November 20, 2021, Mezam State, Northern Ambazonia: Cameroon Occupation Forces abducted, tortured, killed, and burned down the houses of innocent civilians, including their livelihoods. Eyewitnesses recounted the horrific events, describing how the forces targeted the civilian population with extreme violence, not only taking lives but also destroying homes and essential sources of survival.

Families were left devastated as their homes were set ablaze, leaving them without shelter and their livelihoods in ruins. The destruction and loss faced by these innocent civilians only deepened the anguish and trauma already caused by the conflict.

The brutality of these actions highlights a systematic attack on civilians, with the destruction of homes symbolizing an attack on the very essence of their daily lives. The targeted violence and destruction not only resulted in the loss of life but also rendered many civilians homeless and without the means to support themselves. The forced displacement, the psychological trauma, and the loss of material and emotional security have further compounded the already dire situation faced by the people of Ambazonia.

The acts described above clearly constitute War Crimes under International Law, particularly under the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Under Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions, which applies to non-international armed conflicts, the murder, torture, and mistreatment of civilians, as well as the destruction of civilian property, are strictly prohibited. These acts violate the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians and their property in conflict zones.

The abduction, torture, and killing of civilians, as well as the burning of homes and livelihoods, are violations of the laws of war, which mandate that combatants must distinguish between military and civilian targets. The destruction of homes and property and the deliberate targeting of civilians constitute violations of the principle of distinction and proportionality, which prohibit direct attacks on civilians and civilian objects unless they are used for military purposes.

These actions also fall under the classification of war crimes as defined in the Rome Statute, which recognizes murder, torture, and the destruction of civilian property as grave breaches of international law. The perpetrators of such actions are subject to prosecution by international courts such as the International Criminal Court (ICC), emphasizing the need for accountability and justice for the victims of these atrocities.

GENOCIDE IN AMBAZONIA