Europe’s war-crimes net reaches Cameroon’s Anglophone conflict

Belgian authorities have detained three people suspected of playing leadership roles in a Cameroonian separatist militia, in what prosecutors describe as a probe into possible crimes against humanity and war crimes linked to Cameroon’s Anglophone conflict. The investigation underscores a broader European trend: using domestic courts to pursue alleged cross-border responsibility for violence in distant conflicts as BBC reports.

Belgium’s federal prosecutor said the suspects are believed to be leaders of the Ambazonia Defence Forces (ADF), a militia fighting for the independence of Cameroon’s two English-speaking regions the North-West and South-West in a predominantly French-speaking country. Prosecutors allege money was raised in Belgium to support the armed struggle, including the purchase of weapons and ammunition, and that instructions for attacks were issued from Belgian territory.

The detentions followed coordinated searches in Antwerp and the Flemish town of Londerzeel, after four people were arrested. Belgian prosecutors said three suspects were remanded in custody by an investigating judge, while the investigation launched last summer continues.

Belgium’s case also fits into a widening international legal pattern targeting alleged “diaspora command-and-funding” networks. Prosecutors referenced similar investigations in Norway and the United States, where federal authorities have previously pursued charges tied to alleged financing and direction of kidnappings and attacks in Cameroon.

Source: BBC