The Cameroonian Ministry of Defense announced Thursday the opening of an investigation into a video that went viral in which an individual identified as singer Longuè Longuè was tortured.
On Wednesday “a videogram that went viral appeared on social networks presenting a scene of violence inflicted on the musician artist Longkana Agno Simon known as Longuè Longuè”, describes the ministry’s press release.
“Informed of these acts of violence against a citizen, the Minister Delegate to the Presidency in charge of Defense immediately ordered the opening of an investigation by his specialized services” continues the text, which adds that “the victim attributes this violence to elements of the Littoral military security antenna”.
The video of just under five minutes, which dates from 2019, features a man who resembles the popular singer Longuè Longuè, in his underwear, immobilized under a chair by individuals who beat him.
Shortly after its broadcast, a list of the 13 alleged torturers, all members of the security forces, circulated on social networks.
Contacted by AFP, the artist refused to comment on the subject and did not authenticate these images.
Widely shared on social networks and in the media, the video sparked numerous reactions in the public and political circles where several officials called for investigations and sanctions against the perpetrators of the attacks.
Maurice Kamto, president of the first opposition party in Cameroon, notably denounced on Wednesday on X images of torture “in the offices, it seems, of a state security service” which “recall the fate horrible act on a large scale to the activists” of his party.
A press release calling for “justice for Longuè Longuè” from the party of Cabral Libii, another opposition leader, denounced “the manifest inhumanity of people who embody public authority” and asked the government “to explain itself to remarks as soon as possible.
“Responsibilities will be established and consequences drawn based on the results of the investigation,” assures the press release from the Ministry of Defense.
Longuè Longuè is a popular singer of Makossa, a genre originating from Cameroon. He criticizes the governance of Paul Biya but also sings the praises of personalities from the same government or the First Lady.
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