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The Southern Cameroons Crisis: Unveiling The Unheard Voices

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.

Addel Ngwenyi

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THE BRUTALISATION OF THE SCNC BY THE GOVERNMENT OF FRENCH CAMEROON

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.

      DONE BY EDITH FLORE KAMSU KENMEGNE
      SCNC UK       

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      MY EXPERIENCE AS A YOUTH IN THE ANGLOPHONE CRISIS

      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

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      The Harsh Realities of Going Through the Asylum Process as a Southern Cameroonian living in the UK

      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.

      Written By: Valery Fonyuy Tata

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      The Persecution of SCNC UK Members: A Grim Reality of Cameroonian Government’s Repression

      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.

      Written By: Valery Fonyuy Tata

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      The Humanitarian Efforts of SCNC UK: Alleviating Suffering and Raising Awareness Amidst the Southern Cameroon Crisis

      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.

      Written By: Valery Fonyuy Tata

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      Peace in Southern Cameroons: Are we doing enough?

      We all know there is no place like home but can there be a home with no security and peace or can there be a home when all our loved ones are gone? Southern Cameroons for the past Years have suffered discrimination marginalisation and degrading treatment from La Republique du Cameroun with many people arrested tortured and even killed because of their political views about the freedom of
      Southern Cameroons from the harsh and inhuman treatment of the government of la Republique du Cameroun

      The current and ongoing genocide in Southern Cameroons is because Southern Cameroonians have dared to speak out and protest against the sustained political economic explanation marginalisation and oppression which they continue to experience.
      The government of la Republique du Cameroun is against anybody advocating for the independence of Southern Cameroons by using its terrorism law passed in 2014 to victimise Southern Cameroonians. This means anyone arrested will be tortured and tried with the penalty of life imprisonment or death.

      I am a strong believer that Southern Cameroons will one day be free from the current slavery and bandage of the government of la Republique du Cameroun. As Southern Cameroonians it’s our fundamental responsibility to unite our efforts together with our actions to bring back peace in Southern Cameroons through its independence. Let all continue strongly to advocate and Campaign for the freedom of Southern Cameroons.

      Author: Sidonie Massah
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      THE PLIGHT OF THE PEOPLE OF FORMER BRITISH SOUTHERN CAMEROON

      From a self-governing entity as a country, the people of southern Cameroon have been brought down to nothing other than mere beggars. A people proud of their culture and colonial heritage were brought down to their knees some sixty years ago after a failed unity.

      Southern Cameroon was one of the first democratic countries in Africa in the early fifties with successive changes of power. Dr. Endeley Lefaka from 1954-59, John Ngu Foncha from 1959-64 and Augustine Nkong Jua who forced out of government by the Ahidjo of French Cameroon.

      With just the Mobile Wheel Police, the peace, defence, and security of the population was assured. The court with its common law supplemented the stability.

      Economically, Southern Cameroon had a strong and solid foundation. We had three airports, a seaport at Victoria and a strong financial institution. From infrastructure perspective, all major towns and cities connected by good, tarred roads. The un-tarred roads were regularly maintained thanks to the existence of the Highway Department, just as we Highway England in the UK. For the airports, we had the Tiko international airport, Mamfe Airport at Bessongabang and the Bali Airport.

      We had our natural deep seaport in Victoria where large ships could anchor. Railway lines were constructed to ease transportation of bulky and heavy goods. The palms section of Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC) benefited greatly from this operation.

      The West Cameroon Marketing Board was one of the aspects that boosted our economy. Under this board co-operatives were organised all over the territories to buy cash products, select best yielding seedlings before accepted by the Board. Meanwhile fertiliser and other agricultural tools were given to farmers via cooperatives including. Productive farmers benefited from loans to expand agriculture and yields.

      Our lone financial institution, Cameroon Bank was flourishing providing even long-term loans to businesspeople from across the border in French Cameroon.

      We also had the National Lottery agency. The proceeds from this operation were used to construct hospitals and other health facilities.

      Yoke power plant in Muyuka supplied us with energy including others like the Malala plant for the rubber factory.

      After all the above mentioned and others it took La Republic of Cameroun a very short time to destroy everything. Meanwhile president Amadou Ahidjo was slow and consistent in his destruction for his 25years in office, Paul Biya used less than 10 years to accomplish their mission.

      Nevertheless, today as we speak all the institutions like Marketing Board, Cameroon Bank and Highways departments don’t exist anymore. For now, only CDC – Cameroon Development Corporation exists at a limping pace. The traces of all the airports today are French Cameroon military bases. Any good road linking some few towns in southern Cameroon is always sponsored and supervised by foreign organisations, or directly links a to nearby French Cameroon town if sponsored by the French Cameroon government.

      Faced with carnage on our institutions and destruction of our once economy sustainability models, our people have been taught nothing but corruption as sole of means of survival. Southern Cameroonians via corruption now hangs their hopes on powerless positions of powers in the Cameroon government administration which itself act as extension of the annexation process of our territory. Southern Cameroonians have become inferior adjectives to describe.

      Whilst wise forward-looking nations lure annexed areas or united territories with economy favourism and development, the French Cameroonian government to the contrary uses depravity and destitution to keep us Southern Cameroon to her fake union.

      It is for these reasons that we the people of Southern Cameroon continue to call the international community to pressure the Cameroonian authorities to return our autonomy and stop the ongoing killing and incarceration of our people.

      Author: Moh Amstrong Moh

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      SCNC and the Restoration of the Independence of the Formal British Cameroons

      The ongoing civil crisis in the area called Sothern Cameroons, a former British trust territory, can be traced back in 1961 when the British failed to grant Southern Cameroons the right to be independent and rather gave them an option in a plebiscite to join Nigeria or La Republic du Cameroun. This travesty of justice of the right of a people to self-determination has had a tremendous impact over the years till now. The people of Southern Cameroons might be described as victims of an imperfect decolonisation which started with the decision to refuse them self autonomy by the British.

      Consequently, there has been a consistent and systematic governing machinery in place which ensures that the former British Southern Cameroons remain subjected under La Republique du Cameroun as opposed to sharing equal status as federated states in power relations. This was evident in 1972 when the first President, Ahmadou Ahidjo changed the name of the country from The Federal Republic of Cameroon to The United Republic of Cameroon. When his predecessor, Paul Biya took over in 1982, he also unilaterally changed the name to the Republic of Cameroon. These worrying patterns of gross violation of the constitution binding La Republique du Cameroun and the British Southern Cameroons show complete disregard of the people’s wishes.

      The Southern Cameroons National Council (SCNC) was created from the
      backdrop of such disgruntlements and after all failed attempts to get La Republique du Cameroun to reconsider their moves in undermining the constitutional position of the British Southern Cameroons as equal patterns in the political affairs of the country.

      The SCNC has consistently stood for the independence of the former British Southern Cameroons through public activities such as peaceful protest and demonstrations. Over the years members of the SCNC have been subjected to wanton arrest and human rights violations. In 2021, Amnesty International Report on Cameroon found that security forces continue to disrupt SCNC activities.
      This flagrant disregard for basic human rights is an ongoing happening in Cameroon particularly seen in 2016 when Teachers and Lawyers went on the street to protest the use of French in English Schools and Courts. They were met with humiliation, harassment, torture, detention and persecution.

      The outlawing of the SCNC and the Cameroon Civil Society members of the
      consortium is an apt example of a society that denies its citizens the right to freedom of speech, life and movement. An example is the case of Fabian Fomuki, a US citizen detained in Cameroon for more than three months. His support for the restoration of Southern Cameroons independence whilst residing in Canton, USA is the reason for his arrest according to his family. He arrived in Cameroon via the Douala international airport and was arrested at his hotel when a group of
      masked men armed with guns abducted him, threw a bag over his head, and loaded him into a car.

      This worry pattern of arbitrary arrest, harassment, and detention of SCNC supporters is entirely at odds with international human right law and standards.
      The ongoing crisis has created a humanitarian crisis particularly as British Southern Cameroonians have had to seek refuge in neighbouring Nigeria and are in dire need of necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare. The mental well-being of the British Southern Cameroonians in exile are in jeopardy and their existence is hanging in the balance as they wonder when they will return home again.

      We call on the UK government to mediate with other international bodies to find lasting solutions to the ongoing genocide and unrest in the British Sothern Cameroons. We wish to plead our course for the complete restoration of the independence of the British Southern Cameroons. As SCNC members, we will continue to advocate our rights to freedom and restoration of that which had denied us in 1961. Although we are a people as Achille Mbembe describes made
      up of an ‘entanglement with multiple elsewhere[s]… that has produced different outcomes,’  we assert that we are on a long journey to freedom, of becoming an independent country and we look forward to reaching Buea.

      Written By: Emilia Efeti Agey

       

       

      Human Rights Monitoring Project
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      The Harsh Realities of Arbitrary Arrests, Phone Seizures, and House Searches in Buea and other areas in the Conflict hit Anglophone Cameroon.

      As the war in Cameroon rages on, civilians in the Anglophone regions find themselves caught in the crossfire, facing not only the threat of violence but also pervasive human rights abuses. Among the most concerning violations are arbitrary arrests, confiscation of phones, and house searches conducted by government forces.

      Arbitrary arrests have become a routine tactic employed by government security forces as part of their counter-insurgency operations in the Anglophone regions. Suspected separatist sympathisers or individuals perceived to be dissenters are often targeted without warrant or due process in Buea and across the anglophone regions. Once detained, many are subjected to interrogation, torture, and prolonged detention without access to family member or legal representation.

      In addition to arbitrary arrests, the confiscation of phones has become widespread, particularly during security operations or house raids. Phones are seen as potential tools for communication among arm fighters or for documenting human rights abuses, making civilians vulnerable to scrutiny and suspicion. Security forces often seize phones under the pretext of gathering intelligence, leaving individuals without means of communication with their families or access to vital information.

      House searches have also become a common occurrence in conflict-affected areas. Government forces frequently conduct raids on civilian homes in search of weapons, contraband, or suspected separatist sympathisers. These searches are often conducted without warrants and involve intimidation, harassment, and destruction of property. Civilians are left feeling violated and vulnerable in their own homes, with little recourse for justice or accountability.

      Arbitrary arrests, phone seizures, and house searches have a profound impact on the lives of civilians in the conflict-affected areas. Families are torn apart, livelihoods disrupted, and communities traumatised by the constant fear of arbitrary detention and harassment. The erosion of trust between civilians and security forces further exacerbates tensions and fuels resentment, perpetuating a cycle of violence and instability.

      The international community has a critical role to play in addressing these human rights abuses in Southern Cameroon. Diplomatic pressure must be exerted on the Cameroonian government to uphold its obligations under international law and respect the rights of civilians. Humanitarian organisations should provide support and assistance to victims of arbitrary arrests and house searches, including legal aid and psychosocial support.

      Ultimately, a peaceful resolution to the war in Cameroon requires a commitment to human rights, accountability, and a peaceful separation of Southern Cameroon. The systematic abuse of power through arbitrary arrests, phone seizures, and house searches only serves to deepen the divisions and prolong the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire. It is imperative that all parties involved prioritise the protection of civilians and work towards a sustainable peace that respects the dignity and rights of all Southern Cameroonians.

      Written By: Djofang Ngesse

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