March 8, 2017, the attack in Munyenge, Fako State, Ambazonia, marked a grievous violation of human rights and International Law. Civilians, including women and children, were subjected to unprovoked violence, including torture, killings, and unjust arrests. These actions highlight a deliberate and systematic military strategy aimed at repressing the Ambazonian people, a pattern that underscores the urgent need for accountability and justice.

Under International Humanitarian Law, particularly the Geneva Conventions, the deliberate targeting of civilians during armed conflicts constitutes a war crime. The March 8 attack in Munyenge exemplifies this classification in multiple ways. First, it involved direct and intentional violence against unarmed individuals, blatantly violating the principle of distinction, which obligates warring parties to differentiate between combatants and non-combatants. Second, the use of disproportionate force against civilians indicates a failure to adhere to the principle of proportionality, which requires that any military action avoid excessive harm to civilian life relative to the intended military advantage.

Additionally, the systematic and widespread nature of these attacks, particularly against a specific population, qualifies them as crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Such acts are not only illegal but also morally reprehensible, as they target the most vulnerable members of society in a calculated manner. The actions in Munyenge reflect an Intentional campaign of terror against civilians, underscoring the need for International intervention and accountability mechanisms.

These violations of International Law demand a robust response from the global community. Investigations should be conducted to identify those responsible, and perpetrators must be prosecuted to ensure justice is served. The International community must also reinforce mechanisms to prevent such atrocities, ensuring that those in power are held accountable for their actions. Without such measures, impunity will continue to embolden those who commit such heinous crimes.