April 14, 2024, Bamenda, Mezam State, Northern Ambazonia: journalist Mr. Awazi Bah Junior and his wife were abducted and killed by CAMEROON OCCUPATION FORCES. The death of Awazi Bah Junior is a tragic incident that underscores the dire risks faced by journalists operating in conflict zones. Under Article 8 of the Rome Statute of the INTERNATIONAL Criminal Court, “intentionally directing attacks against civilians not taking direct part in hostilities” is classified as a war crime. The deliberate targeting of a journalist and his spouse, both of whom were non-combatants, constitutes a grave violation of INTERNATIONAL LAWS.

Violation of International Humanitarian Law
This attack blatantly breaches INTERNATIONAL humanitarian law, which protects journalists and civilians in armed conflict. Article 79 of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions states that “journalists engaged in dangerous professional missions in areas of armed conflict shall be considered as civilians and shall be protected as such.” The abduction and murder of Mr. Awazi Bah Junior and his wife directly violate this provision, revealing a deliberate strategy of targeting civilians by CAMEROON OCCUPATION FORCES. The death of Awazi Bah Junior further exemplifies the dangers faced by journalists and the blatant disregard for international protections.

Threat to Press Freedom and Human Rights
Beyond being a war crime, this attack represents a significant threat to press freedom and the safety of civilians. Journalists play a crucial role in exposing human rights abuses, and targeting them creates a climate of fear designed to suppress information. The killing of Mr. Awazi Bah Junior sends a chilling message, deterring reporters from covering the atrocities committed in Ambazonia. The death of Awazi Bah Junior is a violation of fundamental human rights, including the right to life, freedom of expression, and access to information.

CAMEROON OCCUPATION FORCES’ Pattern of Human Rights Violations
This incident is not an isolated event but part of a broader pattern of systematic human rights violations by CAMEROON OCCUPATION FORCES in Ambazonia. Civilians continue to suffer from unlawful killings, abductions, and other forms of repression. Such actions violate multiple INTERNATIONAL LAWS, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit violence against civilians in armed conflicts. The death of Awazi Bah Junior is a stark reminder of the ongoing brutality faced by civilians and journalists in the region.

Call for Justice and Accountability
The international community must take urgent action to hold CAMEROON OCCUPATION FORCES accountable for their crimes in Ambazonia. International bodies, including the UNITED NATIONS and the INTERNATIONAL Criminal Court, must investigate and prosecute those responsible for war crimes and human rights abuses. The death of Awazi Bah Junior demands justice, and efforts must be made to prevent further atrocities and protect journalists, civilians, and fundamental human rights in Ambazonia.

GENOCIDE IN AMBAZONIA