Belgian law enforcement has made significant strides in a war crimes investigation related to the ongoing separatist conflict in Cameroon, resulting in the arrest of four individuals. This action was confirmed by the Federal Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday, highlighting the severity of the allegations against those involved.
Investigative Background and Arrests
The investigation commenced last summer, prompted by intelligence from Norwegian judicial authorities. It focuses on potential crimes against humanity and war crimes allegedly committed in Cameroon since 2020. Authorities are particularly interested in individuals residing in Belgium who are believed to be part of the leadership of the Ambazonia Defence Forces (ADF), an armed group advocating for separatism.
On Sunday, coordinated operations were executed in Londerzeel, situated 20 kilometers north of Brussels, and in Antwerp. Out of the four suspects apprehended during these raids, three have been placed in pre-trial detention. Prosecutors revealed that “money is reportedly being raised for the armed struggle and for the purchase of arms and ammunition,” with claims that “instructions for attacks and liquidations are said to be given from Belgium.”
Context of the Conflict
The conflict in Cameroon is marked by a violent struggle between government forces, primarily French-speaking, and English-speaking separatists who are aiming to establish an independent state known as Ambazonia in the northwest region. This unrest, which began in 2017 in response to perceived discrimination against anglophone regions, has resulted in the deaths of over 6,000 individuals and the displacement of countless others.
In light of these arrests, Belgian prosecutors are collaborating with international counterparts in Norway and the United States, where investigations into suspected ADF members are also being conducted. Last September, U.S. prosecutors charged two alleged ADF leaders in Minnesota, accusing them of financing and orchestrating attacks in Cameroon. Furthermore, in 2024, Norwegian authorities apprehended prominent separatist leader Ayaba Cho Lucas on suspicions of inciting crimes against humanity.
“Money is reportedly being raised for the armed struggle and for the purchase of arms and ammunition,”