Two new witnesses from Cameroon’s intelligence services were heard in the trial concerning the assassination of radio host Martinez Zogo, whose tortured body was discovered in January 2023.
In the ongoing trial regarding the assassination and torture of radio host Martinez Zogo, two new witnesses from Cameroon’s intelligence services were heard on February 16, 2026. The case, which has drawn significant public attention, centers on whether the actions that led to Zogo's abduction and murder were part of an official operation by the Directorate General of External Research (DGRE) of Cameroon. Zogo’s heinous death, which was discovered in January 2023, raised serious questions about state involvement in his murder, given his role as a vocal critic of the government.
The two witnesses, Mohamadou Amadou, head of the logistical action grouping, and Marcel Nyambi Penda, commander of the grouping, provided their testimonies in a closed session, indicating the sensitive nature of the information being discussed. The court proceedings have been intermittently plagued by delays and procedural concerns, reflecting the complex nature of the case, which implicates state actors in potential misconduct.
The implications of these testimonies may be profound, as they could either shed light on the facts surrounding Zogo's assassination or lead to further speculation about possible cover-ups within the Cameroonian government. As the trial progresses, many are watching closely to see if justice will be served for Martinez Zogo and if accountability will foster greater freedoms for journalists in Cameroon, a country known for its restrictive press laws.
