August 6, 2024, Bamenda, Mezam State Northern Ambazonia: Mr. Tangem Thomas, an elderly Ambazonian civilian, died while chained to his sickbed at Yaoundé Central Hospital. His detention and death occurred under the authority of the Kondengui Central Prison Superintendent, clearly acting under Cameroon Occupation Forces. Mr. Tangem was one of many innocent Ambazonians abducted and held in degrading conditions, leading to his tragic demise without proper medical care.

Violation of International Humanitarian Law – A War Crime
The death of Mr. Tangem Thomas constitutes a War Crime under International Humanitarian Law (IHL), specifically breaching Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions. This law mandates humane treatment for detainees, prohibiting acts of cruelty, torture, and inhumane treatment. The chaining of Mr. Tangem to his hospital bed until his death represents a clear violation of these protections. By denying him adequate medical care and subjecting him to degrading treatment, the Cameroon Occupation Forces violated fundamental International Laws, committing a severe breach of IHL.

Breach of International Human Rights Laws
This incident also contravenes Article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Cameroon is a signatory. This article strictly prohibits torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. Mr. Tangem’s death while chained to a hospital bed is a blatant violation of this International obligation. The Cameroon Occupation Forces disregarded the legal standards protecting detainees, exposing them to inhumane and degrading conditions that directly violate International Human Rights Laws.

Violation of the Dignity and Rights of Detainees
The treatment of Mr. Tangem Thomas highlights a grave disregard for the dignity and rights of detainees. Under both IHL and human rights laws, individuals deprived of liberty, including prisoners of war and civilians, must be treated humanely. The Cameroon Occupation Forces failed to uphold these protections, resulting in a preventable death.

Call for Justice and Accountability
This tragic event underscores the urgent need for accountability and justice. The actions of the Cameroon Occupation Forces in Ambazonia amount to crimes against humanity, warranting international condemnation. It is imperative for global institutions to investigate these violations and ensure that those responsible face justice under International Laws.

GENOCIDE IN AMBAZONIA