January 12, Bamenda, Mezam State, Northern Ambazonia. To begin, the burnt down of an entire school campus, tortured innocent students, and abducted several civilians by Cameroon Occupational Forces. In addition to these atrocities, three civilians were killed during the operation. The deliberate targeting of a school and the brutal treatment of civilians are severe violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and constitute war crimes.
Also, schools are the protected civilian structures under the Geneva Convention. The destruction of educational institutions not being used for military purposes is explicitly prohibited. These attack in Bamenda infringes upon the right of children to safety and education. And also the rights that are fundamental even during armed war. By burning down the school campus, the Cameroon Occupation Forces demonstrated a blatant disregard for International Laws that safeguard civilian properties and institutions.
Again, eyewitness accounts and video evidence further detail the brutal treatment of innocent students. They were subjected to torture and intimidation. Torture is strictly forbidden under Common Articles 3 of the Geneva Convention. It prohibits cruel treatment, torture, and any form of violence against non-combatants. However, such actions constitute grave breaches of International Law and demand urgent accountability.
In addition, the burnt down of an entire school campus, torture innocent school children, the abduction of civilians and the killing of three individuals represent further violations of International Humanitarian Law. The Principle of Distinction a cornerstone of Humanitarian Law, mandates that combatants must distinguish between military and civilian targets. Targeting civilians who are not participating in hostilities is unlawful and amounts to a War Crime. Similarly, the Principle of Proportionality seeks to minimize harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure during war. However, the actions of the Cameroon Occupation Forces in Bamenda reflect neither distinction nor proportionality.
These attack on the school campus and the mistreatment of civilians in Bamenda have far-reaching consequences. The destruction of educational facilities deprives children of their fundamental right to education and safety. Such acts not only disrupt lives in the present but also impact the future of entire communities. Education is essential for rebuilding war-torn societies, and its destruction further deepens the suffering of already vulnerable populations.
Additionally, the International Human Rights Organizations have strongly condemned these actions. While calling for independent investigations and accountability for those responsible. The violation of such highlight the urgent need for the international community to ensure that all parties in war adhere to the principles of International Humanitarian Law. Without proper enforcement, such atrocities will continue to escalate, worsening the Humanitarian crisis in Ambazonia.
In conclusion, the January 12, 2019, attack in Bamenda, where Cameroon Occupation Forces burnt down the entire school campus, torture students, and kill civilians, constitutes a serious breach of International Law. These actions violate the Geneva Conventions, which protect civilian lives and infrastructure during war. The deliberate targeting of non-combatants underscores the urgent need for accountability and justice to prevent further atrocities and safeguard the rights of civilians.