Ambazonia separatist fighters, allegedly under the command of a figure known as Capo An Baba, have begun confiscating national identity cards from civilians. Reports indicate that passengers and drivers travelling through areas of Bui Division are being systematically stripped of their Cameroonian IDs.
The separatists have reportedly declared that they no longer recognise or permit the use of Cameroonian national ID cards within their self-proclaimed territory of Ambazonia. This move, which clearly has no impact on the Cameroon government and adds no value to their separatist movement, places civilian victims in a precarious situation.
Civilians Living in Fear
“We are living in fear,” a resident, who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons, told this MMI. “Without our ID cards, we are vulnerable. We cannot travel, access basic services, or even prove our identity to authorities. It is a terrifying situation.”
The confiscation of official identification documents poses a significant logistical and security challenge for civilians. Without these crucial documents, individuals face the prospect of being unable to navigate official checkpoints, access healthcare, or conduct essential transactions. If met by the authorities, they will be arrested and face huge fines, before being releaed. Furthermore, the absence of an alternative identification system proposed by the separatist group leaves residents in a precarious limbo.
Humanitarian Concerns Grow
“This action is deeply concerning,” stated a local aid worker, who also requested anonymity. “It will undoubtedly exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation. People are already struggling with displacement, lack of access to resources, and ongoing conflict. This added layer of complexity will only increase their vulnerability.”
Adding to the alarm, a video seen by MMI shows dozens of Cameroonian national identity cards scattered on the ground. The video, which MMI could not independently verify the date of its recording, also features the distinct sounds of Lamso, the language spoken in the Nso area, suggesting the location of the footage is within that region.
Escalating Tensions and Uncertainty
The move highlights the escalating tensions in the region, where the ongoing separatist conflict has created a complex and volatile environment. Some view the Ambazonia fighters’ actions as a symbolic act of defiance against the Cameroonian government, but the immediate impact on the civilian population remains undeniable.
Residents face uncertainty and fear due to unclear expectations about functioning without official identification. Authorities have yet to issue a formal response to the reported confiscations.
