Norwegian police have arrested a man on suspicion of incitement to commit crimes against humanity in Cameroon. The Kripos police unit, which handles war crimes, confirmed the arrest of a man in his 50s on Tuesday.
CRTV radio station identified the man as Lucas Cho Ayaba, a separatist leader. Two sources also confirmed to AFP that Ayaba, 52, was the individual arrested.
Cameroon has been embroiled in a bloody conflict in its anglophone regions since 2016. The conflict began after the brutal suppression of peaceful protests by President Paul Biya’s government.
The anglophone community, making up 20% of Cameroon, has long complained of marginalization. Ayaba leads the Ambazonia Defence Forces, a major armed group in the anglophone areas.
Both separatists and government forces have been accused of abuses by international NGOs. The conflict has resulted in over 6,000 deaths and displaced at least a million people.
A lawyer representing conflict victims filed a complaint against Ayaba and Norway in the United States. In February, the lawyer also petitioned the International Criminal Court to investigate.
This arrest marks Norway’s first for incitement to crimes against humanity. If convicted, Ayaba could face up to 30 years in prison.
