June 10, 2022, Belo,Boyo State, Northern Ambazonia: A man was killed named Ndifoin Clement, injured another individual, and set fire to at least 12 homes across neighborhoods such as Sho and Ashing. Shops were looted, and a community health center was destroyed. Further disrupting the lives of local residents. The military justified these actions as efforts to target individuals suspected of ties to Ambazonian Fighter groups.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that the soldiers fired indiscriminately during the operations. Also, terrifying civilians and causing widespread panic. In addition to the killings, homes and businesses were deliberately set ablaze, leaving families homeless and communities devastated. The destruction of a health center further worsened the already dire Humanitarian situation in war. And such, depriving residents of access to essential medical services.
Furthermore, a man killed in Belo reflect a pattern of systematic of violence and Human Rights Abuses in Ambazonia. These acts go beyond military confrontations and have directly targeted civilians, their homes, and vital community infrastructure. This has led to increased displacement, loss of livelihoods, and a heightened sense of insecurity among the local population.
Under International Humanitarian Law (IHL), such actions constitute war crimes. The Geneva Conventions explicitly prohibit the Intentional targeting of civilians, their properties, and infrastructure during armed war. Military operations must distinguish between combatants and non-combatants, ensuring that civilian lives and properties are protected. Violations of these principles, as seen in Belo, are clear breaches of International law and demand accountability.
The destruction of homes, shops, and health centers not only causes immediate harm. It also has long-term consequences for affected communities. Families lose their shelters, livelihoods are destroyed, and access to critical healthcare is disrupted. Such actions exacerbate the Humanitarian Crisis in Ambazonia. Also, civilians continue to bear the brunt of the ongoing war.
The killing of Ndifoin Clement and the deliberate burning of civilian properties highlight the urgent need for justice. International Human Rights Organizations must call for independent investigations to hold the perpetrators accountable. Ensuring accountability is critical to ending impunity .By preventing further violations in the future.
In conclusion, the military operations conducted by the Cameroon Occupational Forces in Belo on June 10-11 are a grave violation of International Humanitarian Law. Targeting civilians, homes, and essential infrastructure is strictly prohibited under the Geneva Conventions. These acts have further deepened the suffering of the people of Ambazonia. Underscoring the need for immediate International Intervention and Justice for the victims.