Compiled by NOELA EBOB BISONG
Government should conduct an independent investigation -Tibor Peter Nagy Jr. (United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs)
“We condemn the killings of civilians in Ngarbu, NW Region of Cameroon, and offer condolences to the victims’ families. We call on the government to authorize an independent investigation, ensure safety of witnesses, and bring perpetrators to justice.”
Commonwealth Condemns killings, requests impartial investigation
A statement released by the Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland reads:
“I strongly condemn the recent killings of civilians, including women and children in the North-West of Cameroon on 14 February 2020. We noted the Government announcement that there would be a full investigation into the incident. We encourage the Government to conduct an impartial investigation, for perpetrators to be held accountable and for results to be made public. The Commonwealth strongly condemns all forms of violence, and in particular, the loss of lives of innocent civilians including women and children. Cameroon is a noted member of the Human Rights Council and as such we are minded of General Comment 13 to the Convention on the Rights of the Child to freedom from all forms of violence which is underscored by the understanding that no violence against children is justifiable, all violence against children is preventable. I continue to convey these concerns to the Government of Cameroon, and the Commonwealth stands ready to support solutions that will address the root causes of this conflict.”
No to impunity, yes to accountability -Barrister Agbor Balla
Barrister Nkongho Felix Agbor (Agbor Balla) was one of the first known names to take to social media in reaction to the situation which occurred in Ngarbuh village and he has continued to do so. In his post on Sunday, February 16 2020, he wrote that “The gruesome murder of 27 civilians including women and children by the State Defense Forces on 14 February 2020 in Ngarbuh, Donga Mantung Division of the North West Region in Cameroon must be investigated and the perpetrators of such egregious crimes brought to justice.”
On Monday, February 17, he again posted that “The death toll from the massacre in Ngarbuh-Ntubaw in Cameroon has risen to 32 with some children and pregnant women still missing. The military officers responsible for these heinous crimes must be brought to justice. These crimes clearly amount to crimes against humanity.
The culture of impunity must stop. #No to Impunity and Yes to Accountability#.”
While receiving several “bullets” from a section of the Anglophone public who continue to condemn the Human Rights lawyer on his Federalism stand, unconfirmed reports from some government quarters suggest that the Anglophone activist is amongst some the government is pointing at, for being firm on the fact that the heinous incident was committed by elements of the state defence and security forces. However, a defiant Agbor Balla will again take to social media on Wednesday, February 19, to state that: “I will not be bullied or intimidated by such headlines. I stand for the truth and will always speak the truth. I stand for the oppressed, suppressed and the marginalized. They need a voice and I am ready to pay the price to defend their rights. # NO TO IMPUNITY# YES TO ACCOUNTABILITY#.”
No to the Cameroonian Massacre! – Kah Walla (CPP)
It’s undeniable. Between two and three dozen people were massacred in the village of Ngarbuh, of-Bamenda Department in the North-West region. Many people in Ngarbuh are displaced people fleeing their villages of origin because of the conflict.
The massacres took place on Friday, February 14, 2020. In an attack that left more than a dozen houses on fire, people were shot and burned alive. Among the victims are children and a pregnant woman.
The survived and the religious authorities in the area all accuse the army.
It is our heavy heart that we at Stand Up For Cameroon send our sincere condolences to the grieving families. The premature death of loved ones, especially children and women, in this extremely violent way is incurable. Our thoughts go out to our compatriots in Ngarbuh who are so hard-tested.
Stand Up For Cameroon finds that once again, the Cameroonian army is charged with violence and killing against civilians. As usual, no statement has yet been made by the Cameroonian authorities. This is not acceptable.
The culprits must be brought to justice -Cabral Libii (CPNR National President)
I was appalled and dismayed to learn of the massacre by armed persons of 22 civilians, including 14 children and women, in Ngarbuh, a village in the Ndonga-Mantung Division, Northwest Region of Cameroon. I bow to the memory of these innocent victims of this useless war and on behalf of the Cameroonian Party for National Reconciliation-CPNR, I address my sincere condolences to the bereaved families. I urge the Government and national and international human rights organizations to shed light on this massacre. That the culprits be promptly identified, arrested and brought to justice for the full force of the law to be implemented. Once again, let me seize this opportunity to call on all parties in conflict to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, including those whose job is not to bear arms to lay them down, in order to give peace a chance.
One life lost is one life too many -Barrister Akere Muna
It is not about numbers but about humanity. Calling the loss of life « simply collateral damage » kills them a second time. My heart bleeds, but I know the people of #Ngarbuh will rise up and they will 1000 times again.