CDHC calls on authorities to investigate Bopda issue

By Eratus Ndueh

The Cameroon Human Rights Commission (CDHC) has issued a press release in response to serious allegations of human rights violations involving a Cameroonian citizen, currently circulating on social media. The allegations include attacks on the right to life, physical and moral integrity, sexual assault, kidnapping and sequestration as well as sexual harassment impacting hundreds of people.

However, as the allegations are anonymous, the CDHC notes that they cannot be dealt with as they should. Typically, the commission would receive the allegations, interview the applicants, examine the evidence and hear from the alleged victims, accused, and witnesses. The CDHC encourages the alleged victims to contact them via their toll-free number, 1523, to enable the commission carry out investigations.

The CDHC also acknowledges a complaint filed by a Cameroon citizen with the Public Prosecutor at the Court of First Instance of Douala-Bonanjo calling for an investigation into individuals for defamation, complicity and death threats.

The CDHC has urged competent authorities to investigate the allegations impartially and take the required legal measures based on the findings and added that they will be closely monitoring developments. As allegations of human rights abuse in Cameroon continue to surface, many are calling for urgent intervention to curb the violation of fundamental human rights of citizens.

The CDHC, which is an independent organization created by law n 2019/014 of 19 July 2019, is responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights in Cameroon. The commission has also established a national mechanism for the prevention of torture in the country.