January 22, 2025, GBHS Nkwen Mezam State Northern Ambazonia: Cameroon Occupation Forces in the context of the eight-year war between Cameroon and Ambazonia constitutes a grave violation of International Law. Targeting schools, students, and educational institutions during armed conflict is classified as a war crime under Article 8(2)(b)(ix) of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). This article explicitly prohibits “intentionally directing attacks against buildings dedicated to education,” provided they are not being used for military bases

The act of Targeting of Schools. disrupts access to education, a fundamental human right enshrined in Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and protected under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Moreover, such acts sow fear and instability among civilians, especially children, violating the principle of distinction under International Humanitarian Law (IHL), which requires warring parties to distinguish between combatants and civilians.

Impact on Civilians and Prohibition of Attacks
The attack at GBHS Nkwen, where students fled in terror amidst attacks, highlights the broader consequences of Targeting school infrastructure. The Fourth Geneva Convention and its Additional Protocols emphasize the protection of civilians, including children, during wartime. Destroying homes and schools not only violates these protections but also undermines the Safe Schools Declaration, an International commitment to safeguarding education during armed conflict.

The continued burning of schools and homes without justification demonstrates a pattern of attacks that could amount to Crimes against humanity, especially if they form part of a systematic policy of terrorizing civilian populations. These actions call for urgent International investigation and accountability to prevent further violations and ensure justice for the victims of these atrocities.

GENOCIDE IN AMBAZONIA COMMITTED BY CAMEROON OCCUPATION FORCES