Rare prison sentences handed to Cameroon soldiers after killing of 21 civilians
In a rare occurence, three soldiers were handed jail terms for killings in the troubled Anglophone region.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"The sentence was so mild, I even qualify it as friendly because we are talking of a massacre."
— Sother Menkem , Activist
"The sentence was so mild, I even qualify it as friendly because we are talking of a massacre."
— Sother Menkem , Activist
Key People
Paul Biya is the President of Cameroon, who has been in power since 1982.
Richard Tamfu is another lawyer representing the victims in the court case.
Sother Menkem is a lawyer representing the victims of the killings in Cameroon.
All Coverage
In a rare occurence, three soldiers were handed jail terms for killings in the troubled Anglophone region.
Three Cameroonian soldiers have been sentenced to prison for their role in the killing of at least 21 civilians in the country's troubled Anglophone region. The jail terms for the crimes, which took place six years ago in the Northwest region, range from five to 10 years per person. A military court previously found the soldiers guilty of murder, arson and destruction—a rare occurrence in a country where military personnel are seldom convicted of crimes against civilians. Nevertheless, lawyers for the victims told the BBC they were disappointed with the length of the jail terms handed down on Thursday, calling them 'insignificant'.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Four arrested over boxing champion's murder in South Africa
One of the suspects is due in court on Monday to be charged with murder and attempted murder.
August 24, 2026 at 08:32 AMDutch court sentences man to life over Rwanda genocide
The court in The Hague convicted the 66-year-old of war crimes and the crime of genocide.
August 28, 2026 at 12:15 PM'Silence is complicity' - top footballer hits out over Cameroon femicides
The killing of at least eight women in a week has sparked outrage in Cameroon.
August 27, 2026 at 02:26 PMGuinea's president dismisses 173 soldiers, including coup ally, for desertion
It is thought to be part of efforts to consolidate the former coup leader's control.
August 26, 2026 at 01:49 PMAt least one dead after car crashes into crowd in northern France
One suspect was arrested after the incident in Caen, police said, following a reported fight at a nearby bar.
August 27, 2026 at 02:42 AMGuinea rubbish landfill collapse kills 30
A mound of rubbish at a major waste site buried several homes in the capital, the government says.
August 23, 2026 at 06:17 PM