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
