The Head of United Nations Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), François Louncény Fall and the United States Embassy in Cameroon have asked the government of Cameroon to launch an investigation on the recent killings that have taken place in different localities in the nation.

Head of United Nation Office for Central Africa, François Louncény Fall

Recent killings since the beginning of this New Year have claimed the lives of many civilians. In a press release dated Thursday January 14, the United States Embassy in Cameroon expressed their condolence to all those affected by attacks in Mbengwi, which resulted to the death of the Divisional Delegate of Communication for Momo Division, Becky Jeme Iyabo and other individuals, and the killing in Mozogo in the Far North Region.

The The US Embassy expressed dissatisfaction on the state of violent attacks that have taken place in the nation since the beginning of the year 2021. According to UNOCA Head, there is need for an immediate investigation to be launched into these killings especially the killings that happened in Mautu, a locality in Muyuka Sub-Division and in Matazem, a locality between the West and Northwest Regions.

“Deeply concerned and saddened by the attack on Mautu on January 10 that claimed the lives of many civilians. I call for an investigation into this attack” François Louncény Fall said.

The UNOCA Head reiterated on the need for ceasefire “it is urgent to work towards achieving ceasefire as called for by United Nation Secretary General, Antonio Guterres”

The United States Embassy in Cameroon asserts that innocent lives have been robbed off the opportunity to serve their families and communities while the wounded would have to bear the physical and emotional scar of their ordeals.

“Swift, impartial and thorough investigation must be carried out in all of these attacks so that the perpetrators are held accountable and justice is served for the victims, their loved ones and the people of Cameroon,” the US Embassy release partly reads.

Since the onset of January 2020, Human Right Watch estimates that at least 285 Civilians have been killed in about 190 incidents in the Northwest and Southwest Regions of Cameroon and several thousand displaced internally and in Neighbouring countries.

By Neville Mesumbe