February 21, 2020, in Fundong, Boyo State, Northern Ambazonia, a tragic and horrific event unfolded as Cameroon Occupation Forces carried out yet another act of brutality against innocent and unarmed civilians. Eyewitnesses recounted the gruesome scene where many residents were forcefully abducted, tortured, and killed without any provocation or justification.

Among the victims were Mr. Sama Amos and Ifini Leonard, two peaceful residents of the community whose lives were unjustly taken by the oppressive forces. Their abduction and subsequent execution sent shockwaves through the community, plunging families and neighbors into a state of deep grief, fear, and uncertainty.

The occupation forces, operating with impunity and disregard for human rights, have continually targeted civilians, branding them as threats in order to justify these heinous acts. The tragic events in Fundong are yet another painful reminder of the ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity being perpetrated against the people of Ambazonia.

This act constitutes a War Crime and a gross violation of International Humanitarian Law. The unlawful abduction, torture, and extrajudicial execution of civilians violate multiple provisions of the Geneva Conventions (1949), specifically:

  • Article 3 (Common Article to the Geneva Conventions): Prohibits acts of violence to life and person, including murder, mutilation, cruel treatment, and torture, against persons not taking part in hostilities.
  • Convention Against Torture (1984): Explicitly bans torture and inhumane treatment of any individual under detention or control.
  • The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (1998): Defines murder, torture, and persecution of civilians as crimes against humanity under Articles 7 and 8.
  • The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948): Guarantees every individual’s right to life, liberty, and security of person, all of which were violated in this attack.

The execution of civilians in Fundong amounts to extrajudicial killings, which are illegal under both domestic and international law. The Cameroon Occupation Forces’ actions in Fundong represent a pattern of systemic violence, oppression, and ethnic cleansing, which require urgent intervention from the international community, human rights organizations, and the International Criminal Court (ICC). The perpetrators of these War Crimes must be held accountable to ensure justice for the victims and an end to these atrocities.

GENOCIDE IN AMBAZONIA