Applying International Humanitarian Law to Cameroon’s Anglophone Conflict

Key Challenges and Perspectives

Abstract

This paper explores the legal complexities of applying International Humanitarian Law (IHL) to the ongoing conflict in Anglophone Cameroon. The proliferation of non-state armed groups, their use of guerrilla tactics in the fight for the so-called state of “Ambazonia,” and state counter-insurgency operations have made the classification of the conflict difficult, as the line between a Non-International Armed Conflict (NIAC) and internal disturbances has been significantly blurred. This ambiguity has complicated the triggering of IHL treaties like the Geneva Conventions of August 12, 1949. This study employed the qualitative case study design to gather data. Information from interviews with 24 human rights experts and victims of armed violence, direct and indirect observations, reports by human rights groups, and related international legal instruments was integrated. This enabled the researcher to make a comprehensive analysis of the challenges in the application of IHL in the context of the Anglophone conflict in Cameroon. Our findings reveal that ignoring fundamental IHL tenets-specifically distinction and precaution has fostered widespread, indiscriminate targeting of non-combatants and civilian infrastructure. The paper therefore underscores the urgent need to create favorable conditions for the effective application of IHL to the conflict, which will go a long way in protecting vulnerable groups and addressing the increasing humanitarian needs arising from it.