Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR) troops have successfully killed three Ambazonia insurgents within 24 hours. The first two were killed in the Wosing area of Bali Nyonga during a recent operation, BIR soldiers initiated combat with separatists, leading to the fatalities.
Both persons killed have been identified as the self-proclaimed commander, Callous, and his brother, Feh alias ‘Mami’. The duo, both from the same family, were reportedly involved in separatist activities in the area, impacting significantly on the local population. After the operation, BIR personnel retrieved firearms and ammunition.
In a separate incident in the Ngoketundjia Division, the second-in-command of the self-styled “Only Bro” Blaise Timboh, alias Rough Coin, was killed during a BIR attack. The confrontation occurred on the same September 16, 2024, between Sabga in Kedjon Ketinguh and Bamessing.
One of the firearms confiscated from the BIR by the deceased “General No Pity” in 2021 was retrieved during the operation.
Background
The ongoing Anglophone crisis started in 2016 when a dispute based on issues with the perceived marginalisation of English-speaking regions by the French-speaking majority, led to peaceful strikes called by lawyers and teachers. Advocates for separation hijacked the peaceful protests and have been urging for the establishment of a sovereign nation, Ambazonia, while the administration has pledged to preserve the territorial integrity of the country, using force, rather than dialogue. This has led to an escalation of the conflict that is now in its eighth year with civilians bearing the biggest brunt of the conflict.
Impact on Civilians
The ongoing conflict has inflicted severe damage on people, who find themselves trapped in the midst of hostile actions between government forces and the armed rebels. Recent demands from separatists to refrain from reopening schools and the implementation of a two-week lockdown have worsened the situation.
The demand of the separatists to maintain the closure of schools has significantly impeded the educational progress of several young people in the impacted areas. While those who can afford to move have done so and gone to the Francophone regions, those who remain are facing a dire situation. A significant number of schools have suffered damage or complete destruction as a result of the violence, therefore restricting pupils’ ability to obtain education.
Moreover, the two-week lockdown has imposed considerable difficulties on citizens, especially those residing in remote regions with restricted availability of vital commodities and services. A significant number of individuals have faced difficulties in supporting their families throughout this term of compulsory confinement.
The ongoing violence has resulted in a severe humanitarian catastrophe, including the displacement of numerous individuals from their residences and their urgent need for aid. The persistent violence and limitations have posed challenges for humanitarian organisations in adequately reaching individuals who need assistance.
