The United States has condemned Nigerian and Cameroonian authorities over the 47 Anglophone Cameroonian detainees who were repatriated to Cameroon from Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement by the U.S Department of State, signed by Ms Heather Nauert, noting that Nigeria and Cameroon have violated the rights of the detainees by forcibly repatriating them back to their countries of origin.
The U.S however, urged both countries to respect the human rights of the detainees and follow due process in handling their matter.
It also urged both countries to refrain from embarking on forceful repatriation of asylum-seekers but condemned the violence in Cameroon.
“We also call on the Government of Cameroon to respect the human rights, including due process, of the 47 Cameroonians forcibly returned from Nigerian custody to the Cameroonian authorities on Jan. 26,” the statement read.
“This is in addition to many of whom had reportedly submitted asylum claims in Nigeria.
“We urge the Governments of Cameroon and Nigeria to adhere to their obligations under international law to refrain from forcible returns to asylum-seekers back to their countries of origin.
“The 47 Cameroonians are now held in detention in Cameroon allegedly in connection with tension and violence in North West and South West Regions.
“We expect the government of Cameroon to afford these and other individuals previously detained all the rights and protections enshrined in Cameroon’s constitution, consistent with the nation’s international obligations and commitments.
“The U.S. condemns the ongoing violence in Cameroon’s Anglophone regions, including the murder of two Cameroonian gendarmes in the North West Region village of Mbingo.
“It also condemns the murder of a Cameroonian soldier outside of Bamenda on Feb. 1, and an electoral official of Elections Cameroon (ELECAM) in Bangem.
“The U.S. further condemns the reported deaths of four civilians in Bemenda and Belo on Feb. 2 and 3.
“We offer our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, and to the people of Cameroon.”
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