Three Cameroonian soldiers have been sentenced to prison for their role in the killing of at least 21 civilians in the nation's Anglophone region. The jail terms, ranging from five to 10 years, follow convictions for murder, arson, and destruction in connection with the February 14, 2020 attack on the village of Ngarbuh.
The attack, which included the burning of homes and the killing of 13 children, was carried out by soldiers supported by a local militia. This conviction marks a rare instance of military personnel being held accountable for crimes against civilians in Cameroon's decade-long separatist conflict. A militia member also received a jail term for the same offenses.
Lawyers for the victims expressed disappointment, calling the sentences "insignificant" and "mild," arguing they fall below the minimum legal requirements for such severe crimes. They also criticized the lack of prosecution for any senior military officers, suggesting the soldiers acted on superior orders. The military court rejected the victims' demand for compensation.
The conflict in the English-speaking regions has resulted in an estimated 6,000 deaths and over half a million displaced persons. Human rights groups have documented widespread abuses by both separatist fighters and state forces.