CHRDA Demands Compensation for Longue Longue

The Center for Human Rights and Democracy for Africa (CHRDA) has condemned the torture of renowned artist Longkana Agno Simon, aka Longue Longue, and has asked the government to ensure he gets “proper reparation”.

CHRDA was reacting to a video that surfaced on the social media recently showing Longue Longue being tortured by a group of military men.

The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) said the torture was carried out by the
Littoral Military Security Antenna in Douala.

The evidence suggests that the video was recorded in April 2019, during which the musician was apprehended by members of the Military Security (SEMIL), a specialised unit of the Cameroon military, in Douala.

Longue Longue admitted to the media following his 2019 arrest that he experienced torture during his time at SEMIL.

“CHRDA Condemns in strong terms this inhumane, barbaric and cruel treatment meted out on a defenseless citizen by Elements of Cameroon Defense and Security Forces,” the organization wrote.

It also advocated for “a prompt, independent and transparent investigation” that will establish responsibility and justice for the act.

The torture of Longue Longue is a snippet of countless acts of torture linked to the Cameroon military and government officials.

Journalists, activists and opposition political party members have all been victims of torture and cruel treatment that have caused death in several cases.

Among them are the cases of journalists Martinez Zogo and Samuel Wazizi, who were tortured and killed by state security and defence forces.

While the identities of the officers who tortured Longue Longue remains unknown, it is believed the unit that tortured him at the time was being led by Commander Bernard Mbu Tabala, who was then in charge of SEMIL in Douala.

He is now a Lieutenant-Colonel and in charge of the Kribi Navy-First Joint Military Region (RMIAI).

The Ministry of Defence said it has opened an investigation into the case.

Apart from investigating and punishing the officers who committed the torture, CHRDA wants the government to compensate Longue Longue for the pain and shame he endured.

“CHRDA calls on the State of Cameroon through the Minister of State, Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seal to ensure that the victim to this barbaric act in the person of Mr. Longkana Agno Simon, Alias ‘Longué Longué’ gets proper reparation in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Code of Cameroon as well as other national and international rules and regulations in force,” the organization wrote.

CHRDA said the act carried out against Longue Longue “amounts to acts of Torture, Cruel, Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment”.

The organisation said this contradicts both local and international laws ratified by Cameroon, including the country’s constitution.