“Let me begin with offering my sincere condolences for the loss of your client and friend, Samuel Ajiekah Abuwe (Wazizi),” the American diplomat said in a June 10 correspondence to the late journalist's lawyers - Barrister Nkea Aleambong Emmanuel (MRG), Founding & Managing Partner of the Buea-based Veritas Law Offices and his colleague Barrister Edward Lyonga Ewule.

Police arrested Wazizi on August 2, 2019 and transferred him to military custody on August 7, after which he was held incommunicado. His lawyers, family and colleagues say they were left in the dark about Wazizi's whereabouts until news of his death came in June.

A June 5 statement issued by military spokesperson Commander Cyrille Serge Atonfack Guemo, alleges that Wazizi died of severe sepsis on August 17, 2019. The statement denied that Wazizi had been tortured or abused, and said that the journalist's family had been in contact with him while he was in custody. The family has denied the claim.

In the face of the current situation, US Ambassador Barlerin says: “The circumstances surrounding his (Wazizi's) death while in custody are deeply disturbing, and we are following closely President Paul Biya's commitment to the French Ambassador to order a thorough and impartial investigation to shed light on what actually occurred. ”

He has gone ahead to instruct the Embassy's Political Officer to engage with the defense team of the late journalist and all those who have come under threats for seeking justice.

His words: “I am equally alarmed that your colleagues have received anonymous, repeated threats as a result of seeking justice for your client. I have asked the Embassy's Political Officer to engage with you on this.

“Lawyers play an important role in upholding democratic values and protecting human rights. You should be able to continue to serve your clients in peace and security. ”