The military tribunal in Yaounde has found three members of the security forces guilty of killing civilians in the Northwest region in Ngarbuh February 2020.
Sergeant Baba Guida, Gendarme Sanding Sanding Cyrille, and First Class Soldier Haranga were convicted of murder, arson, and violence against a pregnant woman.
The soldiers were accused of conducting a military operation in the village of Ngarbuh during the night of Feb. 13-14, 2020. The region has been gripped by a separatist conflict between the army and secessionist groups since 2017.
The punitive operation, carried out in retaliation against Mbororo Fulani civilians, resulted in the deaths of 13 people, including 10 children and three women. Five fighters were also reportedly killed during the operation.
“In a state of panic, the three soldiers, assisted by certain members of the vigilance committee, attempted to hide the facts through arson,” a commission of inquiry ordered by the head of state later reported. The incident caused an outcry in public opinion and led to international condemnation.
The commission of inquiry established responsibilities in the case. Battalion Chief Nyiangono Ze Charles Eric, commander of the 52nd Motorized Infantry Battalion, was accused of failing to supervise the operation conducted by his men, despite being aware of community tensions in the region. Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against him.
Sergeant Baba Guida was accused of involving civilians in a military operation and ordering the deliberate burning of houses to distort the operational report. Gendarme Sanding Sanding Cyrille and First Class Soldier Haranga were both accused of participating in an operation that caused several deaths and for causing fires.
None of the civilians from the vigilance committee who participated in the operation have been arrested.
The case was adjourned until Monday, Jan. 19, for the delivery of the verdict and the filing of civil claims. The tribunal will determine prison sentences for the defendants and set damages.