June 21 2019, Akata and Ekona Muyuka, Fako State, Southern Ambazonia: The destruction of Schools, hospitals, and other civilian infrastructure were burned to the ground by Cameroon Occupational Forces . Causing irreparable harm to the community. Amid the chaos, unarmed civilians sustained severe injuries as they fled for their lives.

This heinous act constitutes a serious violation of international law. particularly the Geneva Conventions, which are designed to protect civilians and their property during armed war. The destruction of schools, hospitals, and other non-military structures. Which represents a blatant disregard for the protections enshrined in the Fourth Geneva Convention. This Convention explicitly safeguards civilian objects, mandating that such properties must not be targeted during war.

Article 18 of the Fourth Geneva Convention further prohibits the destruction of civilian property unless it is deemed absolutely necessary for military operations. The actions of the Cameroon Occupational Forces in Akata and Ekona, which led to the burning of essential civilian infrastructure.

This constitute grave breaches of these international legal protections and are classified as war crimes under international humanitarian law.

The assault extended beyond infrastructure to target unarmed civilians who posed no threat. The attack on fleeing civilians is a clear violation of the Geneva Conventions’ prohibition against targeting non-combatants. International Humanitarian Law(IHL) emphasizes the principles of distinction and proportionality.

Which require that parties to a conflict differentiate between combatants and civilians and ensure that harm to civilians is minimized. By indiscriminately targeting civilians and inflicting unnecessary suffering. Cameroon Occupational Forces . Which demonstrated a blatant disregard for these cornerstone principles, further compounding the severity of their violations.

The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) reinforces these protections . There by criminalizing attacks against civilians under Article 8, categorizing such acts as War Crimes. The deliberate targeting and destruction of civilian areas, coupled with the unnecessary harm .And also inflicted on non-combatants, are egregious breaches of the rules of armed war.

These actions demand international accountability to ensure justice for the victims and to deter similar atrocities in the future.

The destruction of schools and hospitals is particularly egregious, as these facilities are indispensable for the survival and well-being of the civilian population. Schools provide education and a sense of normalcy, while hospitals serve as critical spaces for saving lives. Destroying these institutions not only undermines the immediate survival of the affected communities. But also hampers long-term recovery and development, leaving a lasting scar in Ambazonia.

The attack on Akata and Ekona underscores the urgent need for international attention and intervention. The Cameroon Occupational Forces’ actions violate both the letter and spirit of International Law, contravening the fundamental protections afforded to civilians in times of war. Such atrocities highlight the ongoing disregard for human rights and the principles of humanitarian law in warzones.

In conclusion, the events of June 21, 2019, in Akata and Ekona represent a grave violation of International Humanitarian Law. As it enshrined in the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute. The deliberate destruction of civilian infrastructure, the targeting of non-combatants. Also, the widespread harm inflicted on unarmed civilians constitute War Crimes that cannot be ignored. Immediate investigation and accountability are essential to uphold the rule of law and to provide justice for the victims of this atrocity. These actions serve as a stark reminder of the need for robust international mechanisms .Which prevent and respond to such egregious violations of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law.

ATROCITIES IN AMBAZONIA