April 4, 2019, Manyu State, Southern Ambazonia, reports emerged of severe atrocities committed by Cameroonian Occupation Forces against unarmed civilians. According to eyewitness accounts, the forces conducted violent operations that involved the abduction, torture, and subsequent killing of innocent individuals.

The victims, who were reportedly civilians with no involvement in hostilities, endured unimaginable suffering at the hands of the occupation forces. After executing their heinous acts, the soldiers discarded the bodies in nearby bushes, further desecrating the dignity of the deceased and inflicting profound psychological trauma on the affected communities. These acts left families grieving and entire communities shaken by the brutality and disregard for human life.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of terror as the forces unleashed their violence indiscriminately, targeting civilians without justification. Those who attempted to escape were met with brutal force, while others were dragged from their homes, subjected to inhumane treatment, and ultimately killed. The dumping of the bodies in bushes not only symbolizes a blatant disregard for life but also an attempt to conceal evidence of the Crimes.

The actions described above constitute War Crimes under International Humanitarian Law. Specifically, these acts violate Article 3 common to the Geneva Conventions of 1949, which prohibits violence to life and person, including murder, mutilation, cruel treatment, and torture of individuals not actively participating in hostilities.

The targeted killing of unarmed civilians also breaches the Fourth Geneva Convention, which protects civilians in times of war and occupation, emphasizing their right to safety and humane treatment.

Furthermore, the abduction and torture of civilians contravene the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, to which Cameroon is a party. Torture and extrajudicial killings are explicitly outlawed by this international treaty.

The intentional killing and dumping of bodies represent a grave breach of International Law, underscoring a systematic disregard for human rights and dignity. These actions could also be categorized as Crimes against humanity, as they involve widespread or systematic attacks directed against a civilian population. Such incidents warrant international attention and accountability to ensure justice for the victims and deter future violations.

Genocide in Ambazonia