Cameroon
Practice Relating to Rule 48. Attacks against Persons Parachuting from an Aircraft in Distress
Cameroon’s Disciplinary Regulations (1975) states that, under the laws and customs of war, it is prohibited “to fire at the crew and passengers of civilian or military aircraft parachuting from an aircraft in distress, except when they participate in an airborne operation”.
Cameroon’s Instructor’s Manual (1992) provides that the crew of an aircraft in distress shall not be attacked during their descent by parachute or on the ground, unless they commit hostile acts.
The manual adds, however: “Airborne troops in combat formation may be attacked during their descent.”
Cameroon’s Instructor’s Manual (2006) states: “The crew and passengers parachuting from an aircraft in distress must not be attacked during descent, except if they engage in hostile acts.”
The manual also states under the heading “The Particular Case of Aircraft in Distress”:
The crew of aircrafts in distress must not be attacked except in case of manifest hostility (such as operational parachutists).
Nevertheless, airborne troops in combat formation may be attacked during their descent.
Cameroon’s Disciplinary Regulations (2007) states:
Article 32: Prohibitions
It is prohibited to soldiers in combat:
…
- to fire at the crew and passengers of civilian or military aircraft parachuting from an aircraft in distress, except when they participate in an airborne operation.