CHRDA Calls For Independent Investigation Into Mbat Attack

By Njodzeka Kernyuy

The Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa (CHRDA) has called on judicial authorities in Donga Mantung Division to conduct a prompt, independent, and impartial investigation into the attack on Mbat village that left over 850 people displaced.

In a statement signed by its president, Agbor Nkongho, on Thursday, the human rights organization said the investigation should identify all those responsible, whether direct perpetrators or accomplices, and ensure they are held accountable in accordance with the law.

An attack, attributed to Mbororo militia, occurred on the night of Friday, February 13.

Though no lives were lost, the attackers burned hundreds of houses, took away six motorbikes, destroyed 155 maize farms, and stole 38 goats. Aside from that, they also burned down Government School (GS) Mbat and the Baptist Church Upper Mbat, while looting 15 provision stores.

The villagers were able to escape into the bushes as the attackers carried out the act.

Several videos believed to have come from the area showed flames emanating from houses.

Human Rights Violations

The incident in Nwa Subdivision has been described as a human rights violation by CHRDA.

“Burning down homes, schools, and churches and leaving unarmed civilians homeless is a crime against humanity,” CHRDA said in a statement posted by its president.

“This act of destruction is a blatant violation of international human rights and humanitarian law, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), as well as the criminal law of Cameroon. Targeting this village is illegal, inhumane, and criminal,” it added.

Aside from calling for an independent and impartial investigation, CHRDA also called on the government to immediately ensure the protection of civilians in Mbat Village and surrounding communities and provide basic necessities for the new group of internally displaced persons; to call on all armed actors, including militia groups, to immediately cease attacks on civilians and fully respect international human rights and humanitarian law.

Equally, the center has urged traditional authorities and community leaders to engage in dialogue and conflict-prevention efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and preventing further violence. It also urged that the international community should closely monitor the situation and support protection, accountability, and peace-building initiatives in Donga Mantung Division.

“CHRDA expresses its solidarity with the victims and affected communities of Mbat Village and reiterates its commitment to documenting human rights violations, supporting victims, and advocating for justice, accountability, and lasting peace in Cameroon,” the statement says.

Authorities Call for Calm

The Senior Divisional Officer of Donga Mantung has called on the population to remain calm, adding that the defense and security forces are hunting for the perpetrators.

The SDO is also asking the people to collaborate with the authorities to better combat such acts of vandalism.

This is the second attack to occur in Donga Mantung in less than a month.

On January 14, armed men stormed the Mbororo community of Gidado in Ndu Subdivision, killing at least 14 and leaving property destroyed.