It was the first time to read such words from the head of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon. The words were raw, brutal but firm- the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon has just taken a stance- the war of independence is an illusion.

The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, Rt. Rev. Fonki Samuel Forba, in an emotional outburst on Tuesday, condemned the detention and torture of women for protesting against what he described as “unlawful taxes” issued to them in Babanki, Mezam division of the Northwest region.

Rev Fonki Samuel said exercising strength on armless civilians is unacceptable.

“ It is culturally and traditionally abominable to dececrate women. It is against article 27 chapter iv of the Fourth Geneva Convention for the protection of civilians, women and children in particular in times of war…, it is a war crime to use live ammunition on armless civilians,” he reiterated.

On Friday, May 19, 2023, about 30 women protested the imposed levy of FCFA 10,000 per male and FCFA 5000 per female and pleaded with the separatists fighters to abolish such monthly levies. These women were however held hostage with several others injured.

The Man of God called on those concerned to release the women and to put an end to forceful taxes “ liberation tax” and extortions meted on the population.

He also urged the International community to bring charges on those who are directly or indirectly dehumanizing Cameroonians’, human rights violations.

Source: Cameroon News Agency