The recent attack by the Ambazonia Defense Forces (ADF) on taxi drivers in Bamenda, demanding they switch to blue and white colours, has drawn criticism from several prominent Ambazonia activists.
In Cameroon, including the English-speaking North West and South West regions, taxis are traditionally yellow. However, the Ambazonia Governing Council (AGOVC) recently issued an order for taxis to adopt blue and white colours, symbolizing the envisioned state of Ambazonia that armed militants are fighting to establish in these regions.
Following this order, ADF militants, loyal to AGOVC leader Ayaba Cho Lucas, attacked several taxis in Bamenda, the capital of the North West region. Some taxis were destroyed, and others were set on fire by the armed men.
This decision and the subsequent attacks have faced widespread condemnation from other Ambazonia struggle activists and leaders.
Mark Bareta, one of the activists, criticized the move as counterproductive to their struggle. “It is anti-revolutionary to ask taxi drivers in Bamenda or any other area in Ambazonia to change their taxi colors at this time,” said Bareta. He expressed his frustration, stating, “How do we really reason? How are we so foolish?”
Bareta argued that the policy is senseless, explaining, “We are still in the process of reclaiming control and securing our land. We do not have total control of Bamenda or any other area. The enemy still roams. We are still engaged in guerilla warfare, and yet we punish taxi drivers with such callous policies.”
Capo Daniel, a former spokesman of the ADF who now leads the People’s Advocacy platform, described the move as ‘sickening’ and punitive towards the people. “Ayaba Cho knows very well that this is an extremist position that only adds pain and suffering to our people, yet he pushes it,” said Capo Daniel.
Samuel Ikome Sako, leader of the Interim Government of Ambazonia, also condemned the order, calling it “total nonsense.” He asserted, “Change of taxi colour will not defeat La Republique,” and accused those supporting such orders of working for the ‘enemy.’
It’s worth noting that AGOVC, through its armed wing, has previously harassed locals for possessing national identity cards. In addition to the current blue and white taxi colour saga, the group is also forcing locals to pay what they call a liberation tax.
