In February 2022, the Santa Massacre unfolded in Mezam State, Northern Ambazonia: The incident resulted in the killing of many Civilians in Santa by Cameroon Occupational Forces conducting a military operation that led to the deaths of numerous civilians, including adults and teenagers, and the destruction of homes. The Santa Massacre is one of many devastating events which, highlighted the severe human cost of the war. The attack left the local population grappling with immense grief, fear, and a worsening humanitarian crisis, as residents faced displacement, destruction of their property, and ongoing threats to their safety and fundamental rights.

The Killing of many in Santa intensified concerns about the Humanitarian situation in Ambazonia, as it underscored the vulnerability of civilians caught in the crossfire of a conflict marked by escalations in violence. The Cameroon Occupational Forces targeting civilian areas, amplified the toll on innocent lives, further destabilizing civilians. Civilians found themselves forced to flee their homes amid the violence, seeking refuge while grappling with the uncertainty of their future in an increasingly defined by destruction and displacement. These acts also raised alarms Internationally about the potential violations of Human Rights and the rule of law within the war zone.

This incident has been categorized as a War Crime due to the systematic targeting of civilians, the burning of homes, and the forced displacement of residents, actions that directly contravene International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Under the Geneva Conventions, which regulate the conduct of armed forces in war situations, deliberate attacks on civilian populations and property are explicitly prohibited, particularly when they serve no legitimate military purpose. The events in Santa massacre exemplify a blatant disregard for these legal frameworks, as the Cameroon Occupational Forces carried out acts of indiscriminate violence that included the killing of non-combatants and the destruction of their homes and livelihoods.

The massacre in Santa Bamenda has also drawn attention to the broader issue of accountability in armed war zone, particularly in instances where civilian populations bear the brunt of military operations. The actions of the Cameroonian forces, committed with apparent knowledge of their impact on civilians, meet the criteria for war crimes as defined by the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The systematic nature of these attacks, coupled with the apparent intent to intimidate or harm the local population, has led to widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and calls for investigations into the alleged abuses.

The Santa Bamenda massacre is emblematic of the larger crisis in Ambazonia, where the continues to generate immense suffering. The ongoing violence has exacerbated the plight of civilians, who face not only the immediate consequences of attacks but also the long-term challenges of rebuilding their lives marked by the instability and lawlessness. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for international attention and intervention to address the root causes of the war, ensure accountability for violations, and protect the rights of civilians caught in the crossfire. As the war in Ambazonia persists, the Santa Massacre stands out as a grim chapter that underscores the devastating human cost of the war and the pressing need for a resolution that prioritizes the safety, dignity, and rights of all affected populations.