Separatist fighters in the Anglophone region face accusations of extrajudicially killing a young man in Ekona. He was initially identified as Boris, although this identification has been challenged on social media. Some sources indicate that the victim is actually Kogge Blaise Dewah, the junior brother of Boris.
Conflicting Identification and Alleged Motive
Initial reports, citing local sources, indicated that separatist fighters accused a man named Boris of betraying their movement, labelling him a “blackleg.” This accusation reportedly stemmed from the belief that he was responsible for orchestrating the arrest of their commander, Angaiboh Luther (Commander Luther), by the Cameroonian military on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
However, a comment on the Cameroon News Agency social media platform by a user named Shar Bliink stated, “Kogge Blaise Dewah, that’s Boris younger brother that was killed,” suggesting the victim was the younger brother of Boris and not Boris himself. This discrepancy in identification highlights the challenges of verifying information in the conflict zone.
The alleged motive for the killing remains the accusation of betrayal related to Luther’s arrest. Diverse viewpoints on the incident and the larger conflict were reflected in social media comments. Jude Kinyuy commented, “Everyone who refused to give them money is a blackleg. Anyone who still believes in Amba must be delusional,” suggesting a context of coercion and disillusionment.
Nsom Cleto Nkain added, “Anglophones killing themselves. Amba is the worst mistake that has ever happened to Anglophone Cameroon,” reflecting a sentiment of internal conflict and regret.
Matthew Nguh, however, questioned, “Why do Anglophones hate themselves so much ???” This incident highlights the tragic nature of how Ambazonia separatists are now targeting their fellow Anglophones.
Sequence of Events and Fatalities
Soldiers arrested Commander Luther, which allegedly led to a subsequent ambush. Luther contacted his associates, including a fighter known as “Never Lack,” which led to a confrontation that resulted in Never Lack’s death on Wednesday. Commander Luther himself was found dead on Thursday, along with two other individuals, Prosper and Dada. The circumstances surrounding their deaths remain contested, with allegations of possible extrajudicial execution following Luther’s initial arrest by the military.
Context of the Anglophone Crisis
The recent events are situated within the broader context of the Anglophone crisis in Cameroon. This conflict has its historical roots in the perceived marginalisation of the English-speaking minority in the Northwest and Southwest regions after the country’s unification in 1961. People expressed grievances over linguistic and cultural dominance in areas like law and education. This then fuelled demands for autonomy and spiraled into calls for secession.
In 2016, the government’s response to protests fuelled the radicalisation of parts of the English population and led to the rise of armed separatist groups. The conflict has unfolded with violence, displacement, and accusations of human rights abuses from all sides.
Perspectives on Informants and Civilian Casualties
Comments on social media also shed light on the dangers faced by those perceived by Ambazonia separatist fighters as informants.
“If you work as an informant on any side of the warring parties know that you are a direct target… You are left unprotected and vulnerable. Be aware of your involvement,” Thomas Edison said. While this highlights the risks associated with taking sides in the conflict. However, available evidence indicates that most people accused of taking sides are often innocent.
Abdulai Aliyu offered a bleak summary of the ongoing violence.
“Army kill amba and then amba kill civilians and that’s how the ambazonia war of liberation is,” highlighting the cycle of violence and civilian casualties.
Babila Yannick Issa shared a personal tragedy, stating, “This is not the first nor My very good friend was decapitated last year in October by the same Ekona separatists; he was from the north. Well, Allah will give him and us justice.” This indicates that such acts of violence are not isolated incidents and have affected individuals from other regions as well.
Implications of Recent Violence
The killing in Ekona, regardless of the victim’s precise identity, highlights the internal strife and accusations of betrayal within the separatist movement. This incident further accentuates the escalating violence and the complex dynamics of the ongoing conflict in the Anglophone regions. The tragic backdrop of Luther’s mother awaiting her burial further emphasises the profound personal losses suffered by communities caught in the crossfire of this protracted crisis. The diverse reactions on social media illustrate the deep divisions and suffering within the affected population.
