May 17, 2022, Bamenda, Mezam State, Northern Ambazonia: Again, 24 motorcycle riders detained brought after being abducted by Cameroon Occupational Forces. The riders, part of a larger group of over 40, were detained . Authorities claimed the riders had links to Ambazonian fighters. Although the full charges against them have not been disclosed.
Furthermore, the 24 motorcycle riders detained were transferred to Bamenda’s central prison. Arriving handcuffed and visibly exhausted after enduring a full day at the Cameroon military court. Their appearance highlighted the physical and emotional toll of their detention. Of the original group. 16 riders remain missing, and their families and communities are deeply concerned that they may have been victims of enforced disappearance.
Moreover, the forced disappearance of civilians, like the 16 missing riders, and the detention of individuals without access to a fair trial. However, they are clear violations of International aw. Under the Geneva Conventions, such actions are considered War Crimes. The deliberate abduction of individuals, the denial of their rights. And the withholding of information about their fate all contravene legal protections for civilians and non-combatants in war zones.
Besides, case of these motorcycle riders in Bamenda highlights the broader pattern of Human Rights Abuses in Ambazonia. The detentions and disappearances exemplify the ongoing risks faced by civilians caught in the crossfire of Ambazonia. These individuals are subjected to arbitrary actions without any legal recourse, intensifying the fear and insecurity that have plagued the Ambazonia for years.
Furthermore, the legal process unfolds, it is critical that the rights of the detained riders be respected. So that those responsible for unlawful detentions and forced disappearances be held accountable. In the broader context of the Ambazonian war. The need for International Attention and Intervention to address these violations is urgent. Until justice is achieved, the safety and dignity of civilians in Ambazonia remain at risk.
Inconclusion, situation in Bamenda, as with many other areas in Ambazonia, underscores the severe Humanitarian Impact of the ongoing war. The International Community must continue to advocate for the protection of non-combatants, ensuring that individuals are not subjected to unlawful treatment and that their basic rights are upheld.