Belgium Arrests Three Over Alleged War Crimes Linked to Cameroon Separatist Conflict

Map showing Cameroon’s Anglophone North-West and South-West regions affected by separatist conflict

Belgian authorities have arrested three individuals as part of an investigation into alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes linked to the separatist conflict in Cameroon, prosecutors confirmed on Tuesday.

The arrests were carried out under Belgium’s universal jurisdiction laws, which allow courts to prosecute serious international crimes regardless of where they were committed. Prosecutors said the investigation relates to alleged atrocities connected to the ongoing armed rebellion in Cameroon’s English-speaking North-West and South-West regions.

The three suspects are believed to be senior figures within the Ambazonia Defence Forces (ADF), an armed separatist group seeking independence for the minority Anglophone regions in the predominantly French-speaking Central African nation.

According to prosecutors, the suspects are accused of coordinating and directing attacks against civilians and security forces in Cameroon from abroad. Authorities further allege that the individuals were involved in raising funds and providing logistical support from Belgium to finance separatist operations on the ground.

The conflict in Cameroon’s Anglophone regions began in 2016 following protests by lawyers and teachers who said the French-speaking central government was marginalising English-speaking communities. What started as largely peaceful demonstrations escalated into an armed separatist insurgency after a government crackdown.

Since then, fighting between government forces and separatist groups has displaced hundreds of thousands of people and led to widespread reports of human rights abuses. Both sides have been accused by rights organisations of committing violations, including unlawful killings, torture, and the targeting of civilians. Belgian prosecutors did not disclose the identities of the suspects but said they would appear before a magistrate for further questioning. It remains unclear whether formal charges have been filed.

Legal experts say the case could mark a significant development in efforts to pursue accountability for crimes committed during the conflict. Belgium has previously exercised universal jurisdiction in cases involving alleged international crimes, particularly when suspects are believed to be residing within its territory.

Cameroon’s government has consistently described the separatist groups as terrorist organisations, while separatist leaders maintain they are fighting for self-determination under the banner of a breakaway state they call Ambazonia. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have indicated that further arrests are possible as evidence continues to be reviewed.

Belgium arrests; Cameroon war crimes; Ambazonia Defence Forces; crimes against humanity; Cameroon; Anglophone crisis