The body of Ambazonian leader, Emmanuel Efang, also known as “General Big Number,” has been dumped at the Guzang market. This is the same location where Ambazonia Defence Forces (ADF) fighters under his command, carried out a public execution of two individuals in October 2023.
The announcement of Efang’s death was made on February 6th by Dr. Denis Nsame, the director of Bamenda Regional Hospital. Nevertheless, the details surrounding his death continue to be veiled in secrecy.
Dr. Nsame reported that Efang’s body was taken to the hospital mortuary by security forces on January 21st. This occurred after he was forcibly removed from a private hospital where he was receiving treatment for injuries sustained in a military ambush. There was no official statement released regarding his arrest or the cause of his death.
Before being captured, Efang was the leader of a prominent separatist group that operated in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon. His tactics were notorious for their brutality, such as publicly executing civilians accused of collaborating with the military. Under his command, the ADF was responsible for a multitude of heinous acts, such as summary killings, abductions, and torture.
The disposal of Efang’s body at the Guzang market is perceived as a significant gesture by the Cameroonian military, carrying profound implications. This serves as a sobering reminder of the ADF’s brutal rule and a possible cautionary tale for other fighters seeking separation. However, it has also stirred up anger among certain Ambazonians and their leaders, who see it as a disrespectful act towards the deceased and a further source of humiliation.
The death of Ambazonian leader, Efang and the way his body was handled are expected to intensify tensions in the already volatile Anglophone regions. The incident sheds light on the intricate dynamics of the ongoing conflict and the toll it continues to take on human lives.
