Human rights group condemns killing of Belo Mayor, reiterates civilian protection

By Tata Mbunwe

The recent assassination of Ngong Innocent, the Mayor of Belo, along with two other individuals on National Day, has been condemned as an “act of barbarism” by the Center for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa (CHRDA).

The organization highlighted that such acts violate international human rights norms and emphasized the need to protect civilians who are not involved in hostilities.

The tragic incident occurred on May 20, 2024, when Mayor Ngong Innocent, a Municipal Councillor, and a basic education inspector were ambushed and killed by Ambazonia separatist fighters while on their way to the grandstand to participate in National Day celebrations in Belo.

Separatist networks, including the Ambazonia Governing Council, later claimed responsibility for the attack.

In a statement released on Tuesday, CHRDA condemned the attack, noting that it was carried out in blatant disregard of international humanitarian standards.

“This act of barbarism was carried out in outright disregard of the existing international human rights and humanitarian standards regulating the conduct of hostilities in the context of a conflict,” the statement read.

The organization reiterated that civilians, including government officials not actively participating in hostilities, should not be targeted in conflicts.

“This incident adds up to many of such violations and abuses committed in the context of the ongoing conflict in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon for over eight years now,” CHRDA stated.

The officials killed were responding to calls from the administration for civil servants and other government officials in the English-speaking regions to participate in National Day celebrations, which have been widely opposed by separatist groups.

Many Cameroonians have been critical of the administration, which continues to lead civil servants to their deaths by failing to provide them ample security amid separatists’ violence.

Dr. Ngong Innocent is the second Mayor to be killed in the English-speaking regions, following the assassination of Ashu Prisley Ojong, the Mayor of Mamfe, by separatist fighters in 2021.

Hundreds of other public officials and civil servants, including teachers, have suffered similar fates in the past seven years.

CHRDA has called for a transparent and impartial investigation into the killings, urging authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“The Centre condemns this act of barbarism and urges authorities in the area to carry out a transparent and impartial investigation to bring the perpetrators of this act to justice. CHRDA further urges both parties to refrain from targeting civilians and their property,” the statement added.

The ongoing armed conflict in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon has claimed the lives of more than 6,000 civilians since 2016.

CHRDA reported that over 300 deaths have occurred in 2023 alone.

The wanton violence and targeting of non-combatants have drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organizations, which continue to call for peaceful resolutions and the protection of innocent lives in the conflict-ridden regions.

©Mimi Mefo Info