ESFA expresses grave concern and strongly condemns the attack against civilians in Nwa Sub Division, Northwest Region, Cameroon: Cameroon must ensure border security and protect civilians
Ethical and Sustainable Future for All (ESFA) expresses its grave concern and unequivocal condemnation of the violent attacks perpetrated against civilians allegedly by armed herdsmen from Nigeria in Mbat Village, located in Nwa Subdivision, Donga-Mantung Division, in Cameroon’s Northwest Region. These attacks, which occurred between Friday 13 and Saturday 14 February 2026, resulted in the large-scale destruction of civilian homes and property, the burning of schools and places of worship, widespread looting, and the forced displacement of hundreds of civilians.
ESFA is deeply alarmed by the recurrent nature of these attacks, the scale of the destruction, and the apparent absence of timely and effective protection measures by the Cameroonian authorities for affected populations. The violence against Mbat Village represents a serious escalation of insecurity in the area and raises profound concerns regarding civilian protection, accountability, and the respect for international human rights and humanitarian law.
Summary of Facts and Sources: According to consistent reports from local sources and national media outlets, including The Guardian Post, Cameroon News Agency, Mimi Mefo Info, My Media Prime, and The Post Newspaper, and our trusted sources, the attacks were allegedly carried out by armed militia commonly identified by residents as Fulani militias/armed herdsmen, reportedly crossing into the locality from neighboring Nigeria.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the assailants entered Mbat Village at nightfall, positioning themselves at multiple entry points. Although a vigilant villager reportedly raised the alarm, an action believed to have saved lives, residents were forced to flee in panic from Upper Mbat to Lower Mbat, and subsequently into surrounding bushes and forests as the attackers set homes and infrastructure ablaze.
At least 205 houses were reportedly burnt, with some local estimates indicating even higher levels of destruction and approximately a thousand people were displaced, including women, children, elderly persons, and infants, now hiding in bushes and forests. The destruction also extended to the loss of six (6) Motorbikes, One hundred and fifty-five (155) maize barns destroyed, therefore, undermining food security and livelihoods, while thirty-eight (38) goats were stolen, Public and community infrastructure was equally destroyed, including Government School (GS) Mbat and Baptist Church Upper Mbat and Fifteen (15) provision stores looted.
As of the time of this report, the Cameroonian authorities have not issued any public statement as to the attack, No group have claimed responsibility, and residents of both Upper and Lower Mbat are displaced, living without access to food, shelter, healthcare, or protection. This incident marks the third reported attack on Mbat Village, intensifying fears among residents and deepening a sense of abandonment due to the lack of official response, as the Fulani armed herdsmen, allegedly from Nigeria continued to carry out the attacks in this village.
Humanitarian and Protection Impact: ESFA is gravely concerned about the humanitarian situation facing displaced residents of Mbat Village. Families are reportedly sleeping in the open, exposed to rain, cold nights, mosquito bites, and other health risks. Babies, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, and elderly residents face heightened vulnerability due to the absence of shelter, clean water, sanitation, and medical assistance.
The forced displacement of civilians into bushes and forests constitutes a serious protection risk and contributes to the already critical internal displacement situation in Cameroon’s Northwest Region due to the ongoing armed conflict. The lack of immediate humanitarian assistance and security reinforcement exposes displaced persons to further violence, exploitation, disease, and trauma.
ESFA emphasizes that the terrorization of civilians in Mbat Village constitute serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and may amount to international crimes if established through independent investigations. The attacks violate fundamental rights protected under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), notably Article 3 which the right to life, liberty, and security of person, Article 17 which protects the right to own property and not be arbitrarily deprived of it and Article 25, which protects the right to an adequate standard of living, including housing.
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Cameroon is a State Party, particularly Article 6, which protects the right to life and Article 7, which prohibits cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment;
The terrorization of civilians in Mbat constitutes crimes against humanity, as arson, persecution, and forced displacement are widespread or systematic and directed against a civilian population. The attacks are reported and targeted and constitute crimes against humanity under international criminal law. ESFA stresses that such crimes attract individual criminal responsibility and are not subject to statutes of limitation.
At the national level, the attack violates Cameroon’s criminal law, which criminalizes arson, armed violence, the destruction of property, theft, and attacks against civilians. The State has a duty to prevent such crimes, protect populations at risk, and ensure accountability.
To the Government of Cameroon: ESFA recalls that the Government of Cameroon bears the primary responsibility to protect all persons within its territory, without discrimination. The recurrence of similar attacks in Nwa and surrounding localities raises serious concerns regarding: Border security and control; Early warning and rapid response mechanisms; and the adequacy of security deployments in vulnerable communities. The absence of prompt public communication and visible protection measures risks reinforcing a climate of impunity and undermining public trust in state institutions.
ESFA’s Calls to Action
In light of the gravity of the situation, Ethical and Sustainable Future for All (ESFA) urgently calls on:
- The Government of Cameroon:
To immediately reinforce security in Mbat Village and surrounding communities;
To ensure the protection of civilians and prevent further incursions;
To provide urgent humanitarian assistance to displaced persons, including shelter, food, healthcare, and psychosocial support.
- The Judicial and Investigative Authorities:
To open prompt, independent, impartial, and effective investigations into the attacks;
To identify and prosecute all perpetrators and accomplices, in accordance with national and international law.
- All Armed Actors and Militia Groups
To immediately cease attacks against civilians and civilian objects;
To fully respect international human rights and humanitarian law.
- Traditional Authorities and Community Leaders
To engage in dialogue, mediation, and conflict-prevention initiatives aimed at de-escalating tensions and preventing further violence.
- The International and Regional Partners
To closely monitor the situation in Donga-Mantung Division;
To support protection, accountability, humanitarian response, and peace-building initiatives.
Ethical and Sustainable Future for All (ESFA) stands in solidarity with the people of Mbat Village and all communities affected by recurring violence, perpetrated by the armed herdsmen in Cameroon’s Northwest Region. The suffering endured by civilians, who have lost homes, livelihoods, and safety, demands urgent action, not silence. ESFA reaffirms that no circumstance justifies the targeting of civilians. The protection of human life and dignity is a non-derogable obligation under international law. We call on all stakeholders to act decisively to ensure protection, justice, and durable peace for the people of Mbat and the wider Nwa Subdivision. The people of Mbat deserve protection, accountability, and urgent humanitarian support now
Berinyuy Cajetan, President, Ethical and Sustainable Future for All (ESFA)
Tel/WhatsApp: +237 673 952 090, email: admin@esfaofficial.org
