January 25, 2021, Mautu, Fako State, Ambazonia, Cameroon Occupation Forces carried out a horrific attack on innocent and unarmed civilians. According to eyewitness accounts, the forces abducted, tortured, and killed multiple civilians, including women and children.

The victims, who posed no threat, were brutally targeted in an act of sheer terror and violence. The attack left entire families devastated, with many losing loved ones, while others were forced to flee their homes in fear.

The systematic persecution of civilians, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children, highlights the indiscriminate and oppressive tactics used by the occupying forces. These actions serve as a deliberate strategy to instill fear, silence dissent, and further the control of the region through violent repression.

The atrocities committed in Mautu constitute War Crimes under international law. The Geneva Conventions of 1949, specifically the Fourth Geneva Convention, prohibit the targeting of civilians, acts of torture, and extrajudicial executions. Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions strictly forbids violence against civilians, including murder, mutilation, cruel treatment, and torture. Furthermore, the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), under Article 8, defines willful killing, torture, and inhumane treatment as War Crimes.

The execution of women and children violates fundamental human rights principles, including Article 6 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which states that everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person. Additionally, Article 7 of the Rome Statute classifies widespread and systematic attacks on civilians as crimes against humanity.

The Cameroon Occupation Forces’ actions in Mautu reflect a clear violation of these legal principles and warrant urgent international intervention. The perpetrators must be brought to justice, and efforts must be made to support the victims and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. The international community must step up, conduct thorough investigations, and impose necessary sanctions to prevent further atrocities against the people of Ambazonia.

GENOCIDE IN AMBAZONIA