Kumbo: Family demands justice in the death of Hans and Moctaru
The conflict in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon, popularly referred to as “The Anglophone crisis”, has been marked by significant unrest and violence since 2016. The crisis stems from long-standing grievances about political, economic, and cultural marginalization by the predominantly francophone government. The situation has escalated into armed conflict, with numerous reports of human rights abuses by both separatist groups and government forces. Cameroon News Agency, CNA has remained glued to the crisis to make sure excesses by both parties are brought into the limelight in the hope for justice for the victims of the crisis and a sustainable solution to the crisis.
On June 19, 2024 at about 3:00 PM Nyuyki Hans Fonyuy and Moctaru, were forced by members of Cameroon military to search for a detected Improvised Explosive Device, IED with their bare hands, resulting in their deaths. As they found the device, it was remotely detonated by Separatists who planted the IED.
The incident in Melim, Kumbo subdivision in the North West region, was a gross violation of civil and human rights and exemplifies the ongoing conflict and human rights abuses in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon.
Hans and Moctaru were civilians residing in the English-speaking part of Cameroon. According to eyewitness accounts and local reports, they were passing by the scene where the military had earlier detected some Improvised Explosive Devices, IED and had also stopped cars from passing, after failed attempts of forcing civilians from the stopped cars to join them in the search for the IED, Hans and Moctaru who were passing by on a bike where then threatened and forced to search for the IED with their bare hands. Upon coming in contact with the IED, it detonated and immediately killed Hans and Moctaru. They then abandoned them there.
One of the witneses told CNA that he asked people to call Hans’ wife and inform her about what has just happened. This is because the IED had shattered the victims beyond recognition but he noted that Hans was wearing Rainboots.
The actions of the Cameroon military in this incident constitute severe violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, including:
- Right to Life: Forcing Hans and Moctaru to detonate an explosive device deliberately endangered and ultimately ended their lives, violating their most fundamental right.
- Protection from Torture and Inhumane Treatment: Making individuals handle explosives under duress is a form of torture and cruel, inhumane treatment prohibited under international law.
- Civilian Protection in Armed Conflict: Under the Geneva Conventions, civilians are afforded protection from military operations. The forced participation of Hans and Moctaru in handling explosives violates these protections.
Members of the family who spoke to CNA based on anonymity pleaded with human rights and humanitarian stakeholders, state and non-state actors especially the international community to take urgent and decisive action to address this atrocity, seek for justice victim’s family.
#JUSTICE4HANS AND #JUSTICE4MOCTARU
Bringing the armed military forces that threatened and forced these two youths to lose their lives. They also highlighted that an iindependent investigation should be conducted to ascertain the facts and hold those responsible accountable.
The deaths of Hans and Moctaru at the hands of the Cameroon military are a stark reminder of the urgent need for justice and human rights protections in conflict zones. It is imperative that the international community stands firm against such violations and works towards a peaceful and just resolution for the people of Cameroon.
