July 7, 2024, Melim Kumbo, Bamenda, Mezam State, Ambazonia, Cameroon Occupation Forces committed a severe violation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) when they deliberately used unarmed civilians as human shields.

The soldiers planted an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the bush and stopped two civilians, Mr. Hans and Moctaru, instructing them to search for it. Tragically, the device detonated in their hands, resulting in their deaths. Mr. Hans and Moctaru, victims of this horrific IED attack, were directly targeted in a manner that constitutes a war crime, breaching key provisions of IHL, including the Geneva Conventions.

Under International Humanitarian Law, specifically Article 51 of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions, attacks that target civilians are strictly prohibited. This incident violated that fundamental principle by directing unarmed civilians, Mr. Hans and Moctaru, to search for an explosive device. Such conduct is classified as perfidy, where one party feigns an intention to spare life while intending to harm. Mr. Hans and Moctaru: Victims of IED into a life-threatening situation, the Cameroon Occupation Forces disregarded the obligation to protect civilian lives and made no distinction between combatants and non-combatants, a core tenet of IHL.

Laws on Civilian Protection and Human Rights Violations

Furthermore, Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions mandates that civilians be treated humanely and protected from violence, torture, and cruel treatment during armed conflicts. The instructions given to Mr. Hans and Moctaru to search for a planted explosive device violated their basic rights. Mr. Hans and Moctaru: Victims of IED of this reckless and deliberate action, were subjected to unnecessary and lethal harm. This act starkly illustrates a blatant violation of human rights, specifically the right to life and protection from unnecessary suffering, which is central to International Law.

Cameroon Occupation Forces’ Disregard for International Law

The actions of Cameroon Occupation Forces on that fateful day represent a grave breach of both International Humanitarian Law and fundamental human rights protections. Mr. Hans and Moctaru: Victims of IED an intentional attack, highlight the ongoing risks faced by non-combatants in conflict zones under occupation. This conduct, characterized by manipulation and harm toward civilians, calls for increased accountability to prevent such violations and protect innocent lives from future harm.

GENOCIDE IN AMBAZONIA