Anglophone armed conflict in Cameroon: At least four chiefs reportedly killed in Libialem, Southwest Region.
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While commemorating the first anniversary of the Ngarbuh Massacre which at least 21 civilians were killed in 2020, the population of the English Speaking Regions of Cameroon is in total shock after four traditional rulers were publicly killed. The violation of human rights has continued to rise despite the plea for a cessation of hostilities from the national and international community.
These chiefs were kidnapped in Essoh-Attah, a locality in Libialem, South West Region, and publicly executed later on 14 February 2021. The four chiefs killed include; Chief Fuaminkeng, Fuajijong, Fuawehnsuoh, and chief Aleh. Source (Mimi Mefo Info) The recent execution of these traditional rulers is coming to add to the pain and sufferings the unarmed civilians are going through in the hands of the separatist fighters and the military.
Locals of Essoh-Attah point accusing fingers at members of the Red Dragons of Libialem, one of the strong separatist fighter’s faction. The cause for the execution of these four chiefs remained unknown at the time of this report. The local population holds that they might have been killed because they participated in the just-ended regional elections or because of their recent letter to the governor to make them first-class chiefs.
While some people point accusing fingers at the military on the basis that the chiefs killed were appointed by the leader of Red Dragons of Libialem popularly known as Field Marshal. The said locals augured that they might have been killed because they were appointed by the Field Marshal of Libialem by the military.
HRLRC cannot independently say the perpetrator of the act and the reason for the gruesome act, but we are following the case closely as it is a human rights violation within the context of an armed conflict. This is because traditional rulers are supposed to be protected.
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.
