December 20, 2018, Likoko Village, Fako State Southern Ambazonia: Eye witness reviewed that Unarmed and innocent civilians sought refuge in their hideout within the dense cover of the bushes, hoping to escape the pervasive violence that plagued their Community.
However, their sanctuary was shattered when the Cameroon Occupation Forces descended upon them with ruthless force. In a brazen display of brutality, the Military Forces stormed their hideout, forcibly abducting them from their makeshift refuge. Tragically, the fate that awaited them was nothing short of horrifying, as their lifeless bodies were callously discarded, their voices silenced forever by the merciless hand of oppression.
The account of Likoko village stands as a grim testament to the pervasive terror and impunity that grips the region, as innocent civilians fall victim to the unchecked violence perpetrated by those sworn to protect them.
In the wake of such unspeakable tragedy, the echoes of their voices ring out, demanding justice and accountability for the atrocities committed against them. As the world bears witness to their suffering, the plight of Likoko village serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for concerted international action to bring an end to the cycle of violence and ensure that such atrocities are never repeated again.
The actions of the Cameroon Occupation Forces, as described in the account of the hideout in Likoko village, epitomize a profound lack of humanity and compassion.
Even in the supposed safety of the villagers’ hideout within the bushes, they were subjected to relentless pursuit and violence, a stark demonstration of the callous disregard for human life that characterizes the actions of the occupying forces.
The hunt for innocent civilians, even in their most vulnerable moments, speaks to a deeply troubling disregard for the basic principles of dignity and human rights.
The events described in Likoko Village on December 20, 2018, constitute a war crime under international law. The deliberate targeting, abduction, and killing of unarmed civilians violate Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions of 1949, which applies during non-international armed conflicts. This article prohibits violence against civilians, including murder, cruel treatment, and any act intended to harm individuals not taking part in hostilities. The Cameroon Occupation Forces, by storming the hideout, abducting unarmed civilians, and discarding their lifeless bodies, directly violated this key provision. Their actions exemplify a clear breach of the principle of humanity enshrined in international humanitarian law.
Additionally, the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), under Article 8(2)(c)(i), identifies the intentional killing of civilians as a war crime. The villagers, seeking refuge in the bushes to escape violence, were entitled to protection as non-combatants. The actions of the Cameroon forces demonstrate a complete disregard for the principle of distinction, which requires parties in a conflict to differentiate between combatants and civilians. Furthermore, these atrocities violate Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which guarantees the right to life, liberty, and security. The systematic targeting and killing of innocent civilians highlight not only a war crime but also the need for justice and international accountability to prevent future occurrences.
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