April 4, 2019, Meluf Village, Mezam State, Northern Ambazonia, Cameroon Occupation Forces reportedly Abducted, Tortured, and Executed innocent and unarmed Civilians, including women, as recounted by eyewitnesses.

The reported actions of Cameroon Occupation Forces in Meluf Village on April 4, 2019, constitute serious violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and are classified as War Crimes.

The abduction, torture, and execution of innocent and unarmed civilians, including women, breaches Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions, which prohibits violence to life and person, including murder, cruel treatment, and torture, against individuals who are not taking an active part in hostilities. Such acts violate the fundamental principles of International Humanitarian Law, which prioritize the protection of civilians during armed conflict.

Women, in particular, are granted additional safeguards under international law due to their unique vulnerabilities in conflict settings. The targeting of women in this incident underscores a flagrant disregard for these protections, as enshrined in the Fourth Geneva Convention and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). These legal frameworks emphasize the importance of safeguarding women from violence, abuse, and other acts of cruelty, particularly in conflict zones.

The use of torture is universally condemned under the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, to which Cameroon is a party. Torture constitutes one of the most egregious violations of human rights, as it causes severe physical and psychological suffering while undermining the victim’s dignity. In this case, the systematic use of such practices represents a blatant violation of both human rights law and the principles of International Humanitarian Law.

These acts of violence also have broader implications, as they contribute to a climate of fear and insecurity among the civilian population. If such actions form part of a systematic or widespread attack on civilians, they may constitute crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

Eyewitness testimonies play a crucial role in documenting these violations, enabling independent investigations to uncover the truth and hold perpetrators accountable. Justice and accountability are essential for deterring future violations, supporting victims, and ensuring adherence to the rule of law. Addressing these crimes is vital to restoring the dignity and rights of those affected and fostering peace and stability in the region.

GENOCIDE IN AMBAZONIA