Cameroon Intelligence Agency Faces Liability After Court Ruling in Zogo Trial

YAOUNDÉ, 20 August 2024 – The Yaoundé Military Court has ended the dual role of Me Claude Assira, the lawyer representing the Directorate General of External Research (DGRE) in the ongoing trial related to the assassination of journalist Martinez Zogo.

The court determined that the state of Cameroon cannot simultaneously be a civil party and civilly liable, siding with the prosecution's argument.

The DGRE, a powerful intelligence service, is implicated in the torture and killing of Zogo, a radio presenter and station manager of Amplitude FM, in February 2023. Of the 17 individuals accused, 13 are DGRE agents, raising questions about the state's responsibility in the crime.

Initially, the DGRE presented itself as a civil party in the trial, a move that sparked backlash from various lawyers. In April, Me Assira argued that the state could be held civilly liable but also had rights to assert as a civil party. The court's decision now positions the DGRE as potentially civilly responsible, which could lead to the state being ordered to pay damages to Zogo's family if found liable.

Reactions and Implications

The ruling has not been well received by DGRE's legal team. "We are shocked and dismayed by this decision," said Me Whyly Likefack, a member of the DGRE's legal counsel. He criticized the move as unprecedented, claiming it undermines justice. Likefack highlighted that the issue of the state's role in the trial is far from settled, suggesting that further legal challenges may arise regarding whether the Military Court or an administrative tribunal should handle the state's civil liability.

On the other side, Me Tchoungang, representing businessman Amougou Belinga—suspected of being one of the masterminds behind Zogo's assassination—expressed cautious satisfaction with the court's decision. However, he acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly in securing evidence and documentation that could help uncover the truth.

Next Steps in the Trial

Despite some defense lawyers seeking a suspension of proceedings pending a Supreme Court decision on an appeal related to the case's procedural files, the Military Court decided to continue the trial. The defense's argument that the appeal should have a suspensive effect was rejected, leaving the trial to proceed.

The next hearing is scheduled for 9 September 2024, when it is anticipated that the charges will finally be read, allowing the substantive debates to begin. This critical moment could shape the future direction of the case, as all parties prepare for what promises to be a complex and high-stakes legal battle.