Diaspora Separatists Divided Over Election Lockdown

Tensions are rising among separatist leaders in the diaspora over a proposed lockdown in Cameroon’s Anglophone regions ahead of the October 12, 2025 presidential election.

Mark Bareta, a well-known separatist activist based in Birmingham, UK, has called on voters in the English-speaking regions to go out and cast their ballots. His remarks came after Issa Tchiroma Bakary, former minister in President Paul Biya’s government, publicly apologized for his past statements about the Anglophone crisis during his campaign rally in Bamenda.

“Tchiroma asks for forgiveness. On a human level, it was heartwarming and uplifting to hear Tchiroma speak in Bamenda, seeking forgiveness for his role and the statements he made during the height of the conflict,” Bareta said on his Facebook page.
“I believe our people, after nearly three weeks of lockdown, deserve this moment of laughs and fun. From Monday, 6th October, it’s back to business until 14th October, when the lockdown continues. God bless Ambazonia,” he added.

However, Asu Lucas, spokesperson for the Ambazonia Governing Council (AGovC), issued a stern warning to residents, announcing a strict lockdown across the Anglophone regions.

“Stock food in your homes, fetch water and buy medications that will last you a week, because from the 6th of October till after October 12, there will be a serious ghost town in Ambazonia,” Lucas declared. “Do not say you were not told,” he warned, adding that the move is supported by Sisiku Ayuk Tabe, the detained separatist leader currently held at the Kondengui prison.

AGovC has long been accused of human rights violations and attacks on civilians in the Anglophone regions — actions that have claimed lives and destroyed property. September 24, 2025 marked one year since the leader of the AGovC, Ayaba Cho Lucas was detained in Norway, charged with incitment to commit crimes against humanity.

As the election approaches, questions persist about the separatists’ true objectives. If elections remain the only democratic path to leadership change — and possibly to resolving the Anglophone crisis — who or what are groups like AGovC really fighting for?

MMI News