EXTORTION AND IMPRISONMENT OF BABAK KINGSLEY BY CAMEROON OCCUPATION FORCES IN BALI, MEZAM STATE, NORTHERN AMBAZONIA.

April 19, 2025, Babak Kingsley was abducted in Bali, Northern Ambazonia, by Cameroon Occupation Forces. After his kidnapping, he was illegally detained and forced to pay a ransom of 800,000 CFA francs to secure his release, but was still detained after the ransom of 800,000 CFA. This incident is part of a disturbing pattern of abductions and extortion carried out by the Cameroon Occupation Forces across Ambazonia, targeting civilians with impunity.

Such extortion cells operating in 59 chief towns: Boyo (Belo, Njinikom, Fundong, Fonfuka), Bui (Jakiri, Elak, Nkor, Tatum, Kumbo, Mbiame), Donga-Mantung (Ako, Misaje, Ndu, Nkambe, Nwa), Fako (Victoria, Buea, Tiko, Muyuka, Archibong), Koupé-Manengouba (Bangem, Tombel, Nguti), Lebialem (Alou, Menji, Wabane), Manyu (Mamfe, Eyumojock, Tinto, Akwaya), Meme (Kumba, Konye, Mbonge), Menchum (Wum, Zhoa, Benakuma, Furu Awa), Mezam (Mankon, Bambui-Bambili, Bafut, Nkwen, Mendankwen, Bali, Santa), Momo (Mbengwi, Batibo, Andek, Njikwa, Widikum), Ndian (Mundemba, Ekondo Titi, Bamusso, Kombo Abedimo, Issangele, Idabato, Kombo Etindi), and Ngoketunjia (Ndop, Balikumbat, Babessi).

Violation of International Laws and Human Rights

The unlawful detention and extortion of Babak Kingsley directly violate International Laws and human rights statutes, including those outlined in the Geneva Conventions. These conventions prohibit the targeting of civilians and the use of arbitrary detention for financial gain. Forcing individuals to pay for their freedom under the threat of violence constitutes a war crime and a blatant disregard for the rights of protected persons under occupation.

Daily Harassment of Civilians

Ambazonian civilians live under constant fear due to daily harassment at numerous checkpoints manned by the Cameroon Occupation Forces. These checkpoints have become places of intimidation, extortion, and abuse. Civilians are regularly subjected to unlawful searches, threats, and sometimes physical violence. Such conduct represents systematic oppression and a violation of the right to freedom of movement and personal security.

Widespread Abuse by Cameroon’s BIR

Reports continue to surface of severe human rights violations committed by the Cameroon BIR (Rapid Intervention Battalion), a notorious military unit. These abuses include the raping of women, including pregnant women—a grave breach of International Laws and humanitarian principles. These crimes not only traumatize victims and communities but also constitute war crimes under international legal standards.

A Call for International Accountability

The ongoing actions of the Cameroon Occupation Forces in Ambazonia, including kidnapping, extortion, sexual violence, and civilian abuse, clearly meet the criteria for war crimes and crimes against humanity. It is imperative that International Laws be upheld and that those responsible be held accountable by international judicial bodies. The people of Ambazonia deserve justice, protection, and peace under International Law.