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26.05.2015 Headlines

ModernGhana Columnist And Human Rights Advocate Detained In Cameroon

By Betockvoices, The Farmers
ModernGhana Columnist And Human Rights Advocate Detained In Cameroon
26.05.2015 LISTEN

Christopher Achobang, a recognized human rights activist and columnist with most online news portals, including ModernGhana is going through a hellish ordeal in his home country Cameroon.

The well-known environmentalist, was arrested by security forces on Sunday 26 April 2015 in Meta and has since been held at the prison in Mbengwi, in the Northwest region.

He will appear again before the judge on 27 May 2015. He will appear again before the judge on 27 May 2015. Mr. Achobang was arrested as he graciously offered to mediate in a conflict between herdsmen and farmers in the Meta locality.

According to the information we have, the conflict started after a fire that resulted in the destruction of farmers’ crops and a thatch hut. Under the terms of the indictment, Christopher Achobang is prosecuted for arson and destruction of property on the one hand, and usurpation of title of human rights activist, on the other hand. Both charges seem unfounded in light of the first elements of our investigation.

On the first charge, there is, following the evidence provided so far, no direct evidence of Christopher’s involvement in the fire; instead many corroborating testimonies indicate that he intervened only as a mediator to prevent clashes between the parties and attempted to find a satisfactory solution for all.

Moreover, it should be stressed that the activist is accompanied by five (5) coactivists who are none other than the farmers who lost their farms in the fire; suggesting that they wilfully set fire to their own farms, thereby depriving themselves of their only means of survival ... The second incrimination, on its part, seems fallacious or at least unfounded because Mr. Achobang is unambiguously a human rights activist as defined by the United Nations Declaration on human rights activists*.

In addition, he answered, as we were told by witnesses, to the Meta people’s call, and cannot be accused of usurping any title whatsoever. The Centre for Environment and Development (CED) is concerned about the situation of this human rights activist because of information reaching us about the precarious state of his health, and the violation of civil and political rights, including the right to a fair trial and procedural guarantees of the Cameroonian penal law.

While respecting the judicial proceeding underway, CED would like to draw the attention of the national and international community on the situation of this environmentalist and hopes he can benefit from bail as requested by his lawyer, in order to appear in court in Mbengwi.

The cohabitation between herders and farmers remains a major challenge in our country, and CED strongly hopes that the ongoing land reform would bring effective solutions, in order to end the conflicts that pose a threat to peace in rural areas. * The term “human rights activist” means any person who, individually or in association with others, acts to promote or protect human rights. They are identified above all by what they do, given that the list of activities is not exhaustive.

A human rights activist is one who defends any fundamental right in the name of a person or group of people. Human rights activists seek to promote and protect civil and political rights and to promote, protect and implement economic, social and cultural rights.

For more information, please contact: Mireille Tchiako Communications Officer Tel: +237 6 70 12 73 24 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Website: www.cedcameroun.org

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