September 10, 2022, Bamenda, Mezam State, Northern Ambazonia: The burning of houses and businesses due to the killing of Cameroon Occupational Forces by Ambazonia Fighters. The Cameroon Occupational Forces launched retaliatory raids in Bamenda. Which lead to the widespread destruction. During these operations, houses and businesses were burned down. Also, leaving families displaced and communities in despair. However, this pattern of violence has become all too familiar in Ambazonia. Again, such acts often follow clashes between the two sides.

Furthermore, Human Rights Organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have documented similar incidents across Ambazonia. These detail how Cameroon Occupational Forces respond to attacks by Ambazonia Fighters with punitive measures that disproportionately harm civilians. The destruction of property, forced displacement, and intimidation tactics create a climate of fear and worsen the humanitarian crisis in Ambazonia.

Moreover, the burning of houses and businesses constitutes a clear violation of International Law. Specifically, these acts contravene the principles outlined in International Humanitarian Law (IHL). And which prohibit the intentional targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure during armed war. Also, Retaliatory actions of this nature can be classified as War Crime under the Geneva Conventions, as they fail to distinguish between combatants and non-combatants.

Independent Human Rights Groups have called for thorough investigations into such incidents to ensure accountability and justice for victims. However, limited access to wart-affected areas and the lack of transparency often hinder progress. Nevertheless, international community continues to stress the importance of protecting civilians in war zones and addressing the root causes of violence to achieve long-term peace.

Lastly, the tragic incident in Bamenda underscores the urgent need for dialogue and conflict resolution in Ambazonia. The cycle of violence—marked by attacks, retaliation, and human suffering—cannot be broken without meaningful intervention and adherence to international laws protecting civilians. Until then, the lives of innocent people remain at risk, and the region’s stability will continue to erode.

More Genocide committed by the LRC to Ambazonia