Incarcerated separatist leader Sisiku Ayuk Tabe has sent out a message of hope to his supporters, reassuring them of the independence of Cameroon’s English-speaking regions.
The message was delivered on the sidelines of October 1, a day separatists have, since 2017, celebrated the secession of Cameroon’s North West and South West Regions.
Sisiku Ayuk Tabe, president of the futuristic state of Ambazonia, has been jailed since 2018 at the Kondengui maximum security prison in Yaounde for his involvement in the independence quest.
Despite spending nearly six years in jail, and the squabbles that have plagued the leadership of the struggle, Sisiku remains resolute that independence will be achieved.
In a tweet, he expressed optimism and reassured his followers that Ambazonia will be free.
“Ambazonia will rise from the darkness of imprisonment to the light of liberation, our people will prevail,” he posted on his X account.
He wished his supporters, both at home and abroad, a “happy independence day”.
According to historical records, the former UN trust territory of Southern Cameroons gained its independence on October 1, 1961, by forming a two-state federation with the already independent French Cameroon.
Separatist apologists argue that the union has failed and both states must go separate ways.
However, Yaounde dismissed the submission, leading to an armed struggle that has claimed thousands of lives and caused untold misery.
Several separatist apologists have risen since then, advocating for independence.
Abdul Karim’s Unbroken Resolve
Abdul Karim Ali, a pro-separatist activist who was arrested and detained in 2022 for his outings, also wrote a message of courage and determination for freedom this October 1.
Ali has been a fervent advocate of human rights and the right to self-determination of the people of Southern Cameroons – the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon.
Abdul Karim Ali, who is still in pre-trial detention, in a message addressed to Southern Cameroonians, said the Government of Cameroon continues to capture itself in it’s negativity while Ambazonians celebrate their freedom.
“Your right to freedom is undeniable, even if it’s temporarily restricted. You are heroes, standing against forces that undermine humanity,” he said.
In a defiant tone, he told those he considered oppressors that “our freedom resides in us”.
“Though LRC and its global accomplices may abduct our bodies and arrest our minds they cannot erase our identity, suppress our spirit or separate Southern Cameroons from our hearts.”
He furthered: “We carry our homeland within us, and its freedom burns brighter with every challenge. No power, no jail, no police, no court and no system can take away our freedom, it resides within us. We didn’t learn to be free, it ingrained in us.”
With determination and an unbroken resolve, he added, “May your next day of independence be celebrated in freedom.”
