Ambazonian leaders distance themselves from national lockdown, say Ni Fru Ndi’s burial should not be disturbed

By Mike Klaus

Ambazonia Separatists leaders have said no lockdowns have been announced across the Anglophone Regions as claimed on posters circulating on social media.

Despite the information widely shared on different social media platforms, the leaders said no lockdown aimed at sabotaging the burial ceremony of late SDF Chairman Ni John Fru Ndi has been imposed.

Mimi Mefo Info (MMI) reached out to those who were reachable and they all indicated that the flyers circulating announcing a lockdown from 27th – 29th July, were not from them.

“All other movements including IG of Chris Anu contacted us for a common position on lockdown. It’s most likely from IG Chris Anu,” Asu Lucas, in charge of Communication at the AGovC, told MMI.

The President Comrade, Chris Anu, of the Ambazonia Interim Government, however, said he is unaware of any lockdown called with regards to the issue of Ni John Fru Ndi’s funeral.

“We have not called for any lockdown. I have no idea who is behind that,” he told MMI.

Similarly, Emmanuel Ndong, popularly known as Capo Daniel, President of The Ambazonia People’s Rights Advocacy Platform and The Commander In Chief of The Ambazonia Dark Forces distanced himself from the calls for a lockdown.

“I have called for our people to disregard it and take the opportunity to pay their last respect to Fru Ndi,” he said.

The Ambazonia Separatist leaders argue, contrary to some fringe opinions, that Ni John Fru Ndi was not a traitor, and deserves to be honoured by Cameroonians. According to Capo Daniel, Ni John Fru Ndi was not a traitor as many propagandist factions have tagged.

“Those who cannot distinguish between those with different political views and those actively working with the regime’s military are doing a disservice to the Ambazonian course. Ni John Fru Ndi is not a traitor, he simply has a different perspective.” Capo Daniel told MMI.

However, a faction of the separatist movement, the Ambazonia Governing Council (AGovC), under the leadership of Ayaba Cho Lucas advised people to stay off the streets on July 28, 2023. In a Tweet, he explained that there was a curfew and that bars were to shut down at 10 pm. He does not specifically call for a lockdown as claimed in social media postings.

There was some contradiction, however, when MMI contacted Asu Lucas, who explained that there is a supposed lockdown of July 29, 2023, with the aim to scuttle the burial of Ni John Fru Ndi, but specified that it was only in Mezam.

“We are locking down Mezam on July 29th to prevent the occupie from using the death of its one number collaborator as a political tool against our liberation. All citizens must stay at home,” a statement tagged ‘Liberation EXECUTIVE ORDER Ambazonia Government Council’ signed by Ayaba Cho presented to MMI by Asu Lucas read in part.

This position has been vigorously challenged by Capo Daniel, who was hitherto a core member of the AgovC.

“We cannot crucify those who do not join our movement and at the same time claim we are fighting against the same from the Cameroon government.” He argued in favour of a hitch-free burial for the late politician.

Despite all these mixed messages, preparations are intensifying ahead of the late SDF Chairman’s burial in Baba II, in the Santa Sub-division, North West Region on July 29, 2023. The funeral will take place in three separate locations, including the Yaoundé Multipurpose Sports Complex on July 27, the Bamenda Grand Stand on July 28, and Baba II on July 29.

Ni John Fru died On June 12, 2023, in Yaoundé at the age of 81. He was the founder and president of the Social Democratic Front from 1990,-2023.

The late Chairman before his demise was in constant conflict with Ambazonia Separatists. He was kidnapped twice by the separatist and had his home set ablaze once when he was still alive.

In recognition of his positive role in the promotion of democracy in Cameroon, despite constantly challenging his government, President Biya yesterday accorded Ni John Fru Ndi the honour of being given a state burial.