Blog

November 2022 EDITION

V O L U M E    16, I S S U E 16

The English-Speaking Regions of Cameroon has this month of November, witness critical Human Rights Abuse situations, the records of disturbing increase and barbaric methods of killings have been witnessed. Therefore, the intensifications of this violence directly affect the civilian population. The Bihndumlem Humanitarian Association of Peace and Hope (BIHAPH) in Cameroon has taken upon themselves to bring to light the most recent cases of Human right Violation/Abuses covering the month of November 2022. This report involves atrocities committed by Defense and Security Forces (DSF), Non-State Armed Groups (NSAG) and general community including individuals who are taking advantage of the situation.

1. RECORDED INCIDENCE BY ELEMENTS OF THE DEFENCE AND SECURITY FORCES

Elements of the defense and security kill one in meme division Kumba South West Region

On Thursday 3^rd November 2022, along the Kumba Buea highway, a separatist fighter was killed by the forces of defense and security at Ediki. He was popularly known as self-proclaimed General Gideon. His corps was displayed in public, in Kumba, meme division of the south west region.   

Elements of the defense and security turn against students in Nkwen Bamenda North West Region 

Members of defense and security stationed in GTHS Nkwen to maintain peace and ensure the security of the students in the school turned against students and members of administration remained mute. Videos circulating on social media and other reports by bloggers and news agencies like MIMI Mefo Info showed the soldiers at GTHS Nkwen beating and harassing students and the principal is saying nothing.

1. ABUSES BY NON-STATE ARMED GROUPS

Separatist fighters kill one in the North West Region of Cameroon

Members of the Non State Armed groups, shot and killed a soldier by name Kosiabe Beckham on Tuesday November 15^th 2022.  Beckham was a member of defense and security forces of the Rapid Intervention Battalion in the north west region.  

Gun Men Kidnap Patients in Tubah North West region

Some 17 patients; 14 adults and 3 children have been freed by elements of the national Gendarmerie in Tubah, Friday 18^th November 2022 after they were kidnapped by NSAGs. The patients who left mbingo Baptist hospital in Belo on their way to Mbingo annex in Nkwen Bamenda where intercepted by gun men at mile 10 Bambui and taken hostage for days before their rescue by members of Defense and Security.

Separatist fighters ambushed a car at Alabukam in Makon Division North West Region

On Thursday 15^th November 2022, at  Alabukam in Makon a humanitarian services car was ambushed by gun men on its way back from distributing food for the World Food Program in Mbengwi. 

An element of Defense and Security shot dead in his bar in Nkwen, Bamenda North West Region of Cameroon.

A military official popularly known as Papi solo has been shot to death in his bar in Sisia II quarter Nkwen Bamenda, by unknown gun men. The gun men are said to have stormed his bar with a Rav4 vehicle on the evening of Thursday, November 17^th 2022 and shot him to dead.  

Separatist fighters who became kidnappers caught in the North West Region.

Videos circulating on the internet show a group of boys who call themselves separatist fighters being interviewed. In the video interview, the boys reveal that they are imposters who just kidnap people for ransom. This video was released on the 25^th of November 2022 as other separatist fighters torture them on camera.

One Gendarme, Two Fulani and Three Villagers Die In Fresh Wum & Fulani Clashes In Menchum Division.

At least five persons were confirmed dead in Wum subdivision in the North West region, in a fresh clash between Fulani settlers and natives from Aghem. Reports say two Fulani and a government force were found dead in Zonghofu village on Tuesday 29, November 2022, triggering a revenge attack on the Aghem people by members of the Fulani community.

1. ABUSES BY THE COMMUNITY

      Three villagers die in fresh Wum clashes in Menchum Division North West     Region. 

Mua Sih, a young man who left Wum hospital after watching over his wife, was beckoned by government forces to lead them to the site of the Fulani incident was murdered by Angry Fulani when he abandoned the forces on his way back to the village, David Dze also known as Livingstone was also killed at his farm in Itsei-zonghofu, a palm wine tapper, simon Muasughu, was killed at his raffia bush. The invading Fulani also set two houses on fire before leaving.

The above gross, barbaric inhuman human rights violation is not only as a result of the continuous escalation of the conflict but as day goes by violence in English speaking Cameroon is a call for concern as not only members of Defense and Security, Non State Armed Group afflict pain on the community but individuals as well take part in afflicting pain on the people while hiding behind the crisis. BIHAPH in documenting these inhumane acts calls on all parties to uphold all the principles that dignify human life. Furthermore, children are still not allowed to go to school freely as schools are held from reopening in these regions, this act is violating right to education which is a fundamental human right therefore, BIHAPH sends this paper to serve as an eye opener to both state, international bodies and the population on ground to know the stage in which these two regions exist. Human life precedes all state entitlement and should be respected by all.

REFERNCES

Community updates

BIHAPH Community Focal persons

CBPC member Bafmeng

Cameroon continues facing the complex crises in its two English Speaking regions in the month of October, critically analyzing the Human Rights Abuse situation, records of disturbing increase and barbaric methods of killings have been witnessed. Therefore, the intensifications of this violence directly affects the civilian population. Bihndumlem Humanitarian Association of Peace and Hope (BIHAPH) in Cameroon has taken upon these initiative to bring to light the most recent cases of Human Right Violation/ Abuses covering the month of October 2022. This report involves atrocities committed by Defense and State Security Forces (SSF), Non-State Armed Groups (NSAG) and general community including individuals who are taking advantage of the deteriorating situation.

1. RECORDED INCIDENCE BY ELEMENTS OF GOVERNMENT DEFENCE AND SECURITY FORCES.

State Security forces (SSF) kill one in Guzang North West Region

In the early hours of October 19^th, 2022 in Guzang Batibo subdivision of North west      region, the military met a mother in her house in New Town Guzang and shot her for no reason. She is Mama Munji Cecilia was taken to the mortuary in Bamenda to be buried consequently.

Shock in Mbonge meme Division of South West region as a man and two sons killed in a military raid

A man and his 2 sons have been killed by alleged government forces in Mbonge, meme division of the south west region. The incident occurred Monday, October 10, 2022. According to Mimi Mefo Infos(MMI), the bodies of the three were discovered in a pool of blood shortly after the raid was carried out in the neighborhood. The identity of the three deceased is yet to be known.

Elements of Defense and security forces burn twelve houses, five bikes and kill one in Boyo North West Region

One civilian by name Helbert Nshom was killed in an attempt to escape. The man was fleeing with his child before he was killed and since then the child has not been found, the source went on adding that: only the father’s deceased body was discovered. This incident took place on October 12^th ,2022.

Soldiers torture Man before his wife and kids in Bui North West Region

Members of the Rapid Intervention Battalion, BIR an elite unite of Cameroonian army have been captured on camera torturing a man in front of his wife and children. The incident reported happened in Djotin a locality in Noni, sub division Bui division of the North West Region on October 12^th 2022.

Woman executed in Guzang Batibo subdivision of the North West Region.

The woman had just taken her bath on the 21^st of October 2022 and was in her room when the soldiers entered. Many who saw them took cover and after some time in her room, they heard gunshuts. When the SSF had left, her neighbors rushed there only to find her naked body in the pull of her own blood.

1. ABUSES BY NON-STATE ARMED GROUPS

Abducted Reverend father freed in Bui division North West region

Reverend father Shiyntum Sergius who was abducted by separatist fighters from the parish house in Vekovi Village Bui Division was freed on October 1^st 2022. It should be noted that farther Serguis was accused of having a hand in the death of a separatist fighter (self-proclaimed General Chop Fire). Who was removed from his sick bed in Bingo Baptist Health Center and executed by elements of Defense and Security. The colleagues of the NSAG fighter believed the SSF could only have gotten information after a tip off by a member of the staff. Hence they decided to abduct the Rev. Father managing the hospital. At the moment there is no information revealing the circumstances that led to his release. 

A truck driver shot dead in his residence in Mankon Mezam division of the North West Region

A truck driver is said to have been shot dead at his residence in Mankon, North West Region of Cameroon. This happened on October 7^th 2022. The reason for his murder is left unknown as well as the identity of the victim. However, his neighbors believe he was shot by members of NSAG

Wum municipality devastated by the burning of the residents of the Lord Mayor: Menchum Division North West Region

Inhabitants of Wum municipality woke up on Monday morning 18^th October to the devastating news of the burring down of the residence of the Lord mayor of Wum council. From information gathered some 5-armed men stormed the resident of the municipal leader, surrendered occupants before setting the house ablaze. This happened on Sunday evening 17^th October 2022.

Two elements of defense and security killed in Donga Mantung Division of the north west region by separatist fighters

The two elements of defense and security were killed in the early hours of Sunday October 17^th, 2022 in Donga Mantung Division of the North West Region, they are Sergeant Nkoa Ebode, who was recently transferred to Ndu (just one week ago), and warrant officer Aroumtouang. The pair was on board a motorcycle heading to a control post 2km away from Ndu when they were ambushed and killed. Their attackers also took their rifles.

Captives of Nchang incident on social media up loaded by separatist fighters

A video circulating on social media showing the captives of Nchang incident who are victims pleading with the Catholic Church authorities to secure their release. The victims where Two Nigerian priest, three Cameroonian Priests, One cook, a Nun, A little girl and assistant catechist of the parish were kidnapped from the Saint Mary Catholic Church in Nchang, Mamfe on September 16, 2022.

Nkwen, Mezam North West Region in Panic After bloody attack by armed Men

The population of Nkwen in the Bamenda III municipality was in panic and shock following the death of a native whose name Cameroon News agency got as Ndowie popularly known as ‘Issa’. Reports say he was shot in the head at close range at about 10pm on Saturday 15^th October 2022 at a place called ‘speed brake’.

Two workers shot dead on Mamfe-Eyoumojock South West Region by separatist fighters

Two workers were reported shot to dead on the Mamfe-Eyoumojock road in Manyu division of the south west region of Cameroon. The tragic incident which occurred in the morning hours of Thursday, October 27^th, 2022 left one of the workers severely injured. According to reports, the deceased whose names we got as Oliver Ngum and Emmanuel Mukong, are said to be in their late 30s. three-gun men are reported to have appeared form a nearby forest and ordered them to stop work. They asked them to vacate the scene by running. As they ran for their lives the gunmen opened fire on them which led to the death of the ‘duo’.

Separatist fighters attempt on the life of the SDO of Mechum Division North west region.

The SDO for Menchum, Abdoullahi Aliou on the night of the 21^st of October 2022 survived an assassination attempt while four gendarme officers escorting him back to his lake side residence in Waindo were wounded. This happened at about 6:30pm after he concluded evening prayers at the mosque.

Separatist fighters target a military Pickup in Wum central North West region.

Sources in Wum reported to CNN on the 13^th of October 2022, separatist fighters targeted a military pick up with just a driver on board. Though they missed their target and the driver escaped with his vehicle, elements of the security forces descended in to Naikom and set ablaze 2 houses located around the scene of the incidents. Meanwhile at the village outskirts in Wum some 10 houses belonging to Fulani herdsmen were burnt down by suspected separatist fighter rendering more than 100 persons homeless and displaced.

A bar and provision shop burnt in Wum Menchum division of the North West Region

On Monday 24^th October, a Bar and Provision shop were set ablaze by separatist fighters in Wum central subdivision in Menchum division of the north west region of Cameroon.   Eye witnesses to the scene said Separatist fighters committed the acts and they had been carrying inhuman and atrocious assaults in the community lately.

1. ABUSES BY THE COMMUNITY

Two men killed by the population of Nkwen Bamenda NorthWest Region

Two armed men were beaten to dead by population in Mile 4 Nkwen Bamenda on the night of the 15^th October 2022 at about 9:45 pm. CNA learned the men had attempted to steal a taxi from a driver who raised an alarm. The armed men fired their riffles but the population stepped in and successfully neutralized them. Security forces who were called said they retrieved an M21 riffles and a magazine with 6 rounds of ammunition form the scene.

The above gross, barbaric inhuman human rights violation is not only as a result of the continuous escalation of the conflict but as day goes by violence in English speaking Cameroon is a call for concern as not only forces of defense and Separatist fighters but individuals afflict pain on the people hiding behind the crises.

BIHAPH documents these inhumane acts in order to call on all parties to uphold all the principles that dignifies human life. Furthermore, children are still not allowed to go to school freely in most part of these regions especially in poor rural communities. This act violates the right of children to education which is a fundamental human right therefore. BIHAPH sends this paper to serve as an early warning sign to both state, international bodies and the population on ground to know the stage in which these two regions exist. Human life precedes all state entitlement and should be respected by all.

REFERNCES

Cameroon News Agency

Mimi Mefo Infor

CBPC member Bafmeng

BIHAPH would like to thank all the courageous women and men who agreed to tell us about their experience and its impact on their lives and those of their loved ones.

• Gruesome photos of the above gross human rights violation are available to confirm the atrocious abuses.

BIHAPH’S LIGHT ON HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES-ANGLOPHONE CRISIS IN CAMEROON: #BIHAPH#

 A LIGHT OF HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES BY STATE ARMED GROUPs, NON-STATE ARMED GROUPS AND THE COMMUNITY.

September 2022 EDITION

V O L U M E    14, I S S U E 14

Cameroon continues facing the complex crisis in its two English Speaking regions. To critically analyze the Human Rights Abuse situation in the month of September, records of disturbing increase and barbaric methods of killings have been witnessed. Therefore, the intensifications of this violence directly affects the civilian population. Bihndumlem Humanitarian Association of Peace and Hope (BIHAPH) in Cameroon has taken upon herself to bring to light the most recent cases of Human rights Violations/Abuses covering the month of September 2022. This report involves atrocities committed by Defense and Security Forces (DSF), Non-State Armed Groups (NSAG) and the general community including individuals who are taking advantage of the situation.

1. RECORDED INCIDENCE BY ELEMENTS OF THE DEFENSE AND SECURITY FORCES

Soldiers kill three civilians including a baby in kuvlu &Takov, Bamenda North West region

At least 3 civilians including a baby in a quarter called Kah and 3 military terrorists in Lou have been killed in Bui division, Bamenda North West Region of Cameroon. This was after an attack by the State Armed groups on the Non State Armed groups (Unity Warriors). The SAGs after the attack unleashed their anger on civilians in the area. A man, a mother, and her less than 1 year old child all from one family were innocently killed. This happened on the 2^nd of September 2022 in Kah.

Bike rider hit by stray bullet following military-amba gunfire exchange   

A bike rider in Bamessing, Ndop in the Ngoketunja division of the North West Region is battling between life and death. The young man yet to be identified was reportedly hit by a stray bullet following a gun battle between the army and armed separatist fighters on September 2^nd 2022.  

Two People Killed in Awing by Members of the Gendarmerie Brigade

The Awing brigade commander and his team attacked, seized weapons and killed over two individuals in Awing on September 8^th 2022. Amongst those killed in the attack, is a NSAG freedom fighter commonly known as “SATAN”.

State security forces arrest and beat up civilians at Benakuma, Menchum valley in the North West Region.

In the early hours of the night of 11^th September 2022, the state security forces had information that the non-state armed groups were are Buteh where a wake was held for a dead member of the community. At 2:00am, the state armed forces raided the compound, arrested seven men, beat up women and men and took them to Wum. In the wake of this, inhabitants of Bosung and Buteh resulted to sleeping in the forest for safety.

Two women shot dead by state security forces in Andek Ngie in Momo Division North West Region.

Two women were killed in Andek, Ngie on 14^th September 2022 by three elements of the defense and order in the locality for BTAP. The said members of the SAGs violated the rules of engagement and opened fire on civilians living 2 women dead.

These two women were identified as Mrs. Abazie Suzanne aged 49 years and Mrs. Etoh Basheba Akutah aged 47, the respective families identified and took their corpses for burial. It is important to note that the government forces regret this happening and have put the perpetrators behind bars.

BBH staff arrested by the forces of security defense and order in Kumbo North West Region

Three staff of Banso Baptist Hospital are under military custody, accused of treating wounded fighters considered by the military as enemies of the state on the 25^th September 2022. One of them is a breast-feeding mother whose name is captured as Carine and has a three-months old baby who was taken to her after the arrest so she could keep nursing the baby behind bars.

1. ABUSES BY NON-STATE ARMED GROUPS

A man shot dead at Awing during the burial of his mother

On September 2, 2022, Mr Christopher was shot by unknown gunmen, sources say he is a native of Awing village in the North West Region. He was shot in the early hours of the day when he went to the village to pay his last respect to his mother. Sources say he was killed by non-state armed group fighters for reasons yet to be known to the population.

Rampant kidnapping in Bafameg, Fungom sub-division in the North West Region

In the early hours of the night on Monday September 5^th 2022, the population was taken unawares and by heavy shooting from unknown gun men. Amidst the shooting, 5 persons were kidnapped and 3 were later released while 2 others were taken to an unknown destination. This ignited fear in the hearts of the population who ran to the bushes for safety.

Separatist fighters shoot indiscriminately at a public transport bus in Ekona Fako division South West Regions

On Tuesday September 06^th, people went to their normal activities. Everywhere seemed calm when a Car travelling from Kumba to Buea was intercepted at Ekona and was indiscriminately shot at, leaving everybody in the vehicle dead.  This act was done by the separatist fighters who proclaimed the lockdown to stop the resumption of school.   

Female teacher shot in Ekona South West Region by separatist fighters

A teacher by name Che Rhoda was shot on her way to school in a shoot-out by NSAGs in an attempt to halt school resumption on September 6^th 2022 at Ekona in the South West. The said lady is between life and dead at the hospital.

Separatist fighters kidnap 9 in Fongom Subdivision in North West region

On Tuesday September 6^th 2022, 9 men of the Bafmeng local electricity management body were kidnapped in an attempt to raise a fallen electric pole to ensure the village has electricity. The men were taken by surprise while they were working at the “Abuh Kom” camp. The said individuals were released 1 week later and were taken to the hospital for intensive care.

Separatist fighters halt school resumption in Fako division in the South West Region

Schools were interrupted for students and pupils on September 7^th after a gun battle started around Mutengene, Mile 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and Bomaka in the Fako division of the South West region. This made it impossible for students and pupils to go to school while those who were already in school had their parents device means to get them out of school.

At mile 16 there were reports of a student who was intercepted by NSAGs, they undressed him, destroyed his uniform and was made to go home naked.

NSAGs abduct school children in mile 16 South West Region of Cameroon

6 primary school pupils were abducted on their way to school in the morning hours of Wednesday 7^th September 2022 at mile 16 Bolifamba South west region of Cameroon.

Two people shot at Foncha Street in Mezam division North West region

Two people were shot in the afternoon of Wednesday 7^th September 2022 around Foncha Street-Nkwen, Bamenda. They included a man and a woman who were in a car when the unfortunate incident happened.  One was reportedly shot in the arm while the other was shot in the mouth after bullets penetrated their car. The shooters were well armed and nobody till now knows who they are and why they were shooting.

Rain bullets in Ngyem-mbo Mbengwi by NSAGs North West Region

The Ngyem-mbo set 2 Cars ablaze: one at the stretch of the road commonly called evil forest and at a popular junction called Samtaben in Mbengwi on Friday 9^th September 2022. The said NSAG group sent children of a community school back home. Reports have it that the said group are from Bali who hold that Bali can not be observing ghost town while Mbengwi is not. Also, school activities were put on hold till after October 1^st, 2022.

In kumbo, North West Region Separatist warned the Banso Baptist hospital

At least six non-state armed group fighters were killed during a confrontation with state forces of security and defense on September 11^th 2022 in kumbo. Self-proclaimed general “Fireman” and his guard were pulled out of the Baptist hospital and killed. The separatists threatened the hospital’s administration alleging that there is an informant feeding the government forces with information about their movements and admissions. 

Military control post set ablaze in Jakiri North West Region

The police check point at the veterinary junction was burnt down by NSAGs on September 14^th 2022, in an ambush attack. This is the second time the said check point is coming under attack. The first attack left 2 members of SAGs dead.

7 Rev Fathers and Co. kidnapped in the South West Region.

Separatist fighters in the evening of September 16^th, 2022 set ablaze Catholic Church Nchang in Manyu and kidnapped priests, other church workers and members while the service was unfolding. The 7 people kidnapped were identified as Fr. Elias Okorie, Fr. Barnabas Ashu, Fr. Cornelius Jingwa, Fr. Job Francis Nwobegu, Fr. Emmanuel Asaba, Sr. Jancinta C. Udeagha, Mr. Nkem Patrick Osang (Assisting Catechist), Ms. Blanche Bright (Little girls from Ebam Village), Mme. Kelechukwu (Cook). It is important to note that Fr Cornelius is a patient and as at the time of this report he had not been released.

IED planted in Bafut North West Region by separatist fighters

Separatist fighters in Bafut on Saturday September 24^th, 2022 used an IED to target a military convoy around Njibujang quarter. The front and side views of the armored car were completely damaged. Angered by this, government forces said the population knew about this but did not inform them and descended on the population.

Nso field Pastor kidnapped by NSAGs in Bui division of North West Region.

Four more staff of Banso Baptist Hospital (BBH) have been kidnapped by members of NSAGs. The Pastor and other staff of the hospital are accused of collaborating with the military according to a source that spoke with CNA and asked not to be named for security reasons. The medical staff and Pastor were captured by the fighters after each being summoned by the ‘Amba’ fighters. The captured are Rev. Shey John (Nso field pastor), Ma. Mbiydzenyuy Margaret (Nurse), Njoai Lawrence (surgical Technician), Fai Peter (Security guard), Godlove Selamo (Biker for Health) on the same day 25^th September 2022.

Separatist fighters set ablaze the house of president of Ndong Awing in North west Region

On September 26^th, 2022, the house of the president of Ndong Awing cultural and development association was set ablaze in North West Region. The house was burnt because the president said "the battle line was drawn" after an elite was murdered in cold blood during the burial of his mother.

Separatist fighters picked up a Reverend Father for questioning in Bui Division North West Region.

Fr. Sergius of Vekovi-Dzekwa Local government area of Bui division on the 26^th of September 2022 was picked up by the Bui unity warriors for questioning: he has been suspected and accused of having information connected with the military arrest of the Bui unity warrior general from the hospital.

Separatist fighters attack Gendarmerie post in Awing North West Region of Cameroon.

The attack on the gendarmerie post in Awing left 3 soldiers dead and 3 others seriously wounded and several weapons seized by the NSAGs on Monday September 26^th 2022.

Unidentified Gun men kill 1 and wound several in Chop, Nkambe North West Region

A business man by name Njamshi Eric was killed in an attack by unidentified Gun men in a neighborhood in Chop village, Nkambe in the North West region of Cameroon at 7pm on September 27^th 2022. Several other persons equally sustained severe injuries from the attack.

1. ABUSES BY THE COMMUNITY

Abandoned child found in a bush in Mbengwi, North West Region

A baby was found abandoned in a bush around the house of a certain Mr Tembi in Mbengwi on 3^rd of September 2022. The baby was immediately rushed to the Mbengwi general hospital that same day.

A mentally deranged woman killed her husband in Kumbo North West Region

A mentally deranged woman is reported to have killed her husband with no reason given. Hearing this, NSAGs (Bui Unity Warriors) in turn beat the woman to death as well. The couple were buried on the same day (28^th September).

The above gross, barbaric inhuman human rights violation is not only as a result of the continuous escalation of the conflict but as day goes by violence in English speaking Cameroon is a call for concern as not only forces of defense and Separatist fighters but individuals afflict pain on the people hiding behind the crises. BIHAPH in documenting this inhumane act calls on all parties to uphold all the principles that dignifies human life. Furthermore, children are still not allowed to go to school freely as schools are held for reopening in these regions, this act is violating right to education which is a fundamental human right therefore, BIHAPH sends this paper to serve as an eye opener to both state, international bodies and the population on ground to know the stage in which these two regions exist.

HUMAN LIFE PRECEDES ALL STATE ENTITLEMENT AND SHOULD BE RESPECTED BY ALL.

REFERNCES:

Verified online sources

Community focal persons

CBPC member Bafmeng