Norwegian police have arrested a man suspected of inciting crimes against humanity in Cameroon.
The arrest was announced on Wednesday, and the authorities have requested that the Oslo District Court approve his preventive detention while the investigation continues.
The man, identified as Cho Lucas Yabah, is in his 50s and is accused of having a role in the ongoing conflict in Cameroon.
The central African nation has been embroiled in an armed struggle, particularly in its two English-speaking regions, where separatist groups have been fighting government forces since 2017.
The conflict began as a protest against what the separatists view as marginalisation by Cameroon’s French-speaking authorities.
More than 6,000 people have lost their lives in the conflict. Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, have accused both sides – government forces, militias, and separatists – of committing serious abuses. These include killings, rapes, torture, and the burning of homes.
Yabah’s lawyer, Morten Engesbak, stated that his client denies the charges and intends to plead not guilty.
According to the lawyer, Yabah believes that the authorities have misunderstood both the situation in Cameroon and his involvement in it. He also confirmed that Yabah is cooperating with the investigation.
Norwegian police, represented by investigator Anette Berger, emphasised the country’s international obligations.
“Norway has an international responsibility to ensure that we are not a free haven for people who commit war crimes or crimes against humanity,” Berger stated.