Detained Civilians, Including Infants, Transferred to Bamenda Amid Allegations of Torture

Family members of a suspected Ambazonia separatist fighter known as “General I Nova Die” have been transferred from Ndop to Bamenda, according to sources familiar with the case. The group includes two infants aged two and three months, who were detained alongside their mothers on June 24, 2025, in Ndop, Ngoketunjia Division.

Local authorities accuse the detainees of complicity in terrorism, alleging they provided shelter to the separatist fighter responsible for the recent abduction and killing of a gendarme officer in the Sabga area.

Infants Held at Gendarmerie Since Arrest

Despite their age, the two infants have remained in custody at the Ndop Gendarmerie Brigade for more than two weeks. The Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) of Ngoketunjia, Mr. Kongeh Handerson Qwetong, reportedly suggested that social services take custody of the children, but their mothers refused the proposal.

A human rights defender who spoke to MMI criticized the approach, stating:

“It is improper to separate infants from their mothers under conditions where no formal charges have been proven in court.”

Allegations of Torture and Intimidation

Multiple sources claim the detainees have faced physical abuse while in custody. Before their transfer to Bamenda, security personnel allegedly instructed them to falsely claim they sustained injuries from falling if questions arose about their condition.

The Cameroonian authorities have not issued an official statement regarding the allegations of mistreatment or the legal status of the detainees.

Legal Status Remains Unclear

Currently, none of the seven detainees—five adults and two infants—have appeared in court or received formal charges. Human rights groups continue to express concern over the prolonged pretrial detention, the lack of due process, and the presence of children in security facilities.

The case has drawn increased attention following the death of the abducted gendarme officer on July 8. Separatists reportedly killed him, and authorities later found his body at Mile 25 in Ndop. In response, government forces launched a crackdown in Bamessing, killing two individuals identified as separatist fighters.

Growing Calls for Accountability

Organizations such as Conscience Africaine have called for:

• The immediate release of the infants and their mothers
• Access to medical care for all detainees
• An independent investigation into allegations of torture
• Legal representation and fair trial guarantees

The ongoing Anglophone conflict in Cameroon has led to widespread reports of arbitrary arrests, forced disappearances, and civilian targeting by both separatist groups and government forces. This latest incident adds to growing concerns over the treatment of non-combatants, particularly children, in conflict-affected areas.

MMI