July 4, 2021, Nkwen, Mezam State, Northern Ambazonia, Cameroon Occupation Forces carried out yet another ruthless attack on innocent and unarmed civilians. Eyewitnesses recounted that among the victims was Mr. Nubila Jibril, a car owner who was seated in the comfort of his vehicle when he suddenly became a target of brutal violence.

Without provocation or justification, the occupation forces abducted, tortured, and ultimately killed him, along with many others. The attack was indiscriminate, targeting civilians who had no involvement in any form of armed conflict.

These egregious actions reflect a continued pattern of state-sponsored violence meant to instill fear and exert control over the local population. The killing of Mr. Jibril and others is a stark reminder of the unchecked impunity with which the Occupation Forces operate, disregarding the fundamental rights of civilians and violating international humanitarian laws. The deliberate execution of unarmed individuals underscores the oppressive tactics used to suppress any perceived opposition and destabilize communities in Ambazonia.

The killing of innocent civilians in Nkwen is a War Crime under International Humanitarian Law (IHL), particularly violating the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions explicitly forbids violence to life and person, particularly murder, mutilation, cruel treatment, and torture of civilians and those not taking part in hostilities.

Mr. Nubila Jibril, as a civilian, posed no threat and was entitled to protection under these laws. His abduction, torture, and execution violate the Fourth Geneva Convention, which protects civilians in times of conflict and occupation. Additionally, Article 8 of the Rome Statute classifies the deliberate killing of civilians and the use of torture as war crimes, holding accountable those who commit such atrocities. Furthermore, these actions amount to crimes against humanity under Article 7 of the Rome Statute, as they form part of a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population.

The execution of civilians without trial also violates Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which upholds the right to life and prohibits arbitrary killings. Moreover, the attack on unarmed civilians violates Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which guarantees the right to security and protection from arbitrary violence.

The continued impunity of the occupation forces highlights the urgent need for international intervention, accountability, and justice for the victims of these heinous crimes. The global community must act swiftly to investigate, prosecute, and hold those responsible accountable under international law to prevent further atrocities and ensure that justice is served for the people of Ambazonia.

GENOCIDE IN AMBAZONIA