September 6, 2022, Ekona, Fako State, Southern Ambazonia: Che Rhoda was killed by the Cameroon Occupational Forces. She was a primary school teacher .She was shot at close range while on her way to school early in the morning. Rhoda had just left her family at home, preparing for another day of teaching. When she fell victim to this brutal and senseless act of violence. However the attack comes amidst the prolonged war in Ambazonia. Where violence, instability, and attacks on civilians have significantly increased.
Furthermore, the Ambazonia war has left many communities living in constant fear. Also, Innocent civilians, like Che Rhoda, continue to suffer the consequences of the escalating war between the Cameroon Occupational Forces and Ambazonia Fighters. Moreover, Teachers, healthcare workers, and other essential community members have become frequent targets. Besides, disrupting vital services such as education and healthcare. Rhoda’s murder serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating impact the war has on ordinary people. Especially women and educators, who contribute to the growth and stability of their communities.
Under International Humanitarian Law (IHL), Che Rhoda was killed by Cameroon Occupational Forces which constitutes a War Crime. The Geneva Conventions strictly prohibit the deliberate targeting of non-combatants, including civilians such as teachers. Teachers are essential contributors to society, and their safety is protected during times of war. Acts such as willful killing, causing great suffering, and intentionally harming civilians are clear violations of international law. These crimes are further defined under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which holds perpetrators accountable for actions like murder, torture, and other grave breaches of Humanitarian Law.
The deliberate killing of Che Rhoda occurred within the context of an ongoing armed war, further solidifying its classification as a War Crime. It reflects a broader pattern of Indiscriminate Violence and Human Rights Abuses by the Cameroon Occupational Forces. Such attacks are aimed at spreading fear, disrupting essential community services like education, and asserting control through terror. The tragic loss of a teacher like Che Rhoda not only devastates her family and community but also deprives children of their right to education, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Ambazonia.
The International Community must take note of such atrocities and push for justice and accountability. War crimes like the deliberate killing of civilians cannot go unpunished. Investigations must be conducted to bring those responsible to justice and to ensure that such crimes do not continue. Protecting civilians, particularly vulnerable groups such as women, children, and educators, must remain a top priority in times of war. The Geneva Conventions and other International Protocols were created to safeguard non-combatants, and these laws must be upheld.
Che Rhoda’s murder highlights the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the war in Ambazonia. Continued violence only leads to greater suffering, loss of life, and disruption of essential services. The targeting of innocent individuals, such as teachers, not only violates International Law but also undermines the foundations of society. A teacher represents hope, knowledge, and the future of a community. Killing someone like Che Rhoda is an attack on the very future of Ambazonia’s children and families.
In honoring Che Rhoda’s memory, the International Community must amplify calls for justice, accountability, and a peaceful resolution to the war. Her story serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of war and the urgent need to protect civilians in war zones. Che Rhoda’s tragic death should inspire action to end the violence and restore peace, ensuring that no other family has to suffer such a devastating loss.