KILLING OF SAMA HILDA: BY CAMEROON OCCUPATION FORCES

September 29, 2024, Bamenda, Mezam State, Northern Ambazonia, Cameroon Occupation Forces captured and killed two innocent civilians: Sama Hilda, a businesswoman, and a teacher. Amidst rampant gunfire, Hilda was shot in the chest, while the teacher was struck in the leg. Though both initially managed to escape, Hilda succumbed to severe bleeding, and the teacher, despite being hospitalized, later died.

Violation of International Humanitarian Law

This act qualifies as a war crime under International Humanitarian Law, particularly due to the deliberate targeting of civilians. Armed forces are prohibited from attacking individuals who are not engaged in hostilities, making this killing a blatant violation of international legal norms.

Breach of the Geneva Conventions

Under Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions, acts of violence against individuals not directly participating in hostilities are strictly prohibited. The shooting of Hilda and the injury to the teacher violate the principle of distinction, which requires armed forces to differentiate between combatants and civilians. Both victims were non-combatants, making their deaths unjustifiable under international law.

Crimes Against Humanity and Systematic Targeting of Civilians

This incident may also be classified as a crime against humanity under the Rome Statute if it is part of a broader, systematic campaign against civilians. The indiscriminate shooting, lacking any military necessity, highlights a severe human rights violation. Such actions contribute to a larger pattern of terror and instability, amounting to genocide within the affected communities.