The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has requested the Cameroonian government to launch an “independent” investigation into Bamenda’s police brutality during the peaceful demonstrations on the 8^th of December.

“We call on the Cameroonian government to ensure that an independent and effective rapid investigation is carried out on reports that the police used excessive force during a demonstration in Bamenda on the 8^th of December, during which four people were reportedly killed, “noted Liz Throssell, spokesman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Several cases of police atrocities have been reported during the recent demonstrations in the Anglophone regions of the country. The police have been accused of using “excessive” force against unarmed peaceful demonstrators protesting against the use of French in the courts and schools.

The violence resulted in the deaths of several people with many reportedly injured. The Francophone government in Yaounde however revealed that only two people died from wounds sustained during the violent demonstrations. The High Commissioner for Human Rights has also reminded the Cameroonian authorities to respect Cameroon’s international commitments on respect for human rights.  Amnesty International also made the same request recently.

By Rita Akana