Guzang killings must not go unpunished – Amnesty International

Amnesty International has condemned the public execution of two men in Guzang, Batibo, in the North West Region of Cameroon this week.

The human rights organization’s West and Central Africa Director, Samira Daoud, stated in a release titled “Cameroon: The unlawful killings of two people by separatists must not go unpunished.” 

“The authorities must urgently and impartially investigate to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”

Hundreds of citizens witnessed the shooting of Mbanyamsi Hansel, also known as Heavy Son, and the brother of the Fon of Guzang, as well as Mbah Calistus, popularly called Aboro, in broad daylight. Many told MMI that fear has gripped every household, with many scared to leave their houses.

Amnesty International says this adds to the list of killings and abuses in the Anglopphone region where a bloody quest for independence has prevails for over seven years.

“Armed groups are trying to impose their control, resulting in the inhabitants of the towns and villages in the Anglophone regions experiencing daily horror. This heinous crime is just another manifestation of that.”

“Amnesty International Evidence Lab verified the details of a video shared on social media that showed the unlawful killings at Guzang Market Square. The Ambazonia Governing Council, a separatist organization linked to the Ambazonia Defence Forces armed group, claimed responsibility for the incident.”

In the video, at least two armed men can be seen talking to the two victims before they suddenly shoot them in front of dozens of people who were standing on the side of the road.

The Senior Divisional Officer of Momo Division issued a press release condemning the killings and pledging to carry out an investigation to “track down the perpetrators.”

“Authorities in Cameroon must take immediate steps to investigate all allegations of serious human rights abuses committed by both state forces and armed groups and must prevent more abuses from happening,” Daoud said.

In July 2023, Amnesty International accused soldiers and armed separatists in the two Anglophone regions of major human rights breaches and abuses in a report.