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.

By Kizitto Undayen Mbipefah