CAMEROON OCCUPATION FORCES EXECUTE CIVILIANS AND ABDUCT OTHERS

May 28, 2024, Elak Oku, Bamenda, Bui State, Northern Ambazonia: Cameroon Occupation Forces carried out a brutal attack, leading to the deaths of two innocent civilians and the abduction of three others. According to eyewitness reports, the victims were forced out of their hiding places by random gunfire before being executed or taken away.

This act constitutes a grave violation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), particularly Article 3 common to the Geneva Conventions, which strictly prohibits violence against non-combatants, including murder, torture, and inhumane treatment. The targeting of civilians in such a deliberate manner represents a clear breach of international legal protections designed to safeguard individuals not involved in hostilities.

VIOLATIONS OF INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW

The Cameroon Occupation Forces’ actions in Bui State blatantly disregard the principle of distinction, a fundamental rule of IHL requiring combatants to differentiate between civilians and military targets. The use of indiscriminate gunfire to instill fear and force civilians into the open before harming them exemplifies an excessive and unlawful use of force. These tactics not only put innocent lives at risk but also demonstrated a systematic effort to terrorize local communities in occupied territory. The deliberate abduction of non-combatants further aggravates the situation, stripping victims of their basic rights and protections under International law.

CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY AND JUSTICE

The massacre in Bui State highlights the urgent need for international intervention and accountability for war crimes committed against civilians. The targeting of unarmed individuals in an occupied region underscores severe human rights abuses that must not go unpunished. Immediate investigations by human rights organizations and legal bodies are essential to ensure justice for the victims and to hold perpetrators accountable under international law. The global community must act swiftly to prevent further atrocities and reinforce protections for vulnerable populations in armed conflict zones.