A wave of horror and fury washed over Cameroonians as a disturbing video surfaced online, showing the torture of a civilian by Ambazonia separatists claiming to belong to the Ambazonia Defence Forces (ADF) of Muyuka. The graphic footage, coupled with the baseless accusations leveled against the victim, Ngang Musongong, a local council worker, has ignited a firestorm of condemnation.
“These are the Ambazonia Defence Forces of Muyuka, in Fako,” a chilling voice declares in pidgin English as the video opens. The scene then cuts to Ngang, bound and bloodied, his confusion palpable as he identifies himself and his two decades of service to the Muyuka council. What follows is a cruel interrogation, twisting his work into an unfounded narrative of betrayal, painting him as a collaborator with the very government the ADF claims to oppose.
“You are working with Republic,” the voice accuses, referring to the Cameroonian government, “after we banned them from operating in our market…taking them to places where they kill Ambazonia fighters.” Ngang’s silence speaks volumes, an evident counterpoint to the outlandish claims.
This is not the first time Ambazonia separatists and specifically, the ADF led by Norway-baed Ayaba Cho Lucas has targeted innocent civilians. Recent weeks have seen similar atrocities, including the public execution of two men in Guzang branded as “Black Legs” – traitors in their eyes. These brutal acts, devoid of any semblance of justice, lay bare a troubling pattern of disregard for human life and basic human rights.
“Amba is extremely evil,” lamented one Cameroonian online, echoing the sentiment of many. “What is the crime of this Anglophone Cameroonian? If he stops working for the council, will Amba give him food and pay for his children’s school fees?” Another questioned, highlighting the absurdity of the accusations and the devastating consequences for ordinary people caught in the crossfire.
“This clearly shows that these Ambazonia separatists do not have a clue what they are fighting for. How can they attack council workers, and claim they are fighting for liberation?” another said.
The video has served as a brutal wake-up call, exposing the human cost of this ongoing conflict and the urgent need to protect civilians. Calls for accountability and condemnation have poured in from both within Cameroon and the international community, each time such a video emerges, demanding an end to these senseless acts of violence.
Moving forward, the path to peace lies in breaking the cycle of violence and fostering genuine dialogue. The underlying issues of marginalization and political representation must be addressed through peaceful means, with inclusivity and understanding guiding the way. Only then can Cameroon hope to build a brighter future where innocent lives are no longer pawns in a brutal conflict.
The torture of Ngang Musongong is a vivid reminder that the price of conflict is paid not just by soldiers on the battlefield, but by everyday people struggling to make ends meet. His story, and the stories of countless others caught in the crossfire, must not be forgotten.
It is not clear what happened to Ngang as the video was cut short, but every stakeholder in the ongoing Anglophone crisis is likely to agree that it is time for the guns to fall silent, for voices of reason to prevail, and for peace to finally take root in the troubled land of Cameroon.
