International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and the Use of Social Media in Armed Conflict: Case Study of the Anglophone Armed Conflict in Cameroon

Social media has profoundly impacted the Anglophone armed conflict in Cameroon, acting as both a catalyst and a complicating factor for International Humanitarian Law (IHL) compliance. Its rapid dissemination of information blurs the lines between combatants and civilians, complicating the application of core IHL principles such as distinction, proportionality, and precaution. Misinformation, propaganda, and hate speech proliferate online, fuelling violence, inciting IHL violations, and undermining humanitarian efforts. Both state and non-state actors exploit social media for recruitment, propaganda, and intelligence, often breaching IHL obligations. The digital environment also facilitates documentation of abuses, but uncontrolled sharing can lead to further violations, retaliation, and challenges in accountability. Thus, while social media offers opportunities for transparency and justice, it also presents significant risks, demanding constant adaptation of IHL to safeguard civilians and uphold humanitarian norms in the digital age.