CAMEROON FORGOTTEN CRISIS: ARMED SEPARATISTS WREAK HAVOC ON CIVILIANS, KILLING ATLEAST 06 UNARMED CIVILIANS WITHIN 01 WEEK, AMID AUTHORITIES SILENCE.

SUBJECT MATTER: CAMEROON’S FORGOTTEN CRISIS: ARMED GROUPS WREAK HAVOC ON CIVILIANS, KILLING AT LEAST 6 UNARMED CIVILIANS WITHIN 1 WEEK, AMID AUTHORITY SILENCE.
WE WISH TO BRING TO THE ATTENTION OF NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY AS FOLLOWS:

1. That according to witnesses, victims, and other reliable sources, numerous grievous Human Rights abuses have recently been perpetrated in the Northwest region of Cameroon, allegedly by members of armed separatist groups. The abuses include at least six unarmed civilians brutally murdered in less than a week, many recorded cases of kidnappings for ransom,lootings and torture.
2. That the cases of civilians murdered include:
   a) Two (2) unarmed Fulani, HAMIDU YUSUF and ADAMOU UMAROU(Iyawa), who were kidnapped and later brutally murdered after allegedly paying about 1 million in ransom to armed separatists according to a reliable source. The victims sources say were forcefully removed from a vehicle between Ntaba and Mbawrong stretch of road and taken to an unknown destination, where their lifeless bodies were found few hours later with traces of bullet wounds at Mbawfi Village, still in Ndu sub division on May 4, 2025.
   b) On May 3, 2025, two unarmed civilians were brutally murdered and others severely injured as armed men invaded a ceremony in Bamenda and attempted to kidnap the Director of Upper Noun Valley Development Authority (UNVDA) Ndop, sources say. Among those killed were Barrister NGUH CLEMENT AFAH and NEBA LUM. A witness recounts, i was at the ceremony where gunmen in civilian attire with masked faces invaded the place, opening fire indiscriminately, injuring several civilians. Two people died upon arrival at the hospital, while others are receiving treatment. It was only later that I heard their target was to kidnap the Director of UNVDA. »
   c) The newly appointed Manager of Maghamo Transport Agency’s Bambui branch in Mezam Division, Adamou Lukman Abdoul, who was equally brutally murdered by unidentified armed men in the Northwest region. According to reliable sources, the incident occurred on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Mile 9 Bambui, while he was exercising (sport). Notably, the day, which was celebrated as International Labour Day, had been declared a « ghost town day » by separatist groups. »
   d) On March 27, 2025, a teacher and businessman, Mr. YUFEMO ANSLEM, was forcefully pulled out of his business place according to a witness and shot to death after a failed attempt by the armed men to kidnap him in Bambili, Tubah Subdivision, Mezam Division.
3. That these systematic acts have instilled fear in civilians, causing untold hardships and a halt in most activities in some parts of these regions.That further findings reveal that many recent killings, kidnappings for ransom, and lootings are being perpetrated mostly by hired armed men who are exploited for personal score-settling, silencing opponents, or by means of financial gain.. That in the midst of this systematic violence, particularly the recent cases, the authorities have maintained it usual silence.
4. That attacking unarmed civilians during armed conflict constitutes gross violation and abuse of International Humanitarian and Human Rights laws. What started as a peaceful protest in 2016 has now claimed thousands of lives, caused severe torture, destruction of dwellings, lootings, and more, making life unbearable for civilians and causing a high migration of inhabitants to safer zones be it within or out of the Country.
   THAT IN VIEW OF THE ABOVE, CONSCIENCE AFRICAINE:
   1.Condemn in strongest terms, the brutal killings of at least 6 unarmed civilians, systematic kidnappings for ransom, tortures, lootings, and other inhuman and degrading treatments or punishments.
5. Call on the competent authorities to carry out thorough investigations to ensure perpetrators of such gross Human Rights abuses are arrested and prosecuted accordingly. It is essential that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
6. Remind the Separatists that they will be held accountable for their crimes, while urging armed Separatists to respect International Humanitarian and Human Rights laws.Cease attacks on unarmed civilians and unconditionally release those being held in captivity.
7. Calls on the international community to support efforts to persuade the Yaoundé regime to engage in an INCLUSIVE and SINCERE dialogue with stakeholders to properly address the root causes of the armed conflict.
   Done in Douala, this May 06, 2025.
   Signed

Amadu TARNTEH
Executive Secretary