A federal grand jury has indicted Eric Tano Tataw for allegedly conspiring to support armed separatist groups in Cameroon and calling for violent acts against civilians. Eric Tataw, 38, known online as “the Garri Master,” surrendered to federal authorities and will make his first court appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Mark Coulson.
Separatist Campaign Allegedly Fueled by U.S.-Based Fundraising
Tataw, a Cameroonian national living in Gaithersburg, faces accusations of orchestrating and funding a campaign of violence in Cameroon’s Anglophone regions. According to the indictment, he played a central role in promoting and financially supporting secessionist fighters—commonly referred to as the “Amba Boys”—in their efforts to break away from the central government and establish an independent nation called “Ambazonia.”
Federal prosecutors allege that the violence extended beyond military targets, with deliberate attacks on civilians forming part of the separatists’ strategy to pressure the Cameroonian government.
“The defendant is alleged to have ordered horrific acts of violence, including severing limbs, against Cameroonian civilians in support of a violent secessionist movement,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
“Garri Master” and a Campaign of Mutilation
Court documents further describe a disturbing lexicon allegedly used by Tataw in his calls for violence. He is accused of coining the terms “small Garri” to refer to the removal of fingers or small appendages and “large Garri” to describe the severing of large limbs or even killings. The nickname “Garri Master”—a reference to the staple West African food—was reportedly a self-designated title, symbolising his role as the orchestrator of these mutilations.
Social Media as a Weapon
According to prosecutors, Tataw used his significant social media presence to spread propaganda, raise funds, and direct violence. He allegedly published hundreds of incendiary posts across platforms including Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter—calling for the murder, kidnapping, and mutilation of civilians, particularly those associated with or perceived to be cooperating with the Cameroonian government.
“The Justice Department will not tolerate those who help murder, maim, and kidnap,” said Sue J. Bai, Head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
U.S. Officials Condemn International Acts of Terror
Among the alleged targets were municipal officials, traditional leaders, and also employees of the Cameroon Development Corporation. U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes denounced the alleged actions.
“Tataw and his co-conspirators masterminded and financially supported a vicious scheme to overthrow a foreign government. They resorted to an unthinkable level of violence while instilling fear in innocent victims to advance their political agenda.”
Serious Federal Charges Filed
Tataw faces one count of conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, and four counts of interstate communication of threats, each punishable by up to five years in prison.
Ongoing Investigation and International Ramifications
Meanwhile, the investigation is being led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with support from the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service and the FBI. Authorities emphasised that Tataw is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
“This case should send a clear message to those who seek to exploit their digital platforms and overseas ties to promote violence and instability abroad,” said Michael McCarthy, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Maryland.
What’s Next
Eric Tano Tataw’s arraignment will decide if he remains in custody until trial or if he will be released under certain conditions.. The case, however, continues to draw attention both from human rights advocates and members of the Cameroonian diaspora.
