One of the factional leaders of the separatist movement in Cameroon has said there will be no senatorial elections in the crisis-hit North West and South West Regions of the country.
Ayaba Cho Lucas, leader of the Ambazonia Governing Council, AGovC, the political wing of the Ambazonian Defence Forces, ADF, an armed separatist militia, issued the threat in a tweet on Monday, January 16, 2023.
His reaction comes barely days after President Paul Biya announced the holding of Cameroon’s senatorial election.
The election, which would take place in the country’s ten regions, including the English-speaking regions where a separatist conflict has been going on for six, has been scheduled for March 12, 2023, according to the presidential decree.
Ayaba Cho tweeted, “The elections Cameroon called for on March 12 are illegal.”
“All facilitators of genocide and colonialism who attempt to legitimise foreign domination will be arrested,” the AGovC leader went on.
He added: “Ambazonia will never again tolerate the legitimisation of murderers and imposters on our land. Glory to the land of the brave.”
Since 2016, armed separatist fighters have been battling with government soldiers to create an independent English-speaking state called Ambazonia.
Separatists have for several years threatened to disrupt elections organised by the government of Cameroon in the two regions.
Elections have, however, been organised in these regions in the past years with tight security — though with an insignificant voter turnout.
It is uncertain whether the situation will be different this time.
