December 25, 2020, Mezam State, Northern Ambazonia, Cameroon Occupation Forces launched a shocking and brutal attack, staining Christmas Day with bloodshed and terror. What should have been a day of peace and celebration turned into a nightmare as armed forces unleashed gunfire on unarmed civilians, leaving five individuals severely wounded.

In an alarming escalation of violence, two of the victims were forcefully abducted shortly after being shot, disappearing into the custody of the occupation forces without any trace. Their sudden and forceful removal only deepened the anguish of their families, who were left in turmoil, fearing the worst for their loved ones.

The pain and suffering inflicted upon the community did not end there, as the remaining three victims, who were severely injured by the gunfire, continued to struggle with life-threatening medical conditions. Their survival was uncertain, as they battled excruciating pain and the urgent need for medical care in a region where access to healthcare is already limited due to the ongoing conflict.

The unprovoked attack on civilians on Christmas Day underscored the sheer ruthlessness of the Cameroon occupation forces, showing a blatant disregard for human life and the fundamental rights of the people of Ambazonia.

The traumatic impact of the assault was not only physical but also psychological, as fear gripped the entire community, leaving them in a state of shock and despair. Families who had gathered in celebration were instead plunged into mourning, their homes filled with sorrow rather than joy.

The brutality displayed on this holy day served as yet another grim reminder of the relentless oppression faced by the people of Southern Ambazonia, where violence and fear have become part of daily life. The attack was not only an atrocity against the direct victims but also a crime against humanity, aiming to terrorize and subjugate the civilian population.

This act constitutes a War Crime Under International Law, specifically violating Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions, which strictly prohibits the targeting of civilians, extrajudicial killings, and inhumane treatment of individuals not participating in hostilities.

The abduction of two victims after they had already been shot is a grave violation of their human rights and falls under Article 8 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, which criminalizes the unlawful detention and execution of civilians. Furthermore, the excessive use of force, leading to life-threatening injuries for the three surviving victims, violates the principle of proportionality under International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

These actions may also constitute crimes against humanity, as outlined in Article 7 of the Rome Statute, due to the systematic nature of the attack on civilians. The deliberate use of violence against unarmed individuals on a significant religious and cultural holiday further amplifies the severity of this crime, demonstrating a calculated effort to instill fear and destabilize the community. The perpetrators must be held accountable to ensure justice for the victims and prevent further violations of International Law.

GENOCIDE IN AMBAZONIA