Cameroon: Concern Mounts as Two Infants Spend One Year in Detention with Their Mothers Pending Military Tribunal Trial in the Northwest Region

Human rights organizations in Cameroon have expressed deep concern over the continued detention of two infants and their mothers, following the first hearing of their case before the Bamenda Military Tribunal on 18 June 2026. The hearing, monitored by Conscience Africaine (CA), Mandela Center International (MCI), All Women Together (AWT), and Nouveaux Droits de l’Homme Cameroon (NDH), highlighted serious concerns regarding prolonged detention, the treatment of civilians in conflict-affected areas, and the rights of children caught in judicial proceedings.

Nearly One Year in Detention

The case stems from an operation conducted on 24 June 2025 in Bamessing Village, Ngoketunjia Division, North-West Region, during which members of the Defence and Security Forces arrested seven civilians, including two infants who were only a few months old at the time.

The detainees were subsequently transferred to the Ndop Gendarmerie Brigade and later brought before the Bamenda Military Tribunal. Since their arrest, the civilians have remained in detention while judicial investigations continued.

As the case came up for its first substantive hearing on 18 June 2026, the two children had spent almost twelve months living in detention alongside their mothers despite not being accused of any criminal offence.

Human rights monitors noted that the infants are not listed among the persons committed for trial and that no charge or procedural document grants them the status of suspects or accused persons.

Allegations of Torture and Ill-Treatment

According to information gathered by the monitoring organizations, two detainees allegedly suffered severe acts of torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment while in custody at the Ndop Gendarmerie Brigade.

The reported abuse allegedly resulted in serious injuries requiring hospitalization. Human rights organizations have repeatedly called for independent investigations into these allegations and accountability for any violations that may have occurred.

The monitoring mission also received reports that several detainees were subjected to psychological pressure, including threats of extrajudicial execution during police custody.

To date, observers note that the allegations have not been publicly clarified by the authorities.

Charges Before the Military Tribunal

Following more than seven months of judicial investigation, the Military Investigating Judge issued a Partial Dismissal and Committal Order on 18 March 2026.

The accused persons were referred to trial on charges including:

• Failure to report the activities of a separatist group;
• Harbouring or assisting an offender;
• Absence of a National Identity Card for some of the accused.

Court documents reviewed by the monitoring organizations indicate that the allegations concerning knowledge of the activities of a separatist fighter known as “General Never Die” relate primarily to members of his immediate family circle.

Observers further noted that the two mothers detained with their infants did not reside with the alleged fighter and were not members of his household. The monitoring mission stated that it found no clearly identified evidence demonstrating that the women possessed actual knowledge of the activities attributed to him.

The organizations therefore raised concerns regarding the principle of individual criminal responsibility and the need for evidence-based prosecution.

First Hearing Adjourned

During the hearing of 18 June 2026, registered as Case No. 20 on the court roll, the Military Tribunal proceeded with the identification of the accused persons and the reading of charges.

The defendants admitted the allegations concerning the absence of national identity cards but denied accusations relating to failure to report separatist activities and harbouring an offender.

The Government Prosecutor informed the court that prosecution witnesses were unavailable to testify. As a result, the matter was adjourned to 23 July 2026 for the commencement of proceedings on the merits and the examination of evidence.

Meanwhile, the two infants remain in detention with their mothers.

Human Rights Concerns

The monitoring mission identified several issues of concern:

• Nearly one year after the arrests, hearings on the merits have still not begun;
• Two infants continue to be deprived of liberty despite not being parties to any criminal proceedings;
• Allegations of torture and ill-treatment remain unresolved;
• Certain charges appear linked primarily to family or social relationships rather than clearly established material acts.

The organizations also emphasized the unique challenges faced by civilians living in conflict-affected regions, noting that the permanent possession of official identification documents may expose individuals to security risks when intercepted by different armed actors.

Call for Protection of the Children

As 24 June 2026 marks 365 days since the arrest of the infants and their mothers, the partner organizations have renewed calls for urgent measures to safeguard the children’s rights and welfare.

The organizations stressed that the best interests of the child must remain a primary consideration in all decisions affecting the infants and urged judicial authorities to examine all available measures capable of ensuring their protection.

Human rights defenders further called for continued respect for fair trial guarantees, due process rights, and the principle that criminal responsibility must be based on individual conduct rather than association or family relationships.

The case is expected to resume before the Bamenda Military Tribunal on 23 July 2026.

HRLRC will continue monitoring developments in this case and reporting on issues affecting human rights, access to justice, and the protection of vulnerable persons in conflict-affected communities across Cameroon.

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