Armed conflict in NW, SW:
US “deeply disturbed” about Ebam human rights abuses

The United States has expressed its concern over reports of human rights abuses by Cameroonian soldiers in Ebam, a village in Cameroon’s South West region.

In a release by the US Embassy in Yaounde, it says it is deeply disturbed by the said abuses.

“The United States is deeply disturbed to learn of reports of a military raid in Ebam, South West region on March 1 of last year that resulted in violence against civilians” it noted.

The US embassy in the release condemned all violence targeting civilians, and called for “… an immediate investigation into the alleged incident and for perpetrators to be held accountable”.

“… This attack, if found to be true, could go unacknowledged for a year speaks to the important role civil society and media organisations play in helping governments meet their obligations to their people” it added.

In a release bringing the said abuse to light, Human Rights Watch had said Cameroonian soldiers caried out mass rape last year in Ebam, with some women living with disabilities being victims of the act.

Several other rights abuses were also cited in the report. Government is yet to comment on the allegations, but has often denied that its soldiers committed any wrongdoings.