May 11, 2024, Mamu Road, Lisoka, Muea, in Fako State, Southern Ambazonia, Cameroon Occupation Forces abducted, tortured, and killed two young women, Victory and Mary. These innocent women were celebrating a birthday party with their boyfriends when they became victims of this brutal attack.

Eyewitnesses recounted the horror of the night, stating that the forces stormed the area and indiscriminately targeted the celebrants, leaving them with no chance to escape. The tragic loss of these young women and their companions has left the community in mourning, highlighting the ongoing violence that has gripped Ambazonia.

The deliberate targeting of civilians in non-combat settings, such as a private celebration, underscores the brutality of these actions. The killing of Victory and Mary, along with their boyfriends, reflects a pattern of systematic human rights abuses carried out by the Cameroon Occupation Forces.

The indiscriminate use of force against unarmed individuals violates fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, which protects civilians from such acts of violence. The attack not only robbed these young individuals of their future but also spread fear among the local population, reinforcing the oppressive conditions under which many Ambazonians are forced to live.

This incident constitutes a War Crime under international law. The Geneva Conventions of 1949, particularly Common Article 3, explicitly prohibit acts of violence, murder, and cruel treatment against civilians in armed conflicts. The targeting and execution of unarmed individuals at a private gathering directly violate these legal protections. Furthermore, under Article 8 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), willful killing, torture, and inhumane treatment of civilians are classified as war crimes.

Additionally, given the systematic nature of these Crimes, they could also fall under Article 7 of the Rome Statute, which defines crimes against humanity as widespread or systematic attacks directed at civilian populations. The international community must take urgent action to investigate and prosecute these violations to ensure justice for the victims and to prevent further atrocities in Ambazonia.

GENOCIDE IN AMBAZONIA