In the complex and volatile landscape of Cameroon’s Anglophone crisis, the role of social media in disseminating information remains one of the most potent tools in the conflict. The most recent case is the platform “My Kontro Pipo Dem” (MKPD), known for its aggressive stance against individuals it labels as “Ambazonia separatists,” is facing allegations of endangering innocent lives through unverified claims. The original platform which had a very large following was brought down by Facebook, but the new one known as Dr KontriMan Jr, is managed by Naseri Clovis, an inmate of the Buea Centre for Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) of ex separatist fighters and Nkonda Titus, who is based in the United Kingdom.
False Tagging of MP as Separatist
A recent example is the case of Hon. Findi Stanley Mokondo, Member of Parliament for Fako East Constituency in Ekona. It has brought these concerns to the forefront, raising need for action.
On February 3, 2025, MKPD published a post linking Hon. Mokondo to a “Commander Phindi/Findi,” an individual allegedly involved in separatist activities. In response, Hon. Mokondo issued a disclaimer vehemently denying any association with the individual or terrorist activities. He clarified that the so-called “Commander Phindi/Findi” is not biologically related to the Findi family of Ekona Mbenge and hails from the North West Region of Cameroon.
“We dissociate ourselves from any links with the Ambazonia terrorism and deny any connection to the individual known as ‘Commander Phindi/Findi,'” Hon. Mokondo said. “The Findis of Ekona Mbenge remain law-abiding citizens of the Republic of Cameroon, committed to upholding the state’s institutions.”
Retraction of False Claims
Following further investigation, including claims of a direct conversation with Hon. Mokondo, MKPD acknowledged the inaccuracy of their initial post. The platform issued an apology, stating, “Our information was NOT accurate. After further investigation… we can authoritatively confirm… the so-called ‘Commander Findi’ is not blood brother with Hon Findi as previously published.”
Despite the retraction, the incident has generated a broader debate about the ethical responsibilities of social media platforms in conflict zones. Critics argue that MKPD’s practice of publicly naming individuals as separatists without thorough verification can lead to dire consequences, including extrajudicial actions by military forces. There are many instances where people spotlighted through what the platfort which has over 69,000 followers calls “Operation Sunshine”, have come out to state that they had nothing to do with separatist activities. In some cases, the victims are unable to react, because the are killed shortly after the spotlight.
A Worsening Crisis
The Anglophone crisis in Cameroon, which began in 2016, has led to over 6,000 deaths and displaced more than a million people. The conflict originated from tensions between the country’s French-speaking majority and English-speaking minority, with separatist groups in the North West and South West regions declaring independence under the name “Ambazonia.” Both government forces and separatist fighters have been accused of committing atrocities against civilians.
In this context, the spread of unverified information can exacerbate tensions and lead to tragic outcomes. Human rights organizations have documented instances where individuals accused of supporting separatists have faced harassment, detention, or worse.
Hon. Mokondo’s case further highlights the critical need for responsible information sharing, especially on platforms with significant reach and influence. As the conflict continues, the role of social media in shaping narratives and potentially endangering lives remains a pressing concern.
In light of these events, it is imperative for social media platforms and their users to exercise caution and due diligence in verifying information before publication. The consequences of misinformation in conflict zones are not merely theoretical; they can be a matter of life and death.
