November 24, 2021, Mezam State, Northern Ambazonia: Cameroon Occupation Forces abducted, tortured, and killed innocent and unarmed civilians, including at a school. According to eyewitnesses, an atrocity unfolded at the school where four individuals were abducted by the forces, subjected to brutal treatment, and ultimately killed.

The victims, who were unarmed and not involved in any combat, became victims of senseless violence, which struck fear and grief into the local community. This tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing suffering endured by civilians caught in the crossfire of the conflict.

The school, which should have been a safe space for learning and growth, became the site of unimaginable brutality. The abduction and execution of these innocent civilians by the Cameroon Occupation Forces violate fundamental human rights and international humanitarian laws.

The violation of these individuals’ rights and the targeting of non-combatants in a place of education further highlight the reckless disregard for the sanctity of life and protection of civilians, particularly in the context of an armed conflict.

The actions described above are clear violations of international law, specifically the laws governing armed conflict. Under the Geneva Conventions, particularly Common Article 3, which applies to non-international armed conflicts, the murder, torture, and ill-treatment of civilians who are not taking part in the hostilities is strictly prohibited. The deliberate targeting of civilians, including those in educational institutions, amounts to a war crime under international law. These crimes also breach the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which includes the murder and torture of non-combatants as war crimes. The ICC defines war crimes as serious violations of the laws and customs of war, including the targeting of unarmed civilians, abduction, and murder.

The violation extends further when considering the breach of the fundamental principle of distinction in International Humanitarian Law(IHL). The principle of distinction requires parties in a conflict to distinguish between combatants and non-combatants, as well as between military objectives and civilian objects. The targeting of a school and the abduction of unarmed civilians there constitute a grave violation of this principle, as civilians and civilian property must be protected from direct attacks. These acts of violence are emblematic of broader patterns of human rights abuses and war crimes occurring in the conflict and call for accountability under international law to protect civilian populations from such atrocities.

GENOCIDE IN AMBAZONIA