August 31, 2024, the village of Azire in Bamenda, Mezam State, Ambazonia, witnessed a grave violation of human rights as Cameroonian Military Forces forcefully occupied classrooms and church premises belonging to PC Azire.

This invasion of church and school facilities contravenes International Humanitarian Law, particularly Article 52 of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions, which protects civilian objects, including schools and religious buildings, from military use. This unlawful occupation endangers civilians, especially students and worshippers, and disrupts community stability by turning safe spaces into war zones.

Violation of Geneva Conventions and Human Rights
International Humanitarian Law prohibits the militarization of civilian infrastructure. The Geneva Conventions aim to protect civilians during armed conflicts, and the invasion of church and school facilities by Cameroonian forces directly violates these provisions. Such actions not only pose immediate threats to civilian lives but also infringe on fundamental human rights, including the right to education and freedom of worship, thereby destabilizing the societal fabric of Ambazonia.

Intimidation and Suppression of Civilians
The presence of military forces in civilian spaces serves as a tool of intimidation and suppression, exacerbating the fear and insecurity among the local population. This occupation mirrors broader patterns observed in conflict zones where military dominance is imposed through the misuse of civilian spaces. The invasion of church and school premises in Azire is a clear violation of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, which condemns the exploitation of civilian infrastructure for military purposes.

Transforming Spaces of Peace into War Zones
The transformation of schools and churches into military quarters undermines civilians’ rights to access essential services like education and religious practice. The repeated invasion of church and school facilities not only violates international laws but also erodes the community’s sense of safety and dignity. The forceful occupation by Cameroonian forces has turned places meant for peace, learning, and spiritual solace into potential military targets, further escalating the humanitarian crisis in Ambazonia.

GENOCIDE IN AMBAZONIA