October 1, 2017, in Bamenda, Mezam State, Ambazonia, Cameroonian Occupation Forces committed acts that constituted serious violations of International Law. Unarmed and innocent civilians were abducted, tortured, and killed by these forces. Among the victims was Mr. Fon Yembe, who was forcibly taken from his home to an undisclosed location, as reported by eyewitnesses. Such actions are clear breaches of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and are classified as war crimes under established International statutes.

The abduction, torture, and killing of civilians violate Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions of 1949, which ensures humane treatment for individuals not actively involved in hostilities. This provision explicitly forbids violence against life and person, including murder, torture, and other cruel treatment.

The forced removal of civilians without any legal process also undermines the safeguards meant to protect non-combatants during armed conflicts. These protections are central to maintaining the dignity and safety of civilians in war zones.

Furthermore, these actions fall under the purview of Article 8 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Specifically, Article 8(2)(c)(i) criminalizes acts of violence against life and person, including murder and torture, in non-international armed conflicts. The targeting of unarmed civilians, such as the abduction of Mr. Fon Yembe, violates the fundamental principle of distinction, which obligates parties to a war to differentiate between combatants and non-combatants.

These violations not only cause irreparable harm to victims but also undermine the very foundation of International Humanitarian norms.

The atrocities committed in Bamenda highlight the urgent need for accountability. War crimes, such as those documented, demand justice through International legal mechanisms to ensure perpetrators are held responsible and to prevent future violations. Impunity for such acts fosters a culture of lawlessness and perpetuates cycles of violence against vulnerable populations. Bringing justice to the victims of these heinous crimes is not only a moral imperative but also essential for upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of civilians in war zone