UN Slams Nigeria Over Deportation of Cameroon Secessionists

Cameroon secessionist leader Sisikou Ayuk Tabe (M) and some of his close aides

UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has on 2 January 2018 issued a strongly-worded release condemning Nigeria for deporting 47 Cameroonian secessionists to Yaounde. UNHCR said in the release that by extraditing the secessionists Nigeria has violated the international instruments sanctioning extradition.

UNHCR said it learnt with 'great concern' that Nigeria had on 26 January 2018 forcefully handed over the 47 Cameroonians secessionists that were abducted in Abuja to Cameroonian authorities.

                According to the release by the UN refugee agency, most of the persons extradited had submitted asylum files in Nigeria and were regular residents in the West African country.

 UNHCR said Nigeria returned the secessionists despite efforts by the UN Agency and talks with the two governments on the issue.

                "UNHCR wants to remind Nigeria of her obligations under international and Nigerian law, and advises the Nigerian government to stop the forceful return of Cameroonian asylum-seekers back to their country of origin."

                In a statement to the Press on 29 January 2018, Cameroon’s Minister of Communication, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, confirmed the 47 secessionist leaders were effectively in Cameroon and had been handed over to the country’s judiciary.

                Issa Tchiroma said the 47 "terrorists" will answer for the crimes they committed.

                UNHCR has advised the government of Cameroon to make sure the 47 persons are treated with “due respect for human rights law and standards."