Liberateur Libéré (Longué Longué,)

Longué Longué Le Liberateur

Cameroonian music star Longué Longué, has returned to the country after winning an appeal case for allegedly raping a minor in France

Speaking to the media upon his arrival at the Douala International airport, Longué Longué expressed gratitude to Samuel Eto’o Fils and the Cameroon government for their support throughout his trail in France.

Dozens of fans jammed the Douala International Airport to welcome their idol, chanting “Liberateur Libéré” meaning the liberator liberated. He spent three years in prison in France before winning the appeal.

He had, throughout his trial, pleaded not guilty and insisted that he was framed up by Chantal Mbassi, a Franco–Cameroonian lady. His plea was snubbed by the Bordeaux High Court and he was slammed an eight–year jail term on December 2, 2011.

The story of his rape case was a complex one. After rising in the Cameroon music scene in 2001 with ‘Ayo Africa’ and ‘Privatisation’ two years later, the music star in the euphoria of his emergence, decided to move over to France as many renowned Cameroonians musicians do.

In a bid to facilitate his stay, as well as his integration in France, he got into a marriage deal with Chantal Mbassi, who is eight years older than him. Mbassi reportedly footed the bills of Longué Longué travel documents.

A few months later in France, the artist reportedly started showing signs of disinterest in the relationship. It is also reported that the artist was not tactful in dealing with the situation, as he, unequivocally, asserted that he could not marry such an old woman.

The Rape Allegation

After utterances regarding Mbassi, Longué Longué was accused of raping Mbassi 17 year old niece. He was arrested on November 19, 2005, and spent three months in jail before his lawyer succeeded to secure a bail for him. A caution fee of 5.2million FCFA was paid by Samuel Eto’o Fils. Even after the payment of the caution, he was barred from leaving France and ordered to report to the police station every Wednesday. When his lawyer filed an appeal against the decision of the court and it finally granted his plea and said he could leave France, but must be available when needed by the French judiciary. When the case finally came to court on 16 September 2010, the court found him guilty and slammed him a 10–year jail term.

His counsel filed another appeal and demanded bail. He was granted bail on January 26, 2011 thanks again to Samuel Eto’o Fils who paid 10 million FCFA which was demanded as caution fee but Longué Longué was prohibited from leaving France. Then, the appeal court, in a ruling on December 2011, found him guild of rape and he was sentenced to eight years in prison. His financier Samuel Eto’o Fils and counsel did not give up the fight to seek his liberation. Following several appeals for support made by the Longué Longué to President Paul Biya and wife, Chantal, the President seemingly ordered the Cameroon government to do something, though it is not very clear what the government did.

However, the appeal court, on December 16, 2014, discharged and acquitted Longué Longué. Longué Longué is plans to release new album titled 'tout est pardonné'.

all is forgiven