Far North : Families of slain researchers call for exhumation, justice
By Synthia Lateu
Families of researchers who fell victim to mob justice in Souledé-Roua, in the Mayo-Tsanaga Division, Far North Region of Cameroon are demanding the exhumation of their loved ones’ bodies. These academicians were burned alive and buried at the crime scene. The families of the researchers still grieving, protested at the Far North Region governor’s office on March 12, holding placards and calling for justice.
The National Union of Researchers for Higher Education has condemned this “heinous act,” which involved three victims: Mr. Mounsi Frederic, a researcher at the Geological and Mining Research Institute and a doctoral student at the University of Maroua; Dr. Bello Bienvenue, a lecturer-researcher at the University of Garoua; and their unnamed guide.
Accompanied by their two young children, Dr. Bello’s wife expressed her anguish at the governor’s office, stating, “All I’m asking for is that my husband’s body be exhumed and that justice be served, not just for him, but for others too. If this country stands for justice, now is the time for them to prove it to us.” She said over Equinoxe TV.
Since the incident, the families have repeatedly visited the governor’s office, hoping for justice.
Family lawyers indicated that authorities had authorised the exhumation of the bodies but noted the slow progress of the procedure.
Following a videoconference session on Saturday, March 8, 2025, convened after the incident, the National Union of Researchers for Higher Education released a strong condemnation of the act, extending heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and to the national university community. They lamented that teaching and research activities are increasingly dangerous for those involved.
The organisation urged people of good moral character to join the national university community in expressing outrage and commitment to life. They announced a cessation of all academic and research activities on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, and called on the entire national university community—teachers, researchers, students, non-teaching staff, and members of civil society organisations—to wear white or display white cloths from Thursday, March 13, to Sunday, March 16, 2025, as a gesture of support for the grieving families.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from the public. Maurice Kamto, leader of the Movement for the Renaissance of Cameroon (MRC), urged the judicial authorities to conduct an impartial and thorough investigation to identify those responsible for this despicable act and to rigorously punish the culprits. He also called on relevant authorities to take steps to raise awareness and implement measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
