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Paul Njie
Central African Republic (CAR) President Faustin-Archange Touadera and a delegation from South Africa's ruling ANC party are among those attending a forum in Russia, which is aiming to create a body that will fight against neo-colonialism and the influence of the West. BBC News, Yaoundé
The two countries are among Russia's biggest allies in Africa. Cameroon’s military has been criticised by a rights group for delaying to deliver justice over the killing of at least 21 civilians by state forces.
South Africa's delegation has been led by ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula. The incident occurred in Ngarbuh, a village in the restive North-west region about four years ago.
The event is titled "Forum of Supporters of The Struggles Against Modern Practices Of Neo-colonialism For The Freedom Of Nations". In a statement on Wednesday Human Rights Watch (HRW) decried the prolonged trial of soldiers implicated in the killings since December 2020.
It has been convened by the United Russia party, the country's largest political party, Russian state-owned news agency Sputnik reported. “Hearings have been postponed multiple times, victims’ families have minimal participation in the proceedings, and the court has refused to admit key evidence,“ Lewis Mudge, the HRW’s director for central Africa, said.
The two-day event will also be attended by a delegation of North Korea's ruling party and other representatives from countries in the Global South that are perceived by Russia as "advocates of the fight against new manifestations of colonialism". The trial has been marred by irregularities, the group added.
The Cameroonian government is yet to comment on the criticism made by Human Rights Watch.
In February 2020, soldiers and armed vigilante members stormed Ngarbuh village which they suspected was harbouring separatist fighters. The government initially denied its forces were responsible for killing civilians and torching homes.
Following international pressure, an investigation into the incident ordered by President Paul Biya showed the soldiers and their aides killed 13 people.
However, HRW said they had evidence of at least 21 deaths, including 13 children during the military raid.
Three soldiers were later arrested and charged with murder, and the case is still being heard by a military court.
But one of the lawyers representing families of the victims told the BBC his clients “are discouraged”, stating that there is “no will to serve justice in this case”.
Cameroonian forces have been accused of gross human rights violations in their battle against the Anglophone separatist fighters who are seeking independence from Cameroon. The secessionists have also come under fire for atrocities including kidnapping for ransom, torture, and killings.
The trial of the soldiers is due to resume on Thursday.
Read more on the killings of the Cameroon villagers:
Children among 22 killed in attack on Cameroon village
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