March 31, 2019, Muyuka, Fako State, Southern Ambazonia: The burning of Muyuka District Hospital by Cameroon Occupational Forces. This barbaric attack trapped nurses, patients, and accompanying family members inside the blazing structure. Many suffered life-threatening injuries while desperately trying to escape, and others died instantly from the flames and shock. This atrocity is a flagrant violation of International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Conventions, which explicitly protect medical facilities and personnel during armed war.

Hospitals are sanctuaries meant to provide care for the sick and injured, regardless of the circumstances. Must never be targeted under any conditions. This act contravenes the principle of distinction, a cornerstone of the laws of war. Which requires all parties in a war to differentiate between civilian and military objectives. Article 18 of the Fourth Geneva Convention unequivocally protects civilian hospitals, stating they must be safeguarded and respected at all times. The deliberate destruction of the Muyuka District Hospital demonstrates a complete disregard for these protections .Also, the principles, resulting in a devastating loss of life and critical infrastructure.

The repercussions of this attack extend beyond the immediate loss of human lives. The hospital’s destruction deprived an entire community of essential medical care. The exacerbating suffering in Ambazonia already ravaged by war. The targeting of a medical facility not only violates the protections afforded to such institution. Also undermines the humanitarian values enshrined in International Law. Healthcare workers, patients, and families were subjected to unimaginable trauma, further highlighting the cruel and indiscriminate nature of the attack.

This act also constitutes a War Crime under Article 8 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The deliberate targeting of a hospital and the resulting harm to non-combatants are among the gravest breaches of the laws of armed war. The attack represents not only a direct assault on the principle of humanity. Also a calculated strategy to instill fear and chaos among civilians.

The burning of Muyuka District Hospital underscores the urgent need for accountability and justice for such blatant violations of International Law. The international community must condemn these actions and ensure that those responsible face legal consequences. Safeguarding medical facilities and personnel is a non-negotiable aspect of preserving human dignity in times of war. Any violation of this principle must be met with resolute opposition.

To conclude, the burning of the Muyuka District Hospital serves as a grim reminder of the indiscriminate violence that has plagued Ambazonia. It is a call to action for global leaders and organizations to intervene and uphold the principles. International Humanitarian Law, ensuring the protection of civilians and essential infrastructure in war zones.