February 15, 2019, Buea, Fako State, Ambazonia: Civilians humiliated, tortured and murder. Parents were tortured and killed in the presence of their children, and children were subjected to similar atrocities in front of their parents. These cruel actions were not only deeply inhumane but also left an indelible mark of terror on the affected families and community as a whole. This incident constitutes a grave violation of International Humanitarian Law and is classified as a War Crime under the Fourth Geneva Convention which is designed to protect civilians during armed war.
The Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits the inhumane treatment, of how civilians humiliated, and execution of civilians, especially in occupied territories. Article 27 of the Convention mandates that civilians be treated humanely at all times. And which ensures respect for their dignity, family honor, and fundamental rights. The deliberate targeting of civilians in the manner seen in Buea .Where families were forced to witness the torture and execution of their loved one violates this article. Such acts are not only cruel but are intended to degrade, humiliate, and psychologically destroy the victims and their families.
Furthermore, Article 32 of the same Convention explicitly forbids any form of torture, physical abuse, or inhumane treatment of non-combatants. Civilians humiliated, tortured, and killing civilians, by Cameroonian forces blatantly disregarded these international protections. Forcing children to witness the suffering and death of their parents, and vice versa. It represents a particularly heinous form of psychological violence, compounding the trauma inflicted upon the victims.
The principles of distinction and proportionality is a fundamental cornerstones of International Humanitarian Law, were grossly violated during this incident. The principle of distinction requires warring parties to distinguish between combatants and civilians at all times. Ensuring that civilians are not targeted under any circumstances. The principle of proportionality prohibits excessive harm to civilians. And which mandates that any military action must avoid unnecessary suffering or collateral damage. By targeting unarmed civilians who posed no threat and subjecting them to such extreme cruelty. The Cameroonian Occupational Forces demonstrated a clear and deliberate violation of these principles.
In addition, to the physical violence, the psychological damage inflicted upon survivors and witnesses cannot be overstated. Forcing family members to watch the torture and murder of their loved ones leaves deep emotional scars that may never heal. Such actions not only destroy individual lives. But it also erode the social fabric of entire communities, fostering fear, anger, and a sense of helplessness. The deliberate humiliation of families in this manner is intended to strip victims of their dignity and humanity, further magnifying the severity of the atrocity.
The actions of the Cameroonian Occupational Forces in Buea reflect a blatant disregard for International Laws. Which is meant to protect civilians and uphold their basic human rights. These crimes demand urgent international attention, as accountability which is essential to achieving justice for the victims and preventing further atrocities. Independent investigations into this incident must be conducted, and those responsible for planning and carrying out these heinous acts must be held accountable under International Law. Justice for the victims and survivors is not only a moral imperative. It is a necessary step toward restoring dignity and ensuring the enforcement of humanitarian principles in war zones.
Inconclusion, the attack serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing suffering faced by civilians in war zones. Where their basic rights to life, safety, and dignity are violated. The international community must take a firm stance to condemn and address such atrocities. There by ensuring that perpetrators face the full weight of justice while protecting vulnerable populations from further harm.