April 4, 2019, Kumba Banga Bakondu village, Meme State, Southern Ambazonia, Cameroon Occupation Forces reportedly forcefully abducted, tortured, and killed innocent and unarmed civilians. Eyewitnesses recounted that Pa Nyanga’s house was among those affected during the incident.

The reported actions on April 4, 2019, in Kumba Banga Bakondu village constitute grave breaches of International Humanitarian Law(IHL) and are categorized as War Crimes. The forceful abduction, torture, and killing of innocent and unarmed civilians violate the core protections guaranteed under Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions, which explicitly prohibits violence to life and person, including murder, cruel treatment, and torture of individuals not actively participating in hostilities.

Such acts undermine the fundamental principle of distinction, which requires parties in a conflict to differentiate between combatants and civilians, ensuring the latter’s safety.

The destruction or targeting of Pa Nyanga’s house further intensifies the severity of the Crime. Civilians’ homes are considered protected property under international law, and their intentional destruction without military necessity constitutes a breach of Article 53 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which forbids the destruction of personal property belonging to civilians. The deliberate targeting of civilian structures not only displaces individuals but also creates widespread fear and instability within affected communities.

Torture, as detailed in the accounts, is universally prohibited under the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. The infliction of severe pain or suffering for purposes of intimidation or punishment is a gross violation of human dignity and is classified as a war crime under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The execution of civilians represents an egregious violation of International Humanitarian Law. Such extrajudicial killings may also amount to crimes against humanity if they form part of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population. These heinous acts not only devastate the immediate victims but also have far-reaching consequences for their families and communities.

Eyewitness accounts, including the mention of Pa Nyanga’s house, provide critical evidence that should be documented and investigated thoroughly by independent bodies. The international community has a moral and legal obligation to address these violations, hold perpetrators accountable, and ensure justice for victims. Upholding the rule of law and protecting civilians are essential to maintaining human dignity and preventing the recurrence of such atrocities in conflict zones.

GENOCIDE IN AMBAZONIA