The Secretary of State in charge of the National Gendarmerie, Yves Landry Galax Etoga, has warned members of the corps to shun illegal detention and mistreatment of detainees.
According to him, the measure aims to combat illegal practices and restore compliance with legal frameworks.
In a communiqué released recently and addressed to all gendarmerie units, he underscored the rising frequency of unlawful detentions and called for immediate corrective actions.
“Guarding a suspect in custody is a measure governed by legal texts,” the communiqué states.
“This institution must align with regulations defining its scope and methods of execution.”
The gendarmerie boss further reminded gendarmes that they will be held responsible for deviations from established protocols.
“Commanding officers will bear full responsibility for any irregularities in their absence or oversight,” Galax said.
He mandated them to provide weekly reports on the status of detainees and their custody conditions to ensure oversight and prevent further abuses.
“Every unit commander must send a weekly update on persons in custody to higher command for assessment,” the communiqué instructed.
Mr Etoga warned those who facilitate such practices, promising disciplinary and judicial consequences for violations, including potential lawsuits from victims.
“Officers who violate these provisions will face disciplinary sanctions and judicial prosecution, alongside civil claims for compensation,” the message reads.
The directive also emphasized the need for consistent inspections at detention facilities.
“Frequent and unannounced visits must be conducted to control detention conditions and address any irregularities,” it stated.
The communiqué underscored the Gendarmerie’s commitment to upholding the law and ensuring justice.
It calls for immediate enforcement of legal provisions and elimination of all forms of arbitrary custody.
“Let this serve as a reminder to all formations to adhere strictly to procedures and avoid any recurrence of these reported abuses,” concludes General Etoga.
Human Rights Advocacy Praises the Directive
The move has been applauded by human rights advocates, who have long decried the plight of detainees in the country.
“This is a significant step forward for justice and accountability within Cameroon’s security forces,” said Barrister Edward Lyonga Ewule, a legal expert and human rights advocate.
“It reflects a clear intention to align detention practices with national and international legal standards.”
This warning is coming in the wake of repeated human rights abuses perpetrated by members of the gendarmerie corps.
Such rights abuses, including the torture of detainees, have often gone unpunished.
It is hoped that these new directives from the gendarmerie boss would translate to a tangible reduction in reported abuses and improved respect for human rights within the corps.
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