Diaspora-Based Network Accused By US of Funding Weapons for Cameroonian Separatists

A diaspora-based fundraising operation known as the “National AK Campaign” helped raise over $110,000 to arm separatist fighters in Cameroon with AK-47s, according to a federal indictment unsealed this week. Eric Tano Tataw of Gaithersburg, Maryland, allegedly coordinated the campaign with a group of unnamed co-conspirators. MMI has, however, been able to find one of the individuals who worked alongside Tataw to launch and fund the campaign.

Federal investigators report that individuals collected funds from the United States and transferred them to armed groups in Cameroon and neighbouring Nigeria from 2018 to 2020. They used the money to purchase weapons, ammunition, and other supplies to support a separatist insurgency in Cameroon’s Anglophone regions.

Federal Charges Tied to Organized Support for Violence

Tataw, 38, a Cameroonian national also known as “the Garri Master,” now faces charges for conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and interstate threats. Authorities say he worked with others to coordinate financial, logistical, and propaganda efforts to support attacks by so-called “Amba Boys,” the armed wing of the separatist movement.

According to the indictment, Tataw communicated directly with militant leaders and helped direct specific violent acts, including mutilations. He reportedly used coded terms like “small Garri” to refer to cutting off fingers and “large Garri” for amputating limbs or killing. Tataw’s large following on social media facilitated the dissemination of these instructions.

Co-Conspirators Amplified Threats and Fundraising

Among the key figures associated with the National AK Campaign is Mark Bareta, also known as Mark Bara. He was living in Belgium at the time of the campaign and currently resides in the United Kingdom. Bareta was publicly involved in launching the NAAK19 initiative alongside Tataw in 2019. He promoted the campaign as a way to equip separatist fighters with firearms. He further acknowledged its success in placing “guns into the hands of our forces.” Although the indictment does not name Bareta, various video statements and social media posts widely document his involvement in the campaign.

Court documents describe a network of supporters who allegedly helped organise the fundraiser. They did by sharing instructions online and encouraging attacks against civilians and public workers. Targets included traditional chiefs, municipal officials, and employees of the Cameroon Development Corporation, a government-run agricultural firm.

HSI Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy emphasised the global implications.

“Although he resides in Maryland, Tataw is alleged to have played a significant role in promoting violence and human rights violations in Cameroon,” he said. “This case highlights how such atrocities can be financed and directed from afar.”

DHS and DOJ Lead Investigation

The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the FBI, and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service. The Justice Department has confirmed that further investigative steps are ongoing and additional individuals could face charges.

Tataw faces up to 15 years in prison for conspiracy and additional time if convicted on charges of threatening communications. He remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Mimi Mefo Info