The Minister Delegate at the Presidency in Charge of Defense has revealed that there is no pity for soldiers who violate the rules of engagement in their operations to restore peace in the conflict-hit North West and South West regions. Joseph Beti Assomo made the revelations at the National Assembly Thursday 1 April 2021.
The MINDEF was responding to questions from Honourables Dissake Margueritte espe Ekoka, Nikina Pierre, Biba Francois Prostin, Njume Peter Ambang and Hon Injo Foo Ngang Prudencia.
The five lawmakers questioned Minister Assomo on the alleged acts of rights violations by soldiers, the ‘forgotten’ Boko Haram conflict in the Far North and lack of support to give hope to the affected population, rising insecurity in the Adamawa region and measures put in place to thwart plans from unknown rebel groups threatening to march in Yaounde as well as issues related to military training, embezzlement of allowances of junior officers by superiors, attacks of journalists among others.
Reacting to the worries of Hon Njume Peter Ambang on situation of human rights violations in the North West and South West regions, Assomo said it is unfortunate the word human rights has become the most used word by foreign governments, institutions and media in levying accusations on the soldiers.
He regretted the fact the soldiers have been decapitated, maimed, beheaded and murdered in the most gruesome of ways in these two regions while fighting to protect the population and property even though much is not been said about such acts by the ministry.
The MINDEF said whatever be the situation, the ministry has no pity for soldiers who go out of their rules of engagement and training to commit atrocities and human rights violations.
He disclosed that there are many soldiers who have been arrested and locked up at the Yaounde military prison while awaiting court judgments from the military tribunal on crimes they are accused of committing.
He said the only thing is that such court proceedings and trials are not broadcast publicly, thereby, making many people to think the soldiers are not been punished.
Focusing on the situation of the Ngarbu massacre, the MINDEF said all the promises made by government are being implemented including the erection of tombs in the area by North West Governor in memory of the 21 persons who lost their lives including women and children, financial assistance to families without disclosure of the sum for fear of them being attacked by bandits, creation of special military base in the area to protect locals and their property from armed gangs and bandits.
He said the three suspected soldiers arrested for perpetrating the massacre are undergoing judgment with the next court hearings programme for 15 April 2021.
War in Far North region not forgotten
The MINDEF refuted claims from Hon Nikina Pierre that the war in the Far North against Boko Haram terrorist sect has been forgotten with no plan to assist the population that continuous to suffer attacks.
He said all security measures taken before are still in place and it is thanks to it that even an inch of the national territory has not been occupied by the terrorists group. He assured that government with other forces in the Lake Chad Basin are doing their best in combatting the extremist gang and the war is on.
On issues related to training, he clarified that measures are been taken by government to improve as well as better working conditions for defense forces. He said the rising phenomenon of abductions for ransom, cattle theft as well as emergence of so-called Movement for the Liberation of Cameroon rebel group is under the security radar.
Beti Assomo thanked the lawmakers for their interest in the activities of the defence forces in the form of encouragement, congratulations and condolences where circumstances require. The session was chaired by Senior Deputy Speaker, Hon. Hilarion Etong.
By Doh Bertrand Nua
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