December 7, 2022 ,Wum, Menchum State, Northern Ambazonia: Four civilians were killed by Cameroon Occupational Forces accompanied by armed Fulani militias where they launched a violent operation in Ambazonia.

During this operation, four civilians were killed, and several homes were burnt down. and which was resulting in significant loss of life and property. The attack was part of an ongoing military campaign targeting suspected Ambazonian militants amid the escalating Ambazonia war. However, the violence inflicted on innocent civilians highlights a troubling disregard for human life and a Violation of International Norms.

Eyewitness indicate that the Cameroon Occupational Forces, along with the armed Fulani groups, conducted raids on residential areas. Which lead to widespread destruction. Civilians who had no involvement in the War were targeted, leaving families devastated and communities in fear. The burning of homes further compounded the suffering, displacing residents and depriving them of shelter and essential belongings. Such coordinated operations illustrate the excessive use of force .That has increasingly characterized the Cameroon military’s approach to suppressing dissent in Ambazonia.

Additionally, the burning of homes represents an act of collective punishment, which is strictly prohibited under International Law. Civilians cannot be punished for affiliations or activities of combatants in their communities. Such acts not only violate Humanitarian Protections but also exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in Ambazonia. Displacement, loss of property, and trauma caused by these operations further deepen the suffering of the local population.

This incident in Menchum reflects a broader pattern of violence in the Ambazonia war, where civilians often become the primary victims of military operations. Cameroon Occupational Forces, sometimes in collaboration with armed groups such as the Fulani militias, have been accused of using indiscriminate tactics that lead to the deaths of non-combatants. These ongoing violations have sparked condemnation from Human Rights Organizations and calls for accountability at both local and International levels.

The International Community has a critical role to play in addressing such atrocities. Independent investigations into the Menchum incident must be conducted to identify those responsible and hold them accountable under international law. Without justice, these crimes risk becoming normalized, perpetuating a cycle of violence and impunity in Ambazonia. Global bodies, including the United Nations and Human Rights Organizations, must push for the protection of civilians and ensure that the principles of International Humanitarian Law are upheld.

In conclusion, this events highlight the severe consequences of military operations that fail to distinguish between combatants and civilians. The killing of four civilians and the destruction of homes. They are clear violations of International Humanitarian Law, amounting to war crimes. Accountability, justice for the victims, and urgent intervention are necessary to end these atrocities and protect innocent lives in Ambazonia.