In a statement, the ‘Interim Government of Ambazonia’ of the self-proclaimed state of Ambazonia, led by Chris Anu, has denounced efforts by the Ayaba Cho-led separatist faction to impose a change of taxi color in Bamenda.
The mandate, seen as an arbitrary and oppressive measure by many, has sparked significant controversy and resistance among the population.
Chris Anu’s statement vehemently criticises the enforcement of this mandate, labelling it a distraction from the larger goal of separatists: to secede from the Republic of Cameroon.
Anu argues that such changes do not contribute to their campaign for independence and instead create unnecessary hardship for the people of Ambazonia.
The statement emphasises that decisions of this nature should only be considered after achieving independence, and should reflect the collective will of the people rather than the whims of a few.
“The imposition of such an arbitrary mandate not only undermines our unified resistance against the oppressive La République du Cameroun (LRC) regime but also inflicts unnecessary hardship on our own people,” the statement declares. “Changing the colour of taxis does not advance our campaign for independence in any tangible way,” he wrote.
The press release also addresses the violence that has ensued due to the mandate, including the destruction of taxis and the loss of lives.
The ‘Interim Government’ condemns these acts as barbaric and counterproductive to their struggle for justice and freedom.
“We unequivocally condemn the destruction of private property and the senseless violence that has been perpetrated in the name of enforcing illegitimate orders,” the statement continues.
“Such actions are not only reprehensible but also betray the very principles of our struggle.”
It also calls out the Ambazonia Defence Forces (ADF), controlled by Norway-based Lucas Ayaba Cho, for their detrimental conduct, which has included the brutalization, abduction, extortion, and harassment of civilians.
This release comes at a time when the leader of the Ambazonian Defence Forces, Ayaba Cho, has called for more violence if taxis do not comply with his demand to change their color from yellow to blue and white.
The decision has so far been described as a deliberate attempt to cripple the common man, whose economic situation has been badly affected by the armed conflict.
