Story, Louvier Kindo Tombe
The legal mind, lead council of Anglophone victims, Barrister Nsalai Emmanuel was speaking during a press conference in Yaounde. Focus of the conference was to throw more light on the recent February 11 explosion in Nkambe, Donga Mantung division of the North West region, as well as other crimes and attrocities of the crisis in the North West and South West regions.
“We gather here to remember the Nkambe February 11 bomb explosion, and to collectively shun those tearing the English speaking regions apart,” says Barrister Nsalai.
Advocacy groups and concerned citizens are demanding accountability for any wrongdoing related to the Nkambe incident. They seek a thorough investigation and fair legal proceedings.
Some of the Nkambe explosion victims were present at the conference and shared their stories to press men and women. From their statements, it is evident that the victims need assistance in various forms (psychological, material, financial…).
“If there is a center for repentant seperatist fighters, why can’t there be one for us victims? Something should be done in that light,” Derick, a victim of the crisis said.
Responding to this, Barrister Nsalai Emmanuel announced the creation of a center to take care of and assist victims. The structure and functioning of the center would be communicated to the public in a no distant time.
“As we navigate through these trying moments, it is crucial to remember what our response to such acts of violence defines us as a nation and as a people. It is not just about seeking retribution but about ensuring that justice is served,” Barrister Nsalai Emmanuel said.
Fresh legal battles
In the wake of the Nkambe incident, the legal team of the Nsalai law firm embarked on a rigorous legal journey, leveraging away every available avenue, both nationally and internationally, to bring perpetrators to justice.
Furthermore, they have engaged with the United Nations Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) presenting detailed accounts of the human rights violations that occurred. Their collaboration with Interpol aims to track down and hold accountable those residing outside Cameroon who are implicated in financing and supporting terrorist activities. They have filed complaints against the terrorist perpetrators of this incident with the UN Human Rights Council (HRC), European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), and other applicable bodies.
“Our legal actions extend beyond these international bodies. We have worked closely with national law enforcement agencies to ensure that those responsible for the Nkambe tragedy and other acts of terrorism against our nation, face the full weight of the law,” Says Barrister Nsalai.
This includes pursuing justice for the victims of the Kumba massacre and the brutal murder of Florence Ayafor, among others.
“Each case we undertake is a step towards dismantling the networks of terrorism, hate, and violence that have caused so much pain to our communines,” Barrister Nsalai said, as he issued a call to the international community through their ambassadors in Cameroon.
“To the esteemed ambassadors and representatives of Norway, Ireland, England, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, USA, South Africa, Ghana, and other countries present here or watching us globally, we extend a solemn appeal. Within your countries reside individuals accused of orchestrating these heinous acts, including the leader, Cho Ayaba Lucas, from Norway, among others.”
In the coming days, the legal team of Barrister Nsalai will reach out to the ambassados, armed with evidence, to invite them to join in a united front against terrorism.
“Together, let us forge a global community where terrorism finds no sanctuary, where justice prevails, and when peace and stability are not just aspirations but realities for all,” Nsalai said.
