January 11, 2024, Okoyong, Mamfe Manyu State, Southern Ambazonia: Cameroon Occupation Forces committed a heinous act by killing Ms. Tandu Bernice, a four-months-pregnant woman. This atrocity occurred because the driver of the commercial vehicle transporting her refused to pay a bribe of less than one dollar. In response, the forces indiscriminately opened fire, leading to the tragic death of Ms. Tandu Bernice.

A Clear Violation of International Laws

The killing of Ms. Tandu Bernice constitutes a War Crime, as it involves the unlawful execution of a non-combatant in armed conflict. International Laws, particularly the Geneva Conventions, explicitly prohibit the targeting of civilians. These laws mandate that all occupying forces must protect civilian lives, making this act by Cameroon Occupation Forces a blatant violation of international humanitarian principles.

Breach of the Geneva Conventions

Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions prohibits acts of violence against civilians, especially women and children. By opening fire on a civilian vehicle over a minor bribe dispute, Cameroon Occupation Forces displayed a reckless disregard for human life. This unlawful killing of Ms. Tandu Bernice is a direct violation of the protections enshrined in International Laws, further proving the brutality of the occupation.

A Violation of Fundamental Human Rights

Beyond violating International Laws, this act represents a grave human rights violation. The right to life is a fundamental principle under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which Cameroon Occupation Forces blatantly disregarded. The killing of Ms. Tandu Bernice is not an isolated incident but rather a symptom of the widespread oppression and exploitation faced by civilians in Ambazonia.

Systematic Abuse and Impunity

The killing of Ms. Tandu highlights a pattern of systematic abuse and impunity by Cameroon Occupation Forces. The unlawful use of force to extort bribes and silence civilians demonstrates a deep-seated culture of oppression. This tragedy underscores the urgent need for international intervention to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure justice for Ms. Tandu Bernice and countless other victims.