Cameroon’s military has been criticised by a rights group for delaying to deliver justice over the killing of at least 21 civilians by state forces. The incident occurred in Ngarbuh, a village in the restive North-west region about four years ago. In a statement on Wednesday Human Rights Watch decried the prolonged trial of soldiers implicated in the killings since December 2020.
The government initially denied its forces were responsible for killing civilians and torching homes. Following international pressure, an investigation into the incident ordered by President Paul Biya showed the soldiers and their aides killed 13 people. However, HRW said they had evidence of at least 21 deaths, including 13 children during the military raid. Three soldiers were later arrested and charged with murder, and the case is still being heard by a military court.