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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

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

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