Ambazonia Struggle: From Grassroots Support to Disillusionment—What Went Wrong?

The Ambazonia struggle is a separatist effort aiming to create a new state in the English-speaking North West and South West regions of Cameroon. What began as a little-known cause gained significant momentum in 2016 when English-speaking teachers and lawyers protested for reforms to preserve the Anglo-Saxon legal and educational systems. The government’s failure to address their concerns allowed extremists to hijack the movement, turning it into a demand for total independence in 2017, from the majority French-speaking Republic of Cameroon.

There was widespread support for an independent country from towns like Edinau to Nwa, and Lebialem to Mamfe. The call for separation resonated both at home and abroad. This sentiment was particularly evident on September 22, 2017, when people of all ages from across the two regions took to the streets demanding independence. Ayuk Tabe Julius, a now-incarcerated separatist leader who once had widespread support, instigated the protests. This is because he and others gave the impression they would be landing at the Tiko Airport on October 1st of that year, to consolidate the independence.

Grassroot Support

A Bamenda resident who participated in the September 22 protests recalled why she joined the movement. “I remember vividly how we marched from City Chemist right to Mankon. Everybody wanted independence,” Lydia (not her real name) told MMI in an exclusive interview.

At that time, emotions ran high, and many believed independence was just around the corner. “Truth be told, I thought it was genuine and wouldn’t take long,” Lydia said with a laugh, acknowledging the sad reality that, eight years later, independence remains elusive.

The initially peaceful protests escalated into an armed conflict, with government forces’ violent repression pushing some groups to take up arms against the state.

Armed separatist groups emerged in villages and towns throughout the two regions, initially enjoying broad support from the local population. A community prayed for the success of armed separatists preparing to attack government forces, according to a video that MMI reviewed.

“We supported these boys, thinking they were our own army, here to liberate us from suffering,” said a displaced person from Belo, now living in Bamenda, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Almost everybody supported them in one way or another. I did too. Our frustrations with the current system blinded us into believing in the independence struggle.”

What Went Wrong?

The early grassroots support for the separatist movement has steadily declined over the years. Public perception has shifted from positive to negative, and those who once supported the cause now express disappointment.

“We’re all witnesses to the fact that the boys we thought were our liberators have turned against the very people they’re supposed to be fighting for. I’m confused now whether independence was meant to liberate us or further frustrate us,” a resident of Bamenda told MMI.

Some argue that the Ambazonia struggle has lost focus, with tactics becoming more harmful to the local population. “There’s no longer any focus in the fight. They’ve shifted from independence to kidnapping for ransom, punishing us with lockdowns, and preventing our children from going to school. We were blind in the beginning and didn’t foresee what we’re experiencing now,” lamented a businesswoman in Buea.

Shey Semble, a peaceful separatist advocate whose stance has remained unchanged, admitted that grassroots support has waned, blaming it on poor leadership and outdated strategies.

“So many things went wrong. Leadership has become self-centred, and the same old strategies are being used without any progress,” Semble told MMI.

Independence now seems more distant than ever.

“We’re fighting the wrong enemy, while the colonial powers behind La République du Cameroun (France, the UK, and the USA) continue to support and finance it,” Semble said.

He suggested that a strategy akin to Nelson Mandela’s approach might have spared the population the pain of armed conflict. “Boycotting non-essential goods and services linked to Yaoundé’s colonial backers could have been a more effective approach,” he said.

Loss of Support Not Unique to Ambazonia

Despite acknowledging the decline in grassroots support, Shey Semble pointed out that this phenomenon is not unique to the Ambazonia struggle.

“Lack of total support isn’t limited to our revolution. It’s a societal issue. People don’t want to suffer, especially for an extended period,” he said.

“That’s why revolutions aren’t conducted based on elections or opinion polls. Only well-informed individuals can make decisions in the best interest of the majority,” he added.

Mimi Mefo Info