Prominent and controversial separatist activist Ndong Emmanuel, who goes by the pseudonym Capo Daniel, has expressed deep anguish over the burning of his family’s home located at Mile 2 Junction in Bamenda on the evening of January 7. Residents report that the arsonists fired gunshots, stopping any intervention until the house burnt down completely.
In a public statement, Capo Daniel described the attack as a “devastating incident” that has caused immense pain to his family. He commended neighbours who courageously attempted to extinguish the fire and acknowledged the efforts of Cameroon military officials who visited the scene and apologised for their delayed response due to a faulty fire truck.
Capo Daniel identified the perpetrators as Ambazonian fighters, reportedly from Bui Division, whose actions during the attack were unusual.
“This calm and calculated behaviour contrasts sharply with how Ambazonian fighters have acted in the past when targeting individuals over political disagreements,” he remarked.
Attack A Betrayal
The formerly defence chief of the Ambazonian Defense Forces (ADF), known for his vocal advocacy of separatist violence, condemned the attack as a betrayal of the cause. He criticised the fighters, describing them as “tools of destruction for hire” and accusing them of undermining the liberation struggle for financial and personal gain.
“This is a shameful act by fighters who have sold their souls. Our struggle has lost its way,” Capo Daniel stated, calling the incident an embarrassment to the Anglophone community.
The burning of Capo Daniel’s family home is a sign of the growing fragmentation within the separatist movement, as leaders and fighters increasingly turn against one another amidst accusations of exploitation and betrayal.
Despite the attack, Capo Daniel reaffirmed his commitment to seeking justice and freedom for the Anglophone regions. He urged for unity and an end to the violence, calling for a collective effort to heal the land and build a peaceful future.
The North West and South West Regions of Cameroon have been caught in conflict since 2016, with separatist fighters and government forces locked in a violent struggle. The conflict has led to the killing of over 6,000 people, according to the International Crisis Group, displaced hundreds of thousands, and destroyed livelihoods.
