The conflict in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon is deadlocked. There is no dialogue between the government and the separatists, who are both refusing to give grounds; the government is counting on a military victory and refuses to discuss the form of the state; while the separatists demand complete independence.
The Anglophone crisis that started in October 2016 as a result of teachers and lawyers strike has far reaching consequences.
The people of British Southern Cameroon which was a former UN Trust territory have been in constant harassment, torture, rape, fear, by the Cameroon military forces.
In October 2016 the lawyers and teachers of southern Cameroon origin went to the streets demanding for greater autonomy or a return to the 1961 federal structures.
The government of Cameroon responded through a severe cracked down and a brutal reprisals of these demands. Some of the lawyers were arrested, beaten and their robe seized by armed military officers.
Due to this unfortunate incident the teachers and other unionists groups further went to the streets but were met with brute force from these military officers.
The situation further escalated on the 22nd and 1st October 2017 after men, women and children of southern Cameroonian origin all went to the streets in protest against the poor living conditions demanding for a complete autonomy or separation from French Cameroon.
In response president Paul Biya from the comfort and luxury of the Inter- continental hotel in Geneva ordered his armed forces to carry out a bloody massacre which resulted to hundreds of death.
The massacre of 1st October 2017 occurred after denizens of the English speaking regions of Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon went to the streets to celebrate their independence which they believe had earlier been granted or voted by the 61 member states of the UN. On that fateful day, helicopter gunships of the Cameroon army flew low over unarmed civilian demonstrators, opened fire and drop grenades on them. Many people were killed in cold blood while others sustained life threatening injuries. Bodies of dead people alongside mass graves were being discovered in the town of Buea.
Amnesty international, the United States and scores of Human rights organisation condemned this gross violation of Human rights.
The military occupation and repression continues as we speak. The situation has now spiral into an armed conflicts. Young men and women have now picked up arms to defend themselves and their family members.
There has been a mass exodus of people fleeing to neighbouring Nigeria as they are entangled in the conflict. It is estimated that more than 80.000 southern Cameroonians have flee to Nigeria for safety while more than 200.000 have taking into the bushes for the fear of their lives. It is also estimated that more than 10.000 men and women have been killed in this senseless war in Cameroon by Cameroon armed forces.
Targeted and extra judicial killings have been recorded by the Cameroon military, a situation that have been condemned by the American Ambassador to Cameroon H E Peter Belerin. The military has also been using the scotch earth policy to burnt houses of unarmed civilians in southern Cameroon.
More than 200 villages have been burnt to arches in southern Cameroon by the Cameroon armed forces and many properties destroyed.
In effect the southern Cameroonian diaspora have been playing a vital role in connection to the Anglophone crisis. Huge demonstrations have been carried out in many parts of the world by disgruntled southern Cameroonians who felt that their family members back home are being subjected to gross human right violation from the Cameroonian government.
The southern Cameroonian diaspora have also been using the internet or social media to alert the international community to put an eye in Cameroon. The diaspora have been sharing trending pictures of dead bodies killed by Cameroon armed forces.
To this effect many southern Cameroonian diaspora have been arrested at the port of entry in Cameroon and accused of supporting armed separatists fighters and also spreading secessionist ideas. Fear has gripped southern Cameroonian diaspora who believe that Cameroon is not a safe ground for their return back home as the Cameroon government continues a cracked down and manhunt for all the diaspora returning home for holidays or family issues.
The roots of the Anglophone Crisis date back to the colonial era when the two Cameroons were divided between British and French administrations. French Cameroon gained independence on 1st January 1960 while British Southern Cameroons achieved Independence by joining French Cameroon on 1st October 1961. The Federal system was later abolished by President Alhidjo in 1972. However, over time, the Francophone-dominated government increasingly centralized power and discriminated against Southern Cameroonians, leading to growing dissatisfaction among the population.
“An unjust law is no law at all.” – St. Augustine
This quote resonates deeply with the Anglophone community, who have long felt the imposition of laws and systems that disregard their legal and educational heritage.
As a Southern Cameroonian, the conflict hits close to home. It is heartbreaking to witness my homeland, a place that should be a sanctuary, become a place of fear. My involvement with the SCNC UK underscores the risks faced by those advocating for the rights and recognition of the statehood of Southern Cameroons Ambazonia. Despite being thousands of miles away, the pain and suffering of my people remain ever-present in my heart.
Being an asylum seeker in the UK has given me a safe haven, but it has also highlighted the stark contrast between my current safety and the ongoing peril my fellow Southern Cameroonians face daily. The struggle is not just political; it is deeply personal. Every story of loss, every child out of school, and every family torn apart is a reminder of the urgent need for a peaceful resolution.
I dream of a day when I can return to an independent Southern Cameroons Ambazonia, where the rights of all its people are respected, and where the sounds of laughter and learning replace the echoes of gunfire. Until that day comes, I will continue to raise my voice, share these stories, and advocate for the justice and peace that my homeland so desperately needs.
The faces of displaced families, the courage of activists, and the solidarity of our community fuel my determination to keep fighting for our cause. Our identity as Southern Cameroonians is not just defined by our struggle, but by our unwavering hope and the bonds we share, even in the darkest of times.
The 1993 All Anglophone Conference that took place in Buea the administrative Capital of the former British Southern Cameroons saw a huge sense of euphoria amongst Southern Cameroonians from all ages, all works of life etc converged in Buea on this historic day to tell the entire world that the time has now come for the inevitable, irrevocable, and irreversible discussion on the perennial Southern Cameroons struggle to be heard.
Great minds within Southern Cameroons particularly those who have for over the years champion the Southern Cameroons struggle in the likes of Solomon Tadeng Muna, George Ekongtang Elad, Ngeka Luma, Chief Ayamba Etta Etun, Dr Frederick Alodwede, Pa Nfor Ngala, Pa Njoh Litumbe just to name a few spoke very passionately about the systematic and endemic marginalisation, severe enslavement and the subjugation of the people of Southern Cameroons not forgetting the persecution they have endured over the years from the French Cameroon military.
The above Conference was a harbinger and a great opportunity for inspiring brilliant minds from Southern Cameroons to talk with focus and gregariousness about the injustices the peaceful people of Southern Cameroons have been facing since the botched plebiscite of 1961 which was the genesis of the occupation, colonisation, and the annexation of Southern Cameroons by French Cameroon under the whims and caprices of the then President Amadou Ahidjo.
At the above Conference there was a unified voice intertwined with patriotism from leaders about the urgent need for the Anglophone problem to be immediately resolved by the government of Cameroon. The decision from this Conference was unanimous and efficacious through which they called on the Cameroon government to without prejudice engaged with the people of Southern Cameroons in a meaningful dialogue thereby urging the two States to go back to the Federal system that was in place that gave autonomy to each side to manage its affairs and remain two nations of equal status.
But sadly, as usual the government of Cameroon choose to ignore the demands of the people of Southern Cameroons and ever engaged in any form of dialogue with them rather, they continue to treat them as slaves and second-class citizens.
Confronted and bewildered in frustration and living in limbo, our leaders again in 1994 organised another All-Anglophone Conference this time in Bamenda and at this Conference they again echoed the demands they had tabled in front of the government of Cameroon which was the burning issue of the suffering people of Southern Cameroons who have been living as slaves in their country since 1961. The discussions were very frank, focused and entered on one thing and one thing only the long-standing Anglophone problem.
The people of Southern Cameroons through their leaders wrote to the government of French in a memorandum detailing the genuine grievances of the people of Southern Cameroons and that it was imperative for the Cameroon to act accordingly by yielding to the demands of the people of Southern Cameroons.
Their demand was a return to the federal system that was unanimously agreed by the two parties during the unification process of 1961 and insisted that the federal Constitution should never be tempered with or changed according to article 47 which clearly stipulated that at no stage or in any manner should the above constitution be changed.
At this very historic Conference of 1994 that was held in Bamenda, our leaders gave the Cameroon government an ultimatum that should they choose to again ignore the demands of the people of Southern Cameroons, they will have no choice but resort to an all-out restoration of the independence of our homeland the Southern Cameroons. In the same characteristic style of the Cameroon government, they again wilfully ignored the demand and the wishes of the people of Southern Cameroons.
It was at this point in time that our leaders had no other window of discussion with the government of Cameroon bearing in mind they have ignored them twice and in 1995 our Leaders formed the Southern Cameroon National Council (SCNC) with its Motto “THE FORCE OF ARGUMENT, NOT THE ARGUMENT OF FORCE” which became a non-political peaceful liberation movement meant to fight for the restoration of the independence of our Country the Southern Cameroons.
The creation of SCNC became a thorn in the flesh of the Cameroon government for according to the Cameroon authorities the SCNC is a terrorist organisation that has come to destabilise the peace in Cameroon and divide the Country. The Cameroon government declared the SCNC the number one enemy of the State and from this point they unleashed venom on the SCNC and those who are members. Here we can clearly see the genesis of the brutalisation of the SCNC and its members by the state of Cameroon.
The Cameroon government declared war on SCNC and President Paul Biya who has been in power for more than 38 years ordered the systemic annihilation of SCNC and those affiliated with it. Cameroon became no safe havens for SCNC members who were routinely and arbitrary arrested, detained, tortured, imprisoned and other simply eliminated from the surface of the earth.
The SCNC has been banned in Cameroon by the State and declared a terrorist organisation and with impunity they began the tragic persecution of SCNC members in Cameroon and abroad. True to this is the horrific and horrendous persecution SCNC Chairmen and members began to face from the state of Cameroon who consider them as enemy of the state.
Such was what happened to some of the Chairmen that led SCNC in the likes of M Luma Ngeka who was tortured on many occasions by the military of French Cameroon, and this led to his tragic death. So too is the case of Dr Frederick Alodwede who after storming the Radio House in Buea in 1999 and announced the restoration of the independence of Southern Cameroons, immediately went on exile via Nigeria where he lived on exile for over 20 years and finally died in the US as the Cameroon government went hunting for him and burnt his House in Buea.
I cannot easily forget the inferno faced by one of our eldest Chairman Chief Ayamba Etta Ottun who was a true hero of our revolution. He too endured a lot of persecution from the Cameroon government and later died in 2015 because of the brutalisation he got from the military of French Cameroon.
Since the inception of the genocide on the people of Southern Cameroon in 2016 and counting the brutalisation of SCNC members has quadruple and testimony of this is the systemic persecution our current SCNC National Chairman and other SCNC members have been enduring from the brutal French Cameroon military.
The dictatorial and vindictive nature of the Cameroon government was again confirmed on the 5th of January 2018 when the government of Cameroon conspire with that of Nigeria, and brutally arrested a cross section of SCNC top members including our National SCNC Chairman Mr Nfor Ngalla Nfor were abducted and transferred to Cameroon in defiant of international laws.
This shows and affirms to what length this junta government is prepared to go just to eliminate the SCNC and its members. Our Leaders thought they were safe in Nigeria, but they were naïve and as i put pen to paper our National Chairman Mr Nfor Ngala Nfor among other leaders have been sentenced to life imprisonment by the French Cameroon military Tribunal of Yaoundé. They are now locked up in a highly secured prison for political detainees in Yaoundé called Kondengui.
The SCNC was again banned in January 2017 by the state of Cameroon and the brutalisation of SCNC members is even very severe and so dreadful coupled with some SCNC members that have been locked up in dungeons all over Cameroon. Cameroon is therefore no safe havens and no-go area for SCNC as the brutalisation of the SCNC and its members has been intensified with orders from President Paul Biya who has given clear instructions for those affiliated to SCNC to be hunted down and killed as he accuses them of masterminding and starting the war in Cameroon through their calls for secession.
The military crackdown by the Cameroonian government has turned the lives of civilians in the Northwest and Southwest regions into a living nightmare. Since 2017, after the declaration of Ambazonian independence, the government’s military response has been brutal and has affected innocent people, leaving many with fear and heartache.
At first, peaceful protests were held by Anglophone communities who were simply asking for their rights. But as the movement gained strength, the government responded with overwhelming force. The military’s attacks didn’t just target separatists—it also turned on whole communities. Villages were burned, homes destroyed, and people—many of whom were not involved in the conflict—were dragged from their homes, arrested, tortured, and sometimes killed simply because they were suspected of supporting separatists.
Imagine this: a family, going about their daily life, when out of nowhere, soldiers storm into their home. They set it on fire, taking everything, leaving the family with only the clothes they’re wearing. They must flee, not knowing where to go or when they’ll be safe again. This is a daily reality for many in the affected areas. The military used tactics like random shootings, taking people from their homes without explanation, and burning down entire villages to destroy any sense of stability. Families who weren’t even involved in the conflict were dragged into the violence. Many lost their lives or loved ones in the process.
The impact on civilian infrastructure has been devastating. Schools once filled with children eager to learn are now abandoned or reduced to rubble. The government’s forces deliberately targeted educational institutions, turning schools into places of fear. Children have lost not only their homes but their futures, as entire generations have been deprived of the education that could have given them hope.
The destruction of healthcare facilities has worsened the situation. Hospitals and health centres were destroyed, leaving people without access to even basic medical care. Health workers were forced to flee or became displaced themselves, and now, those who need help the most are left without options. Families watch their loved ones suffer without the possibility of help.
Perhaps the most heartbreaking consequence of the military crackdown has been the displacement of over 500,000 people. Families have been forced to leave their homes and become refugees, some fleeing into neighbouring Nigeria, others displaced within Cameroon itself. Many live in makeshift shelters with no access to food, clean water, or medical aid. Fathers, mothers, and children, once safe in their homes, now face uncertainty and fear every day.
The economy has also been destroyed. Agriculture, the primary livelihood for many, has been disrupted as farmers flee for their safety. Roads have been torn up, making it nearly impossible to transport goods. The markets that once flourished are now empty. What was once a thriving region is now suffering from extreme poverty.
The psychological impact on the people has been severe. The constant fear, loss, and uncertainty have left deep emotional scars. Children, robbed of their innocence, are growing up in a world filled with violence. Families who have lost everything now face the daunting challenge of rebuilding their lives in the face of such trauma.
The government’s military crackdown has only worsened the situation. The cycle of violence continues, and the issues of marginalization and discrimination have not been addressed. The people of the Anglophone regions need a peaceful political solution, not more violence. The international community must step in to ensure that dialogue and compromise can replace the bloodshed.
Until a solution is found, the suffering will continue. The people of the Anglophone regions deserve peace, and the world cannot turn a blind eye any longer.
Think about the global powerhouses today—America, Britain, and China. What do they all have in common? A powerful economy. But it’s not just about having wealth. It’s the way that economic strength powers everything else—military power, political influence, even cultural reach. Take America, for example. Its global dominance today is deeply rooted in its economic strength. The same could be said about Britain’s empire, which rose to the top because of the Industrial Revolution. Even China’s ascent can be traced back to its booming economy. The truth is that a nation’s economic health isn’t just about its GDP. It’s what gives a country the ability to shape its future and assert its power on the global stage.
Now, let’s bring it back to Southern Cameroons. The region’s struggle wasn’t just about politics—it was about survival. The French, alongside the government of Cameroun, actively worked to destroy Southern Cameroons’ economy so it couldn’t stand up politically. It’s like trying to kill a tree by cutting off its roots. When they dismantled key institutions like the Limbe deep-sea port and the Cameroon Bank, they didn’t just cripple the economy—they made sure that Southern Cameroons would have no way of challenging the central government’s control (Fanso, 1994, p. 41).
This isn’t some ancient strategy; it’s a tactic that’s been used throughout history. When you strip people of their economic power, you strip them of their ability to defend themselves. Without access to money, businesses, or basic infrastructure, they’re left helpless. Have you ever thought about how much your economic stability affects your freedom? When a community’s economic base is destroyed, its political voice is silenced. This was the case for Southern Cameroons. The battle wasn’t just fought in government offices—it was fought in boardrooms, in bank vaults, and at ports. The political struggle was, in many ways, a direct result of those who decided to dismantle the region’s economic power (Muna, 2001, p. 105).
By stripping away the very things that allowed Southern Cameroons to thrive—its industries, its banking system, its access to markets—the powers that be ensured the region had no leverage. Without money or infrastructure, there was no way for Southern Cameroons to push for independence, to fight for autonomy. In the end, the message was clear: without economic strength, political self-determination is just a dream.
A Flourishing Economy: Before Political Manipulation
Before the 1961 union with La République du Cameroun, Southern Cameroons was a thriving, self-sufficient region. Its economy was built on agriculture, with cocoa, coffee, and rubber as its major exports. Southern Cameroons wasn’t just surviving—it was thriving. Vital institutions like the Cameroon Bank helped foster local and cross-border trade, creating a robust, stable economy (Neba, 1999, p. 45).
The region also boasted impressive infrastructure, like the Limbe deep-sea port (formerly Victoria), Tiko Wharf, and Tiko International Airport, all crucial in connecting Southern Cameroons to global markets (Fanso, 1994, p. 32). Locally, industries were booming, particularly thanks to the Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC), which employed thousands and managed large plantations of bananas, palm oil, and rubber (Nyamnjoh, 2002, p. 58). This was a region of wealth, opportunity, and political autonomy, where local leaders fiercely protected their independence and self-rule (Kofele-Kale, 2007, p. 79).
The Systematic Economic Sabotage
But after the union, everything changed. Southern Cameroons’ economic landscape began to unravel as the newly formed central government—dominated by French-speaking elites—set out to strip the region of its autonomy. Resources that once fueled local prosperity were now seen as tools for central control, and Southern Cameroons’ economic independence was systematically crushed (Muna, 2001, p. 105).
One of the most blatant examples of this was the deliberate underuse of the Limbe deep-sea port, one of the deepest and most strategically important natural ports in West Africa. Despite its clear advantages, the port was left to rot. In a move that exposed the political motives at play, the government chose to reroute the Chad-Cameroon oil pipeline to Kribi, even though Limbe was far closer to the oil fields. This wasn’t an economic decision—it was a political one, designed to marginalize Southern Cameroons and siphon valuable resources away from the region (Fanso, 1994, p. 41). The decision led to the destruction of the equatorial forest and eliminated significant economic opportunities for Limbe.
Similarly, Tiko—a town once booming thanks to its strategic access to both maritime trade and air travel—watched as its key infrastructure, including the Tiko airport and wharf, crumbled. Meanwhile, the government poured investments into ports like Douala, located in the French-speaking region, while Southern Cameroons’ economic assets were deliberately neglected (Nyamnjoh, 2002, p. 62). These strategic choices didn’t just harm the region’s economy; they ensured that Southern Cameroons remained politically powerless and economically suffocated, unable to challenge the central government’s control. The deliberate economic neglect was a clear and effective way of tightening political control.
Destruction of Vital Institutions: A Region’s Foundation Undone
The dismantling of Southern Cameroons’ critical institutions dealt a blow that reverberates to this day. Consider the fate of the Cameroon Bank, a beacon of hope for countless local businesses. Its closure in the late 1980s severed access to credit for entrepreneurs who relied on it as their lifeline. With no financial support, small businesses collapsed, and the region’s economy spiralled downward (Fanso, 1994, p. 52).
The West Cameroon Marketing Board, once a stabilizer of agricultural prices and a lifeline for farmers, was also dismantled. Its removal left rural communities vulnerable to market fluctuations and predatory practices, plunging many into poverty (Muna, 2001, p. 112).
The Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC), once a cornerstone of economic stability and a major employer in the region, was reduced to a shadow of its former self. Mismanagement and persistent labour strikes transformed thriving plantations of bananas, palm oil, and rubber into fields of lost potential. What was once a pillar of prosperity now teeters on the brink of collapse (Fanso, 1994, p. 65).
Then there was Powercam, the hydroelectric power station at Yoke Dam, which powered homes and industries alike. Its shutdown not only plunged the region into energy dependence on external sources but also symbolized a deliberate effort to erase Southern Cameroons’ industrial strength (Muna, 2001, p. 138). The coordinated dismantling of these institutions wasn’t just economic sabotage—it was a calculated move to cripple the region’s autonomy.
The Political Consequences: Autonomy Eroded
Economic destruction doesn’t just empty wallets; it silences voices. As Southern Cameroons’ wealth evaporated, so did its political clout. Once proud of their autonomy and ability to negotiate with international powers, Southern Cameroonians found themselves increasingly dependent on a central government that showed little regard for their interests.
Every shuttered factory, every dismantled institution, further tightened the grip of the central government. The collapse of local economic power left Southern Cameroons unable to resist political subjugation. What was once a region of self-reliance became one of dependence, unable to reclaim the autonomy it had fought so hard to preserve (Fanso, 1994, p. 78).
A Legacy of Neglect: The Impact Today
The scars of this economic sabotage are still visible today. Southern Cameroons, despite being rich in resources like oil, gas, and minerals, remains one of the poorest regions in the country. The Bakassi Peninsula, sitting atop vast oil reserves, epitomizes this paradox: immense wealth flows to the central government while the local population struggles in poverty (Muna, 2001, p. 150).
This economic disparity has fueled the ongoing Anglophone Crisis. For many, the fight isn’t just about political independence—it’s about reclaiming the resources that rightfully belong to them. Yet, the central government continues to siphon off the region’s wealth, keeping Southern Cameroonians locked in a cycle of economic dependency and political subjugation.
Reclaiming the Future: Economic Justice is Political Justice
The saying goes, “To kill a people politically, you have to kill them economically.” Southern Cameroons is a living testament to this grim reality. The deliberate dismantling of its institutions—from the Cameroon Bank to the Limbe deep-sea port—wasn’t an accident; it was a strategy designed to strip the region of its autonomy and power (Fanso, 1994, p. 65).
Rebuilding Southern Cameroons’ economic foundation is the key to restoring its political freedom. Without control over its resources and industries, the region will remain tethered to the chains of economic and political dependence. The international community, especially those who champion human rights and self-determination, must recognize that this struggle goes beyond politics.
The people of Southern Cameroons aren’t just fighting for independence—they’re fighting for the right to reclaim their wealth, rebuild their institutions, and determine their future. True justice for Southern Cameroons begins with addressing the economic injustices that have kept its people powerless for so long (Muna, 2001, p. 174).
References
Fanso, V. (1994). Cameroon: The Nation and Its Anglophone Minority. Cambridge University Press.
Muna, A. (2001). Southern Cameroons: Political Economy of Colonialism. Global Publishers.
Fanso, V. (1994). Cameroon: The Nation and Its Anglophone Minority. Cambridge University Press.
Kofele-Kale, N. (2007). The Cameroon Crisis: A Historical Overview of Southern Cameroons' Economic Struggles. African Studies Journal, 30(3), 75–89.
Muna, A. (2001). Southern Cameroons: Political Economy of Colonialism. Global Publishers.
Neba, A. (1999). Economic Growth in Southern Cameroons: A Retrospective View. Africa Economic Review, 15(1), 42–50.
Nyamnjoh, F. (2002). The Politics of Economy in Cameroon: Post-Colonial Challenges. Presses Universitaires de Yaoundé.
Fanso, V. (1994). Cameroon: The Nation and Its Anglophone Minority. Cambridge University Press.
Muna, A. (2001). Southern Cameroons: Political Economy of Colonialism. Global Publishers.
The Anglophone Crisis in Cameroon has changed many lives, including mine. What started as peaceful calls for fairness turned into a violent conflict. Abductions, killings, and oppression became our new reality. In 2019, my father was taken from our home. He was murdered, and his body was hidden away. His death was because of my fight for justice. I had joined the Southern Cameroons National Council (SCNC) that year. They wanted to silence me by hurting my family. This is a common tactic against those who seek justice.
Joining the SCNC was a big choice for me, but I felt I had to do it. They fight for the rights of the Southern Cameroons people, and that deeply mattered to me. I knew there were risks, but I couldn’t ignore the suffering around me.
Since then, I’ve been arrested twice, once in 2019 and again in 2020. I was protesting peacefully for peace and justice. I was not rebelling. I was hoping for an end to the violence and the pain we face every day.
This protest is not just for independence; it’s for survival. My father’s death pushes me to keep fighting until our rights are recognized. This fight isn’t just mine; it’s for many people who want a better future.
I won’t stop pushing for peace, justice, and respect for my people. My voice and the voices of many others will keep rising until we can live freely, without fear, and with the dignity we deserve.
The Cameroon Anglophone Crisis, which erupted in 2016, has been a defining chapter in my life as a youth. It is a story of struggle, resilience, and the quest for justice, deeply intertwined with my family’s experiences and the broader fight for the rights of Anglophones in Cameroon. In the early days of the crisis, my father emerged as a vocal advocate for the independence of Southern Cameroon. As an active member of the Southern Cameroon National Council (SCNC), he utilized local radio stations in the Northwest Region to call for the separation of Southern Cameroon from the Republic of Cameroon. His commitment to this cause, however, came at a steep price. In October 2017, he was arrested and detained, accused of severe charges that included acts of terrorism. This event marked the beginning of a harrowing journey for my family and me. The impact of my father’s arrest was immediate and profound. My mother and I were left to navigate the complexities of his detention, struggling to secure his release while grappling with the emotional toll it took on us. Our family lawyer informed us that the charges against my father were severe and that his physical well-being was at risk due to reported torture in prison. This grim reality ignited a fire within me; I could not stand idly by while my father and countless others suffered. In January 2018, I joined the SCNC, driven by a desire to advocate for the freedom of detained Anglophones, including my father. Alongside fellow youth, we organized peaceful protests, demanding better treatment for Anglophones and resisting the government’s attempts to “Franconize” our educational and legal systems. However, our activism came with significant risks. Over the course of 2018, I was arrested three times, each time released with strict warnings not to engage in activities that could tarnish the reputation of the government. One particularly harrowing experience occurred in September 2018, when I was arrested by military personnel in Bamenda. I sustained severe injuries during my detention, including a badly injured leg. The threats I received during this time were chilling; I was warned that if I did not cease my activism, I would disappear like my father. After being released the following day, I spent nearly a month in the hospital recovering from my injuries, including surgery and treatment for other wounds. Despite these setbacks, I resumed my activism as a university student in October 2019, focusing on the marginalization of Anglophone students. However, the risks remained high. In July 2022, during a campus protest, I was arrested again, facing charges of insurrection and terrorism. The government accused me of receiving funds from abroad to support separatist fighters. My lawyer intervened, but the threats continued, and I was warned to cease my protests.
The situation escalated in December 2022, when I was arrested and remanded after a planned protest for the release of Anglophone detainees. The government had learned of our plans, and my home was raided. I was remanded in custody, awaiting trial. Fortunately, In March 2023, I was granted bail, but my lawyer advised me to leave the country to avoid further legal repercussions which I did and I am currently seeking refuge in the United Kingdom.. Today, as I reflect on my experiences as a youth in the Cameroon Anglophone Crisis, I am filled with a mix of emotions. The struggle for justice and equality continues, and while I find safety in the UK, my heart remains with my people. The crisis has shaped my identity and instilled in me a deep commitment to advocating for human rights and justice. I hold onto the hope that one day, when the crisis subsides, I will return to Southern Cameroon not just as a survivor but as a catalyst for change in a nation that deserves peace and unity.
Living in the United Kingdom as an asylum seeker and a member of the Southern Cameroons National Council (SCNC) brings forth a myriad of harsh realities, each intertwined with the struggles of survival, trauma, and navigating the complex asylum process. For many of us, the journey to seek refuge in the UK is marked by trauma, persecution, and the constant fear of retribution from our country of origin. As we grapple with the aftermath of torture, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and separation from their families, the road to safety and security becomes fraught with challenges and uncertainties.
For SCNC members going through the asylum process, the decision to flee our homeland is often fuelled by the brutal repression and persecution we face at the hands of the evil Cameroonian government and its corrupt military. As advocates for freedom and democracy in Southern Cameroon, we find themselves targeted and persecuted for our activism, leaving us with no choice but to seek sanctuary in foreign lands. However, the scars of our past experiences linger, haunting us as we embark on a journey towards an uncertain future.
Upon arrival in the UK, we face a daunting asylum process that is characterized by bureaucratic delays, legal complexities, and prolonged uncertainty. Throughout this arduous journey, we are prohibited from working and sometimes forced to rely on meagre government support, often barely enough to cover our basic needs. This lack of financial stability exacerbates our already precarious situation, leaving us vulnerable to exploitation and destitution.
The psychological toll of fleeing persecution and enduring the asylum process takes a heavy toll on the mental health of our people and our families. Many grapple with debilitating symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety, triggered by memories of torture, violence, and loss. However, accessing mental health support and trauma-informed care is often a challenge, as we navigate an unfamiliar healthcare system with limited resources and cultural competency.
Moreover, the separation from our families adds another layer of anguish to our plight. Forced to leave loved ones behind in our homeland, we grapple with feelings of guilt, loneliness, and isolation, compounded by the constant fear of persecution that extends across borders. The inability to reunite with our families exacerbates our sense of displacement and longing for home, leaving us with a profound sense of loss and longing.
In the face of these immense challenges, SCNC members and asylum seekers in the UK demonstrate remarkable resilience and strength. Despite the adversities we face, we continue to advocate for our rights and speak out against injustice, drawing on our collective experiences to amplify our voices and demand recognition and protection. Our unwavering courage and determination serve as a testament to the human spirit, inspiring solidarity and support from allies and advocates worldwide.
In conclusion, the harsh realities of living in the UK as an asylum seeker and a member of the SCNC underscore the urgent need for greater compassion, empathy, and support for those fleeing persecution and seeking refuge. As we navigate the complexities of the asylum process and grapple with the lasting effects of trauma and separation, we deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and humanity. It is incumbent upon governments, communities, and individuals to uphold their duty to protect the rights and well-being of asylum seekers and refugees, ensuring that we are provided with the support and resources needed to rebuild our lives and thrive in our new homes.
In the United Kingdom, a country known for its embrace of democracy and human rights, members of the Southern Cameroons National Council (SCNC) find themselves facing a harrowing reality: targeted persecution and even death at the hands of the Cameroonian government. Despite being thousands of miles away from the conflict zone in Southern Cameroon, our SCNC UK members are relentlessly pursued and harassed by Cameroonian authorities, who employ various tactics to monitor our activities and intimidate our families. This systemic repression serves as a chilling reminder of the Cameroonian government’s disregard for fundamental freedoms and human dignity.
The Cameroonian government’s campaign of persecution against SCNC members is multifaceted and insidious. One of the most alarming tactics employed is the surveillance and monitoring of SCNC activities within the UK and
the diaspora at large. Through the use of covert surveillance, informants, and electronic monitoring, Cameroonian authorities seek to infiltrate SCNC networks and gather intelligence on our members’ movements, meetings, and advocacy efforts. This invasive surveillance not only violates the privacy rights of SCNC members but also instils a climate of fear and paranoia within the community.
Furthermore, the Cameroonian government goes to great lengths to target the families of SCNC members, employing tactics of intimidation, harassment, violence and even killings. Family members of SCNC activists are subjected to constant surveillance, arbitrary arrests, and threats of retaliation if their loved ones continue their activism. In some cases, family members have been forcibly disappeared or killed in retaliation for their relatives’ involvement in the SCNC. This reprehensible tactic of targeting innocent civilians demonstrates the Cameroonian government’s willingness to commit egregious human rights violations in its efforts to silence dissent and maintain its grip on power.
The persecution of SCNC UK members is not limited to surveillance and targeting of their families; it also extends to overt acts of violence and extrajudicial killings. SCNC activists living in the UK have been subjected to physical assaults, abduction attempts, and even assassinations orchestrated by agents of the Cameroonian government on members and their violence families. These brazen acts of violence serve as a stark warning to SCNC members that their activism comes at a grave personal risk, even within the supposed safety of a democratic country like the UK.
Despite facing relentless persecution and violence, SCNC UK members remain resolute in our commitment to advocating for the rights and freedoms of the people of Southern Cameroon. We refuse to be silenced or intimidated by the oppressive tactics of the Cameroonian government and continue to speak out against injustice and repression. Moreover, we actively work to raise awareness internationally about the plight of Southern Cameroonians and the atrocities committed by the Cameroonian government, seeking solidarity and support from the global community.
In conclusion, the persecution of SCNC UK members by the Cameroonian government is a disturbing manifestation of the regime’s authoritarianism and contempt for human rights. Through surveillance, harassment, and violence, the government seeks to suppress dissent and maintain its grip on power at any cost. However, SCNC members in the UK and all over the world remain undeterred in our pursuit of justice and freedom for the people of Southern Cameroon, demonstrating remarkable courage and resilience in the face of adversity. It is incumbent upon the international community to condemn these heinous acts of persecution and stand in solidarity with SCNC in our struggle for dignity, freedom, and human rights.
In the heart of the Southern Cameroon Crisis, amidst the chaos and despair wrought by conflict, the Southern Cameroons National Council (SCNC) UK stands as a beacon of hope and compassion. Through their unwavering dedication to humanitarian aid and advocacy, they extend a lifeline to refugees, the wounded, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the violence and oppression inflicted upon Southern Cameroonians. Moreover, their tireless efforts shed light on the egregious human rights violations perpetrated by the Cameroon military
forces against innocent Anglophones, showcasing the urgent need for international intervention and justice.
The crisis in Southern Cameroon, stemming from decades of marginalization and oppression of the Anglophone minority by the Francophone-dominated government, has escalated into a full-blown humanitarian catastrophe. Amidst this turmoil, SCNC UK emerges as a crucial player in alleviating the suffering of those caught in the crossfire. Their humanitarian aid efforts are multifaceted, addressing the immediate needs of refugees, the wounded, and IDPs while also working towards sustainable solutions for their long-term well-being.
One of the primary ways SCNC UK provides assistance is through the provision of medical care to the wounded and those affected by the conflict. In collaboration with local partners and medical professionals, they offer essential healthcare services, including surgeries, trauma counselling, and rehabilitation, to mitigate the physical and psychological scars inflicted by violence. By ensuring access to medical treatment, SCNC UK not only saves lives but also restores dignity to those who have suffered unimaginable atrocities.
Furthermore, SCNC UK extends a helping hand to refugees and IDPs, providing essential supplies such as food, water, shelter, and clothing to meet their basic needs. Through our relief efforts, we offer a resemblance of stability and security to displaced individuals and families who have been uprooted from their homes and communities. Additionally, SCNC UK facilitates educational initiatives for displaced children, recognizing the importance of safeguarding their futures amidst the chaos of conflict.
Beyond their humanitarian endeavours, SCNC UK plays a vital role in raising awareness about the plight of Southern Cameroonians and the atrocities committed by the Cameroon military forces. Through advocacy campaigns, media outreach, and grassroots mobilization, we amplify the voices of the oppressed and demand accountability for human rights abuses. By shining a spotlight on the inhumane treatment of Anglophones, we thereby compel the international community to take action and hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes against humanity.
SCNC UK’s advocacy efforts also focus on promoting dialogue and seeking peaceful resolutions to the conflict in Southern Cameroon. Recognizing the futility of violence and the need for inclusive dialogue, we engage in diplomatic initiatives aimed at fostering recognition of our right to exist as a free people and restoring our statehood as proud Ambazonians while also addressing the root causes of the crisis and looking after those severely affected by the trauma and suffering. By advocating for political reforms that uphold the rights and aspirations of all Southern Cameroonians, regardless of linguistic or cultural background, we envision a future of peace, justice, and equality for Southern Cameroons.
In conclusion, the Southern Cameroons National Council UK stands at the forefront of humanitarian aid and advocacy amidst the Southern Cameroon Crisis. Through our unwavering commitment to alleviating suffering and raising awareness, they provide a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness of conflict and oppression. As we continue our vital work, SCNC UK serves as a testament to the power of solidarity, compassion, and resilience in the face of adversity. It is imperative that the international community heed our call for justice and stand in solidarity with the people of Southern Cameroon in our quest for freedom, dignity, peace and unconditional restoration of our right to exist as a free people.