We therefore appeal to the international community to act with urgency, impartiality, and principle. Silence or delayed response risks entrenching perceptions of injustice that could have lasting consequences for regional stability and human rights protection.
By Timothy Enongene
Guest Editor-in-Chief, The Independentistnews
26th Marchl 2026
To: The United Nations, the African Union, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the European Union, the United States Department of State, and all institutions committed to the protection of human rights and the rule of law.
The impending judicial proceedings concerning Sisiku Julius Ayuk Tabe and his nine colleagues demand urgent international scrutiny. Their continued detention raises grave legal and humanitarian concerns that transcend domestic political considerations and engage binding regional and international obligations.
The ten leaders — Sisiku Julius Ayuk Tabe, Dr. Egbe Ogork, Dr. Cornelius Njikimbi Kwanga, Mr. Wilfred Tassang, Prof. Augustine Awasum, Dr. Fidelis Nde-Che, Dr. Henry Kimeng, Barrister Shufai Blaise Berinyuy, Barrister Eyambe Elias, and Dr. Nfor Ngala Nfor — were forcibly transferred from Nigeria to Cameroon in January 2018 under circumstances widely alleged to constitute unlawful extradition or refoulement. Such actions, if confirmed, would violate fundamental principles of international law, including protections under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
Subsequently, their prosecution before a military tribunal has raised serious questions regarding due process, judicial independence, and the legality of trying civilians in military courts. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has repeatedly affirmed that military tribunals should not exercise jurisdiction over civilians where ordinary courts are available. These standards are grounded in the broader right to a fair and public hearing by a competent, independent, and impartial tribunal.
The international community must therefore recognise that the issue at stake is not merely the outcome of a particular trial but the integrity of the legal framework within which it is conducted. Monitoring proceedings without addressing foundational jurisdictional and procedural concerns risks conferring implicit legitimacy on processes that may fall short of international standards.
This case also illustrates the broader dangers posed when political conflict intersects with weakened judicial safeguards. Arbitrary detention, allegations of torture or ill-treatment, and prolonged incarceration without credible avenues for redress undermine confidence in national institutions and heighten the risk of further instability. Addressing such grievances through lawful and transparent mechanisms is essential to sustainable peace.
We respectfully call upon relevant international bodies to: Initiate or intensify independent investigations into the circumstances of the transfer, detention, and trial of the Nera Ten. Urge full compliance with regional and international human rights obligations, including guarantees of fair trial and protection from arbitrary detention. Facilitate access for international observers and legal experts to ensure transparency and accountability in all proceedings.
Support dialogue mechanisms aimed at addressing the underlying political and humanitarian dimensions of the crisis.
The continued captivity of these individuals has become a symbol of broader tensions affecting communities in the North West and South West regions. Resolving their legal status in accordance with international norms would represent not only a step toward justice but also a meaningful confidence-building measure.
History demonstrates that durable peace is rarely achieved through legal ambiguity or institutional mistrust. It is built through adherence to the rule of law, respect for human dignity, and credible engagement with legitimate grievances.
We therefore appeal to the international community to act with urgency, impartiality, and principle. Silence or delayed response risks entrenching perceptions of injustice that could have lasting consequences for regional stability and human rights protection.
Respectfully,
Timothy Enongene
Guest Editor-in-Chief The Independentistnews
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