Abstract

This study provides an appraisal of the role of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the protection of the environment during armed conflicts, with a specific focus on the Anglophone crisis in Cameroon. Environmental degradation during armed conflicts is a growing concern globally, with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, biodiversity, and human livelihoods. The Anglophone crisis, which began in 2016 in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon, has led to significant environmental damage, including deforestation, soil erosion, and the destruction of wildlife habitats due to military operations, displacement of populations, and armed confrontations. The role of the ICJ in addressing such environmental impacts during conflicts remains an area of international legal discourse and practice, particularly in the context of international humanitarian law and environmental protection.

The research explores the legal framework under which the ICJ operates, including the court’s mandate to resolve disputes between states and provide advisory opinions on legal questions. The study delves into the principles of international environmental law that apply during armed conflicts, such as the prohibition of unnecessary destruction of natural resources and the obligation to protect the environment as a civilian object under international humanitarian law. It also examines the precedents set by the ICJ in cases involving environmental protection in conflict situations, highlighting key rulings and advisory opinions that have contributed to the development of international legal norms.

In the context of the Anglophone crisis in Cameroon, the study investigates the potential for the ICJ to address environmental damage resulting from the conflict. It considers the legal avenues available for bringing a case before the ICJ, including state-to-state disputes and advisory opinions requested by United Nations bodies. The study also assesses the challenges of accessing the ICJ in cases of non-international armed conflicts, where non-state actors are involved, and the conflict primarily takes place within the borders of a single state.

Furthermore, the research evaluates the effectiveness of the ICJ in enforcing its rulings and ensuring compliance by states. In the case of the Anglophone crisis, where environmental harm is closely tied to the ongoing conflict, the study considers the role of the ICJ in promoting accountability for environmental destruction and encouraging conflict resolution that takes environmental protection into account. The study also examines the potential for the ICJ to influence the actions of non-state actors through its jurisprudence and international legal standards.

The research highlights the importance of integrating environmental considerations into peace processes and conflict resolution strategies, with the ICJ serving as a key international legal mechanism for addressing environmental harm during conflicts. The study concludes by offering recommendations for strengthening the role of the ICJ in protecting the environment during armed conflicts, including enhancing the court’s capacity to address environmental issues, promoting greater awareness of environmental protection in conflict settings, and encouraging states to incorporate environmental considerations into their military operations and conflict resolution efforts.

Keywords

International Court of Justice, environmental protection, armed conflict, Anglophone crisis, Cameroon, international humanitarian law, environmental degradation, international environmental law, conflict resolution, legal framework.