Cameroonian singer Libianca is facing death threats from Anglophone separatists after waving the Cameroonian flag during a concert in the United States. The separatists accuse Libianca of siding with the government in the ongoing conflict in the country’s English-speaking regions.
In a video circulating on social media, a separatist spokesperson declared Libianca “persona non grata” in Anglophone Cameroon and threatened to kill her if she returned. Libianca has not yet responded publicly to the threats, but she did post a message on Twitter expressing her love for Cameroon and its people.
Intolerance and a Call for Freedom of Expression
This incident highlights the growing intolerance surrounding the Anglophone crisis. Ambazonia separatists have become known for targeting civilians, both online and offline, with threats that sometimes turn deadly. Their actions represent a serious threat to freedom of expression, a right all Cameroonians are grappling with.
“Some Cameroonians now believe Ambazonians are far more repressive than the current system they claim to be fighting against,” said one observer.
Anglophone Marginalization and the Search for Solutions
It’s important to note that many English-speaking Cameroonians acknowledge the marginalization they face and want meaningful action to address it. However, many don’t see separation as the answer.
Many Anglophone Cameroonians advocate for a return to federalism or greater devolution of power as solutions. The targeting of individuals who don’t subscribe to the separatist ideology underscores the urgent need for a resolution that respects all voices.
International Community Calls for Peace
The European Union and the United Nations have condemned the ongoing violence and called for respect for human rights and freedom of expression in Cameroon. The Anglophone conflict has claimed over 3,000 lives and displaced more than 700,000 people. The international community is urging all sides to find a peaceful solution to this long-running conflict.
