Chris Anu, a self-proclaimed leader of the Ambazonia separatist movement, has responded to an outing of the Fon of Bamessing, who threatened to banish separatist fighters from the village if they do not surrender.
In a letter addressed to Bamessing natives on December 11, 2024, Fon Richard Muntong III described separatists’ activities in the village as terrorism.
He threatened to banish them if they fail to surrender and join the government’s Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration Commission Centre.
In a reply to the traditional ruler of Bamessing, Chris Anu, who claims to be president of the Ambazonia interim government, described the Fon’s outing as ‘disappointing’ and ‘astonishing’.
“Your words reveal either a troubling ignorance of the history and plight of the people of The Southern Cameroons or a deliberate alignment with the colonial oppressor. By describing our valiant and courageous fighters as “so-called Amba boys” and demanding they surrender to DDR centers, you echo the language of those who have sought to crush our quest for freedom,” said Chris Anu.
He disagreed with the Fon who alleged that separatist fighters in the area are terrorizing the population.
Justification of Separatist Actions
The US-based separatist leader said, “The arms they bear are not for terror but to resist decades of subjugation, annexation, and the erasure of our identity by French Cameroon.”
Human rights reports have implicated separatists for atrocities against armless civilians.
These include extrajudicial killing, extortion, kidnapping, torture and threats.
Emphasising that the fight is for independence, Anu rhetorically asked if the Fon would remain silent or bow if a neighboring village invaded Bamessing, desecrated its traditions, and killed its people.
“Why then do you ask your children to accept these atrocities from French Cameroon?” he questioned.
He turned to the government of Cameroon, accusing it of acting like colonial masters.
Chris Anu said, by refusing all calls for negotiation and choosing the violence approach, the Cameroon Government is advancing the colonialist’s agenda.
“If you stand for peace and justice, demand that French Cameroon cease its violence,” he added.
Chris Anu further described the December ending ultimatum given to the separatists to surrender as siding with the oppressor against his own children.
“We urge you to listen to your children, not threaten them,” he noted.
He explained that “history will judge those who side with oppressors against their own people”.
Mimi Mefo Info
