January 31, 2025, Fudong Ngwah, Boyo State, Northern Ambazonia, Cameroon Occupation Forces Abducted, Five innocents and unarmed civilians among them was a young boy who was later brutally killed simply because he was unable to afford a 10,000 CFA bribe demanded by the soldiers.

While the other three captives secured their release by paying the bribe, the boy, deprived of such means, faced an unjust and inhumane execution. His life was taken in cold blood, a horrifying testament to the lawlessness and impunity that continues to plague the region under military occupation.

This egregious act has left the community in deep mourning, as they grapple with the senseless loss of an innocent child whose only crime was being born into a conflict-ridden environment.

This killing constitutes a grave violation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and War Crimes under multiple legal frameworks. Under the Fourth Geneva Convention (1949), which protects civilians in times of war and military occupation, the execution of a defenseless child in an occupied territory is explicitly prohibited.

Article 32 of the convention bans murder, torture, corporal punishment, and any other acts of brutality against protected persons, including children. Furthermore, the demand for bribes in exchange for human lives represents an extreme form of extortion and abuse of power by an occupying force, further violating international law.

Additionally, this act constitutes extrajudicial killing, a severe crime under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Article 8 of the Rome Statute explicitly defines the deliberate killing of civilians in a conflict zone as a War Crime.

Furthermore, Article 6 recognizes such acts as possible crimes against humanity when they are part of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population. The execution of a minor, who posed no threat to armed forces, underscores the complete disregard for the principles of distinction and proportionality in armed conflict, both of which are fundamental tenets of International Humanitarian Law.

The killing of this child demands immediate international attention and accountability. The global community must push for a thorough investigation, legal action against those responsible, and greater efforts to prevent such crimes from continuing with impunity. Justice for this innocent victim is not only a moral obligation but also a necessary step toward upholding the rule of law and human dignity in conflict-affected regions.

GENOCIDE IN AMBAZONIA