The verdict from the Yaounde military tribunal on May 25, 2018 condemning activists Mancho Bibixy, Tsi Conrad, Tamngwa Malvin, Aselecha Martin Guingah Valentine and Awah Thomas on prison terms ranging from eleven to fifteen years did not only spark outrage but has drawn criticisms from all corners of the globe. Barrister Agbor Nkongho Balla is the the most recent to voice his ire on the concocted sham trial.
In the statement made public via the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa (CHRDA), the barrister-at-law asserted that the guilty verdict of Terrorism, Secession, Hostilities against the Fatherland, Propagation of False Information, Revolution, Insurrection, Contempt of Public Bodies and Public Servants, Resistance, Depredation by Band, Non-possession of National Identity Card, were ”unjust” including heavy fines of up to 268 millions of CFA Francs for damages to the colonial state of Cameroun.
Having been a victim of similar circumstances himself, Balla opined that the entire proceedings were a ”clear illustration” of how the justice system in La Republique has been politicized to quell dissenting voices. Mancho and others were picked up in Ambazonia, ferried and detained in Yaounde kilometers away from the jurisdiction from where they were arrested. They have been held for a prolonged period and subsequently prosecuted on ”politically motivated” charges for simply exercising their inalienable right to freedom of expression and assembly. They spoke out against the marginalization of the people of Anglophone Cameroon.
He calls the sentencing, a major ”setback” for human rights by using the courts to silence peaceful protesters. His assessment so far is that such blatant targeting poses a threat to Human Rights Defenders and pinpoints the ”dark shadow” surrounding the policies where advocates for the rights of marginalized people, particularly the people of Ambazonia will daint any chance for reconciliation, dialogue and finding a possible solution to the current conflict.
Making references to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, noting that Article II clearly guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and demonstration, a statute which is enshrined in Cameroun Constitution of January 18, 1996. Thus, reinterating yet again that those handed heavy prison sentences were punished merely for exercising their constitutional rights, Balla noted.
On the issue of trying civilians in military courts, the learned barrister made it clear that international human rights, Principles and Guidelines to a fair trial and legal assistance in Africa, Article G (c) which states ”Military courts should not in any circumstances whatsoever have jurisdiction over civilians”. The Barrister cited repeated concerns and alarm bells sound for the lack of judicial independence, competence among others, which has fallen only on deaf ears throughout the process.
Neba Benson,
BaretaNews Foreign Correspondent/Analyst
1 comment
They think they got him as well as the others, but all they did was handcuff their own selves.
He is one of those who will never be wiped out of Ourstory and history.
We have a see of hero that we will forever, over and over again with pride show to
our children.
A man in the fullest sense of the word.