Belgian authorities have arrested four individuals as part of an investigation into alleged crimes against humanity related to the Anglophone crisis in Cameroon. The arrests took place last Sunday in Londerzeel and Antwerp, and were confirmed this Tuesday by the Belgian federal prosecutor's office, according to AFP. Three of the suspects have been detained.
The investigation by the Belgian authorities targets alleged activities of financing and organizing the armed struggle in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon. Funds were allegedly collected to purchase weapons and ammunition, and instructions were allegedly given from Belgium. The arrests were carried out during simultaneous searches, but the identities of those arrested have not been disclosed.
Since 2016, Cameroon has been facing an armed conflict in its Anglophone regions, where separatist groups are claiming independence for a territory they call "Ambazonia". This conflict, stemming from historical tensions and the perceived marginalization of the Anglophone minority, has resulted in thousands of casualties and displaced hundreds of thousands of people.
According to Human Rights Watch, at least 6,000 civilians have died since the start of this crisis. The abuses committed include murders, acts of torture, arbitrary arrests, and mass displacements of populations. International organizations have also denounced human rights violations attributed to government forces and separatist groups.
These arrests in Belgium come in a context where the Cameroonian Anglophone crisis is attracting increasing attention on the international stage. In September 2024, Norway had already arrested a man, Cho Lucas Yabah, suspected of inciting crimes against humanity in Cameroon. The Cameroonian government is closely following the legal proceedings in Belgium, as it could open a new chapter in the handling of the Anglophone crisis internationally.
