to three months in the Buea Central Prison. She was arrested while 12 Months pregnant and later put to birth in prison. She has been appearing in court while as a nursing mother. According to the leading counsel, Barr Edward Lyonga of the Legend Law offices, the release of Antoinette is a great day for Women and Human Rights advancement in Cameroon. He wrote on his Facebook page “ Breaking News, Kongso Antonette Released on Bail today by the Inquiry Control Chambers Buea. A great day for #Women in Cameroon, what a day for # Human Rights in Cameroon, an exciting day for Legend Law offices led by Barr Edward Lyonga Ewule. What a day for our justice Department. A proud day for the South West Court of Appeal. I wish to sincerely thank everyone who has supported us in this case, all the lawyers especially Barr Nkea Emmanuel, Barr Ateba Ossendi, Barr Legengu Vitalis, Barr Hillary Abia. This is all God’s doing.”
Madam Kongnso Antoinette Gohla was arrested on 2 October 2021 at Sandpit, a locality in Buea, the South West Region of Cameroon by a team of unidentified armed men led by a military officer known as Chief Moja Moja. This was confirmed by Barrister NKEA ALEAMBONG EMMANUEL in a Media advisory Note published on the 06th day of October 2021.
“That on Saturday the 02nd day of October 2021, at Sandpit, Buea Sub Division, a team of unidentified armed men led by a military officer popularly known in the Buea Municipality as Chief Moja Moja, stormed the residence of Madam Kongnso Antoinette Gohla, where they proceeded to mistreat and physically assault her in the full glare of her two kids before arresting her and her two kids into their waiting van”
Fako Lawyers HRC, CHRDA, have continuedly been advocating for her release and has also threatened to take Chief Moja Moja to court, for what they describe as Human Rights Violations by the government official. Chief Moja Moja is known for perpetrating what is considered as Hate Speech against the population of the North West Region of Cameroon according to the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa.
Maitre Legenju Vitalise, one of the leading lawyers said on 17 November 2021 that “Standing for Justice, advocating for Human rights especially protecting the rights of the downtrodden is my call. If I should be eliminated for doing what I believe is right, just and equitable, then I shall leave happily. It is our collective responsibility to stand for the preservation of the rule of Law and justice in our society. For years I have dedicated my private Legal practice towards providing Pro Bono legal services for the poor in our communities and speaking truth to power”
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.
