Cameroon has been faced with a war with the self declared “Southern Cameroons” secessionist state Ambazonia for the last 5 years. It began in 2016 when government security forces used lethal force against peaceful demonstrators from students and Lawyers in the Minority country’s English speaking regions. This lead to president Paul Biya of Cameroon declaring war on Ambazonia. The war between the two sides has lead to several war crimes committed by the Cameroon forces.
In August 2018,the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa published a list of 106 villages raided or burnt by government forces since 2016
The war has escalated with increased attacks on schools and the use of explosive devices .Norwagian refugee agency declared Cameroon as the most neglected conflict in the world with more than 800,000 civilians displaced in 2019. Civilian death toll is said to be around 4,000 but these figures are disputed with activists claiming it could be more than 40,000.
The United Nations estimates that 3 million Southern Cameroonians have been affected. Since January 2021,27 military attacks have been made across 13 towns in Southern Cameroons.
Whenever there is an attack on the military, they usually respond with burning of villages and killing of civilians . This was what lead to the Mautu massacre that killed 9 civilians included a 6 year old child on January 10th 2021 according to the Human Rights watch.
This massacre like manner others has left many Southern Cameroonians mourning with the international community condemning the violence including from the French government that has traditionally supported the regime.
Witnesses say the soldiers killed and wounded civilians and also looted several houses in the area. Thousands fled to the bushes to sought refuge. Videos and photographs circulating on social media identify the Cameroon military as the perpetrators’..
Just like in Mautu,7 children were also killed and 13 others severely wounded in Kumba in October 2020.There have been several similar massacres including Ngarbuh,Pinyin and Muyuka.
Since the attack , the Cameroon government claims it is investigating the incident, but it is unlikely anything will be done as the military has committed several crimes against civilians throughout this conflict without any consequences whatsoever.
These barbaric crimes committed by the Cameroon military must be brought to an international tribunal. Those who have perpetuated such acts including the politicians must face justice. It is not enough for the international community to only condemn these acts , repeating same words every time there is another massacre. Severe sanctions must be imposed on the government of Cameroon. Also, active steps must be taken to end the conflict which must include the people of Southern Cameroons deciding their own destiny via a UN agreed process.
By,
Cyril Ayuk
