Urgent Call for Action on the Escalation of War Crimes and Genocide in Ambazonia
Department of Human Rights &
Humanitarian Services (HHS), Buea
Ambazonia Governing Council
AGovC/HHS/05-15-24
May 15, 2024
Urgent Call for Action on the Escalation of War Crimes and Genocide in Ambazonia
The Ambazonian community is deeply troubled by the recent surge in war crimes committed by the Cameroon Occupation Forces across the Northern and Southern States of Ambazonia. Over the past two weeks, a series of heinous acts of violence have been perpetrated, starkly violating international humanitarian law and constituting clear war crimes. These atrocities have followed a joint operation by the Ambazonia Defense Forces (ADF) and an allied force in Manyu, Southern Ambazonia, tragically resulting in the deaths of five Cameroon Occupation Forces soldiers.
The following incidents underscore the severity of the situation and confirm the presence of genocide and War Crimes in Ambazonia:
- Mass Shooting at a NightClub in Victoria (Limbe)
On May 10, 2024, elements of Cameroon’s Battalion d’Intervention Rapide (BIR), notorious for its brutal onslaughts, stormed a night club in Victoria (Limbe), Southern Ambazonia, and indiscriminately opened fire on civilians. This attack resulted in multiple fatalities and is a stark violation of Article 3 of the 1949 Geneva Convention (IV), which mandates humane treatment of all persons not actively participating in hostilities.
- Murder of Civilians at Mamu Road, Lesoka, Muea
On May 11, 2024, at a birthday party on Mamu Road, Isoka, Muea, Southern Ambazonia, two young women, Victory and Mary, along with their boyfriends, were brutally murdered by Cameroon Occupation Forces. This act constitutes a breach of Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions, which prohibits violence to life and person, in particular murder, of persons taking no active part in the hostilities, including civilians.
- Summary Execution of an ADF Soldier in Bamenda
On May 15, 2024, Cameroon Occupation Forces operating in Bamenda, Northern Ambazonia, arrested an ADF soldier named Tenyong Divine and summarily executed him. This act violates the Geneva Convention, which provides protection for Prisoners of War, including the prohibition of execution without a fair trial.
- Public Execution of Innocent Civilians in Mamfe
On May 16, 2024, in an attempt to cover up their actions and avoid public embarrassment, Cameroon Occupation Forces randomly arrested three innocent civilians, framed them as participants in the killing of five soldiers of the Cameroon Occupation Forces in Mamfe, Manyu, Southern Ambazonia, and publicly executed them. This is also a grave breach of Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions, which forbids the passing of sentences and the carrying out of executions without previous judgment pronounced by a regularly constituted court.
We urgently call upon all relevant stakeholders, including embassies operating in Cameroon, national and international rights groups, the United Nations, and other international bodies, to:
- Publicly Condemn these War Crimes and unequivocally denounce the actions of the Cameroon Occupation Forces.
- Immediately investigate these heinous atrocities, ensuring thorough documentation of evidence to facilitate accountability and justice.
- Advocate vigorously for the protection of Ambazonian civilians and ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable for their reprehensible actions.
- Support the Implementation of Robust Genocide Early Warning Mechanisms to proactively monitor and assess the situation, thereby preventing further escalation and safeguarding vulnerable populations.
- Exert Substantial Pressure on Cameroon to take resolute action against these egregious violations, uphold the principles of International Humanitarian Law without compromise, and immediately withdraw its Forces of Occupation unlawfully present in Ambazonia.
The Ambazonian people remain resolute in our quest for freedom and justice. We shall persist in our struggle until the last vestige of occupation forces departs from Ambazonia. We implore the International Community to stand in solidarity with us and take urgent action to halt these despicable atrocities.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
Sign.
Akoson Raymond
Secretary of the HHS