Belgium arrests three over Cameroon war crimes allegations

Three people have been detained in Belgium as part of an investigation into alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes linked to the separatist conflict in Cameroon, as reported by the BBC and agencies on March 3rd.

The suspects are believed to hold leadership roles within the Ambazonia Defence Forces (ADF), an armed group fighting for the independence of Cameroon’s two English-speaking regions. Prosecutors allege that funds were raised in Belgium to support the armed struggle and to purchase weapons and ammunition. Investigators also claim that instructions for attacks in Cameroon may have been issued from Belgian territory.

The arrests followed coordinated searches carried out on March 1st, in the city of Antwerp and the Flemish town of Londerzeel. Four individuals were initially detained, with three later remanded in custody by an investigating judge. Authorities said the inquiry began last summer and focuses on individuals residing in Belgium who are suspected of being part of the ADF’s leadership structure. Similar investigations have also taken place in Norway and the United States.

The conflict in Cameroon’s North-West and South-West regions began in 2017, when separatist fighters took up arms after activists declared the creation of an independent state known as Ambazonia. The declaration followed months of protests by lawyers and teachers in 2016, who opposed the increasing use of French in courts and schools in the predominantly English-speaking regions.

According to the United Nations, more than 6,500 people have been killed since the conflict erupted nearly a decade ago. The violence has displaced over 490,000 people and left more than 1.5 million in need of humanitarian assistance. Human rights organisations have accused both separatist fighters and Cameroonian state forces of committing serious abuses.

President Paul Biya, who has ruled Cameroon for more than 40 years, maintains that his government has made efforts to address the crisis. However, his administration continues to face criticism over its handling of the unrest and broader restrictions on political freedoms.

BBC News and agencies, Maghrebi.org