February 2, 2019, Mamfe, Manyu State, Southern Ambazonia: The abduction and killing of several civilians, including women and children by Cameroon Occupational Forces. The violent raid left many others with injuries as they desperately tried to escape. This tragic incident reflects a clear violation of International Humanitarian Law and constitutes a War Crime. They targeted vulnerable civilians who were unarmed and uninvolved in hostilities.
The Geneva Conventions, along with their Additional Protocols, provide explicit protection for civilians. Particularly vulnerable groups like women and children, in war zones. Under Common Article 3 of the Geneva Convention, acts such as abduction, mistreatment, and killing of non-combatants are strictly prohibited. These acts amount to “violence to life and person,” including murder, mutilation, and torture, all of which are outlawed under International Law. By storming Manyu and committing such atrocities, the Cameroon Occupational Forces demonstrated a blatant disregard for these legal obligations.
Additionally, one of the core principles of International Humanitarian Law is the Principle of distinction. As it requires that combatants differentiate between military targets and civilians at all times. Civilians, particularly women and children, are never to be targeted, as they are entitled to immunity from direct attacks. The actions of the Cameroon Occupational Forces in Manyu the killing and abduction of several civilians—clearly violated this principle.Which is leading to the significant harm and loss of life. Such indiscriminate violence undermines the protections established under the Geneva Conventions and intensifies the humanitarian crisis in war-affected places like Ambazonia.
Furthermore, the killing and abduction of several civilians, including women and children. It also adds another layer of violation to this tragic event. Abductions during war are strictly forbidden under International Law, as they strip individuals of their freedom, dignity, and safety. The mistreatment of those taken captive further compounds the suffering of civilians and highlights the unlawful actions carried out during the operation.
The consequences of this incident are far-reaching. Families have been torn apart by the loss of loved ones. The communities are left traumatized, and civilians continue to live in fear. Such events erode trust, destabilize societies, and worsen the humanitarian crisis in Ambazonia. Where civilians remain disproportionately affected by the ongoing war.
This massacre in Manyu underscores the urgent need for accountability and adherence to International Laws governing armed war. Human Rights Organizations and International Bodies have called for investigations into such violations to ensure that perpetrators face justice. Without accountability, these atrocities will persist. And civilians will continue to suffer the devastating consequences of impunity.
In conclusion, the killing, abduction, and injury of civilians, including women and children, by Cameroon Occupational Forces in Manyu . Its constitute grave violations of International Humanitarian Law and are classified as War Crime. The deliberate targeting of non-combatants violates the Geneva Conventions and the principle of distinction, which is central to the laws of armed war. This incident highlights the urgent need for justice, accountability, and respect for International Legal protections to prevent further harm to innocent civilians.