October 20, 2017, in the village of Kwa Kwa, Mezam State, Northern Ambazonia, Cameroon’s Occupation Forces committed a heinous war crime by burning an elderly woman, Mama Appih, alive and setting her home ablaze. This appalling act underscores the ongoing atrocities faced by civilians under Cameroon Occupation Forces and serves as a tragic reminder of the devastating human toll of such actions.
The targeted attack on Mama Appih, a non-combatant, constitutes a blatant violation of International Law, particularly the Geneva Conventions. These conventions explicitly protect civilians during wartime, prohibiting acts of violence directed against individuals who are not participating in hostilities. The deliberate killing of an unarmed elderly woman and the destruction of her home reflects a calculated disregard for these fundamental principles of humanity.
Under International Humanitarian Law, the actions of Cameroon Occupation Forces in Kwa Kwa qualify as war crimes. Burning a person alive and destroying civilian property is not only morally reprehensible but also a violation of Articles 27 and 53 of the Fourth Geneva Convention. Article 27 mandates the humane treatment of protected persons, including civilians, while Article 53 forbids the destruction of personal property unless essential for military operations. The killing of Mama Appih and the torching of her home blatantly contravene these legal protections.
The repercussions of such acts extend beyond the immediate victims, striking fear into entire communities and further destabilizing the region. The deliberate targeting of civilians undermines trust in any governance framework, exacerbates war, and perpetuates cycles of violence. These atrocities erode the very foundations of International Law and human rights, principles designed to safeguard humanity even amidst war.
Furthermore, the actions of Cameroon Occupation Forces represent not just isolated incidents but are indicative of a broader pattern of systemic abuses in Ambazonia. Reports of extrajudicial killings forced disappearances, and the burning of villages point to a deliberate strategy of terror aimed at suppressing dissent and controlling the population. Such a campaign amounts to collective punishment, another violation of International Law.
The International community bears a responsibility to hold Cameroon accountable for these crimes. Impunity for such acts sends a dangerous message that violations of International Law can go unchecked. It is imperative for human rights organizations, governments, and international bodies to demand justice for victims like Mama Appih and to ensure that perpetrators face the consequences. Only through accountability can the principles of International Law be upheld, and the cycle of violence broken.