An environmentalist arrested and imprisoned in Cameroon, 25 May 2015

Christopher Achobang, a recognized human rights activist and 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. 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.