January 18, 2018, Kwakwa, Meme State Southern Ambazonia: a wave of violence swept through several towns in Ambazonia, Kwakwa, Batibo, Bali, Bafut, and Ekona, led by Cameroonian Occupation Forces. In what is now referred to as the Kwakwa Massacre Part 1, civilians were abducted and later found dead, their bodies discarded in public spaces or shared in graphic videos. These brutal acts targeted innocent people, sparking fear and trauma across Ambazonia.

Grave Breach Of International Humanitarian Law

The Kwakwa Massacre Part 1 represents a flagrant violation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), which strictly prohibits violence against non-combatants during conflict. The Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols mandate the protection of civilians from arbitrary detention, murder, and inhumane treatment. These principles were clearly disregarded during the massacre, where civilians were deliberately executed and their remains used as a tool of psychological warfare.

Categorized As War Crimes Under Geneva Conventions

Under the Geneva Conventions, the willful killing of civilians constitutes a War Crime. The Kwakwa Massacre Part 1, marked by extrajudicial executions and public displays of bodies, fits the definition of such crimes. Cameroonian forces’ actions showed an intentional disregard for laws designed to protect innocent lives in times of armed conflict. These repeated patterns of abuse highlight systematic violations rather than isolated incidents.

Clear Violations Of Human Rights

In addition to being a War Crime, the Kwakwa Massacre Part 1 is a gross human rights violation. Civilians have the right to life, dignity, and protection from torture under international instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These rights were blatantly ignored, and the targeting of non-combatants reveals a larger strategy of repression and terror by the occupying forces.

A Call For Justice And Accountability

The international community must investigate and respond to the Kwakwa Massacre with urgency. The perpetrators of these crimes must face justice. Continued silence only emboldens further atrocities. Justice for Ambazonia’s victims, especially those of the Kwakwa Massacre Part is long overdue.

Kwakwa Massacre Part 1 video