BRUTAL MURDERS OF 2 UNARMED CIVILIANS AND INJURY OF 39 OTHERS BY ARMED SEPARATISTS OPPOSITE BAMENDA REGIONAL HOSPITAL, NORTH WEST REGION OF CAMEROON.

                         PRESS RELEASE N"_51/CA-NW-LT/24

SUBJECT MATTER: BRUTAL ASSASINATIONS OF 2 UNARMED CIVILIANS AND INJURIES ABOUT 39 OTHERS BY ALLEGED SEPARATISTS IN BAMENDA, NORTH WEST REGION OF CAMEROON

WE WISH TO BRING TO THE ATTENTION OF NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY AS FOLLOWS:;

That according to witnesses and family sources, 2 different explosions occurred at a popular drinking spot (Bar), directly opposite the Maternity gate of Bamenda Regional Hospital, Mezam division, North West region, killing 2 unarmed civilians and injuring about 39 others.
That on a brief interview granted to the press by Dr. Anye Samuel Angwafor, Adviser at Bamenda Regional hospital, 41 casualties resulting from the attack were received by the health facility, 1 who died instantly, another 1 who equally died upon arrival at the regional hospital, 28 others with minor injuries who were later discharged after diagnosis, meanwhile 11 victims were severely injured and are still under intensive Care Unit at the hospital, though their lives are out of danger, he added.
That the heinous crime was perpetrated by unidentified armed men alleged to be Separatists and it happened around 8pm, on Saturday the 25th of May 2024 as the victims were drinking at the said Bar.
That one of the witnesses on the scene at the time of the incident says « it appears the explosions were as a result of a grenade thrown into the bar, we were drinking in the bar when we heard the explosions and I felled under the table, while others slept on me, that is how I was safe, but many people were seriously injured ».
That no group has claimed responsibility for the act, but reliable sources from the vicinity say armed Separatists have systematically threatens to attack the said Bar, accusing them for non respect of « LOCK DOWN & GHOST TOWN ».
That at the time of writing this report, there has not been any official reaction from a local administrative authority or Government Official yet.
That amidst the systematic human rights violations and abuses in these regions, the Cameroon Government has maintained it traditional silence, despite the worsening situation recently.
That the targetting of Civilians by belligerent forces is prohibited what ever be the motive(s) as prescribed by the Fourth Geneva Convention and other related International legal instruments,
That the Republic of Cameroon is indeed a State-party to the Fouth Geneva Convention of 1949 and the Second Additional Protocol to these Conventions relating to the protection of victims of Non-International Armed Conflicts, and must respond clearly and obligatorily to all human rights violations,
That it is clearly established without ambiguity that the responsibility for these facts are thus attributed to the State of Cameroon by virtue of International law, under the terms of article 4 and following of resolution 56/83 of the UN General Assembly dated December 12, 2001, on the responsibility of the State for « INTERNATIONAL WRONGFUL ACTS « .
THAT IN VIEW OF THE ABOVE, CONSCIENCE AFRICAINE, NORTH WEST AND LITTORAL REGIONS:
Condemns in STRONG TERMS, the brutal assasinations of 2 unarmed civilians and injuries of 39 others by armed men alleged to be Separatists in Bamenda, North West region.
PRAY an INDEPENDENT and IMPATIAL investigation is open with immediate effect by competent judicial authority to identify, arrests and prosecutes perpetrators for this heinous crime.
Strongly recommends that the Cameroon Government should immediately establish a protection mechanism to ensure adequate Security for unarmed civilians in these zones who are being subjected to systematic attacks virtually on daily basis because of their vulnerability.
Demands an IMMEDIATE AND PERMANENT BILATERAL CEASEFIRE, through INCLUSIVE and SINCERE DIALOGUE with the Separatists and other Stakeholders to seek amicable and durable end of hostilities in Anglophone Regions,
Strongly recommends that the Cameroon Government should scrupulously comply with its International commitments for the effective protection of fundamental human rights, thus violated on daily basis with IMPUNITY in these regions.
Request the International Community and other friendly Nations of Cameroon to persuade the Government to SEEK a PACIFIC MEANS of resolving the conflict, through direct negotiations with concerned Stakeholders.
Reminds the Cameroon Government and Separatist Leaders that VIOLENCE cannot be a suitable response to ongoing armed conflict in Anglophone regions of Cameroon.
Done in Yaounde, this 26th Day of May 2024
Signed