Even so, a further exacerbation of ethnic tensions involving the Fulani in Cameroon is likely to have a ripple effect across the region. Today, pro-Biafra activists use incendiary language, referring to the Fulani as terrorists, to incite violence. t.src = v; [41] The violence led to additional demonstrations, general strikes (called "lockdowns"), and further crackdowns by the government into early 2017, including the banning of civil society organizations, cutting off phone and internet connections from January to April,[42] and arrests of demonstrators. [8], Armed separatists are split into dozens of guerilla groups of various sizes, many of which have joined the Ambazonia Self-Defence Council (ASC) under the Interim Government. The Germans, who had established substantial trading centers to the southeast on the Wouri River delta (modern Douala), and the British, who had extensive interests to the west in Nigeria, both raced to sign agreements with local rulers. Download the new FP mobile app to read anytime, anywhere. Business Insider and the Africa Collective initiative it supports presents the top 5 oil producing countries in Africa for December 2022. In 1962, he arrested and imprisoned a number of prominent (Francophone) political opponents on charges of subversion and criticizing the state. Instead, Biya, who has been in power since 1982, has ordered a military crackdown on the protests. We have assembled here today in front of our two peoples to declare our intentions to walk together to ensure collective survival from the brutal annexation that have occurred in our home nations, Ayaba said. Symbolism (Green stands for the Fertility of the land. Blue stands for the Sky, the Ocean and Liberty. Red stands for Blood and strength of the people. But those ceasefire discussions have been condemned by other separatists in Cameroon and abroad, who argue that Sisiku does not have a mandate to negotiate. In 1993, the All Anglophone Conference took place in Buea bringing together all Southern Cameroons citizens who called for the restoration of the federal system. [21] The United Nations initiated discussions with French Cameroun on the terms of association of Southern Cameroons if the outcome of the plebiscite was in favour of a federation of the two countries. I still do not understand why the United Nations did not give a third option, Feh Henry Baaboh, a legal expert in Doula, told DW. County-Ministers are responsible for the development of their counties, both socially and economically. Cameroons Anglophone Crisis: How to Get to Talks? That kind of posture reminds the Africa psyche of the infamous era of slavery. Red stands for the Strength and courage of the people. }); However, many towns and villages in the hinterlands had no German administration and may have only seen German soldiers a handful of times. [43] Although the government established a Commission to focus on Anglophone grievances and took steps to address issues of language equity in courts and schools, continued distrust and harsh responses to protests prevented significant deescalation. By 1914, the Germans had established control either directly or through local leaders well into the hinterlands of the territory now claimed by Ambazonia, conquering communities such as Nkambe and establishing a garrison fort at Bamenda in 1912. Browse Ambazonia news, . The leader of the self-declared Governing Council of Ambazonia, Sisiku Ayuk Tabe, is among the 10 who have been convicted A leader of Cameroon's separatist movement, Sisiku Ayuk Tabe, and nine of. [51] On 4 February 2018, it was announced that US-based preacher Dr. Samuel Ikome Sako would become the Interim President of the Federal Republic of Ambazonia, temporarily succeeding Ayuk Tabe. This February, in an unprecedented surge of attacks, armed Fulani raided 18 villages in Nwa subdivision, killing at least 17 people and displacing 4,200 local residents. Understand Africa's tomorrow. Two of its border regions with Nigeria (northwest and southwest) are Anglophone, while the rest of the country . Tribal leaders have the ability to make laws but must not go against County laws, State Laws or National (Federal) laws. So this is very big for our cause, in our fight against these Fulani, particularly those who are coming in from Nigeria.. The name Ambazonia comes from Ambas Bay, the area of a settlement of freed slaves which is regarded as the boundary between Anglophone and Francophone Cameroon. [33], Flag of Ndian County. . Ambazonia emblem.jpg 529 530; 123 KB. There are 54 countries in Africa today, according to the United Nations. Ambazonia is located in the west of Cameroon and southeast of Nigeria on the Gulf of Guinea. Security. Many inhabitants identify as Anglophones and resent what they perceive as discrimination and efforts to eliminate Anglophone legal, administrative, educational, and cultural institutions by the Cameroonian government. Delivered Thursday. I was to be used now only as window dressing and not listened to. Still, escalating violence in southeastern Nigeria and western Cameroon will only add to national and regional security challenges at a time when the region is already struggling with plummeting economies, democratic backsliding, and a resurgence of violent extremism and terrorism. n.loaded = !0; [40] Several demonstrations were violently dispersed by security forces, leading to clashes between demonstrators and police in which several people were killed. [49] In practice, pro-independence militias operate largely autonomously from political leaders, who are mostly in exile.[50]. }; Political exclusion, economic exploitation and cultural assimilation were criticized more and more openly. (Former British Southern Cameroons) STATE HOUSE BUEA OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT 6218 Georgia Avenue NW Suite 1-459 | Washington DC 20011-5125 Phone Number (318)243-6715 Fax: (318)274-3202 Email: ambafirst2018@gmail.com Saturday 31 December 2022 Ref. The English speaking region is considered an opposition bastion. ecent alliance between the separatist groupsIndigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Nigeria, and Cameroon's breakaway state Ambazoniacan trigger instability in the West Africa region, a Foreign Policy report has said.. Last month, IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu and Cho Ayaba, leader of the Ambazonian Governing Council appeared in a press conference, livestreamed on social media, to announce a . fbq('track', 'ViewContent'); If independent, Ambazonia would share maritime boundaries with Nigeria , the Republic of Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea . The policy represents a fig leaf, not genuine decentralization, and will not resolve a crisis of Biyas own making. Ambazonia terrorists Beheading a woman in Muyuka, SW region of Cameroon, 11 Aug 2020. Any of the states can secede from the federation based on a referendum that supports it, provided certain constitutional laws and human rights are broken. There are protected areas like the Korup National Park[62] or the Takamanda National Park. By late 2017, with dialogue efforts moribund and violence continuing on both sides, the leading Ambazonian nationalist movements organized the umbrella organization Southern Cameroons Ambazonia Consortium United Front (SCACUF). White stands for Hope and wisdom under God. On the west towards the border to Nigeria the lowlands of the Mamfe basin can be found. Green strip stands for the fertility of the land. Mountains stands for the Two peaks of mount Fako (Mount Cameroon), determination and leadership. ar, and how can we apply those lessons to make sure we dont sleepwalk into yet another war? The government claims armed English-speaking separatists who want to create a new nation called Ambazonia have terrorized civilians and attacked government forces, prompting the military to. function facebookTracking() { Since October 2016, protests and strikes related to sectoral demands have escalated into a crisis over the economic and political marginalisation of Cameroon's Anglophone minority. In 2016 and 2017, a widespread protest movement was met with a violent government crackdown, which led to rioting and violence against security forces and, in 2017, a unilateral declaration of independence by Ambazonian leaders. Cameroon cracks down on Anglophone separatists. This is going to be a very good opportunity for us, because what we see on the field is there have been some alliances between the Cameroon government and Fulani, Daniel, the Ambazonian deputy military leader, said. In April 2014, the kidnapping of nearly 200 Chibok girls from their school gained international attention. Emblem of Ambazonia.svg 512 512; 140 KB. Explore the benefits included in your subscription. Secession related crises are fast becoming omnipresent in Africa and have led to the fragmentation and division of many nations. Relations with the Islamic Republic of Cameroon and the Republic of Cameroon are heated. Further east towards Cameroon a series of volcanoes like the Manengouba or Kupe can be found. Biafrans and Anglophone Cameroonians share a common enemy: Fulani herders, a nomadic ethnic group present across West and Central Africa. Ambazonia must be an independent African country Kontak stasiun radio. The next day, armed gunmen attacked a police station in the same area. .png 300 300; 10 KB. Pour toute information confidentielle que vous souhaitez rendre publique: crivez ou contactez-nous au Etats Unis par WhatsApp: 1-240-350-1131. Delivered Wednesday & Sunday. Placing the blame for Cameroon's underdevelopment and poorly implemented public policies on the federal structure and arguing that managing separate governments in a poor country was too expensive, he announced a referendum on a new constitution, which did away with the federal structure in favor of a unitary state and granted more power to the President. Against a backdrop of bomb blasts, sporadic violence and repressive state measures, Cameroon's Anglophone crisis has entered a new and intensified phase. The anchor stands for Stability despite the turbulence. Ambazonia enjoys good relations with members of the West African Union, and other Anglophone African nations. [44] At least 17 people were killed in protests following the declaration of independence, while fourteen Cameroonian troops were killed in attacks claimed by the Ambazonia Defence Forces. Though, the Federal Republic of Ambazonia is not recognized by most states, there has been a proposed constitution for the territory. As the Egyptian economy falters, Sisi is turning to the Chinese government for support. Consequently, Biafra and Ambazonia loyalists have found common ground in each others movements. Strategically located in the Gulf of Guinea at the hinge of Africa, Ambazonia is bordered to the east . In 1858, British missionary Alfred Saker founded a settlement for freed slaves at the bay which was later renamed Victoria. The county-minister appoints members to the County Councils, either from the party or from locals with important skills. On April 26, five government security forces were killed in Port Harcourt. Green stands for the fertility and growth of the land. [4][5][6], The region, which has been at war with Cameroon since the 2016 lawyers and teachers protest, aims to separate into independent country known as Ambazonia,[7] a name coined by the Widikum Fon, Honourable Fon Gorji Dinka,[8] from the name of the Ambas Bay and the word Zone, as a protest to the 1982 name change of the United Republic of Cameroon to the Republic of Cameroon,[9] which was the name Cameroon had since gaining it's independence in 1960, and was seen as an attempt by the Cameroon Government to erase the culture of West Cameroon (a name Southern Cameroons attain after federation with Cameroon in 1961). Brown stands for the soil and fertility and Strength. Jonathan Pershing, formerly the Biden administrations No. Anglophones also resented the introduction of bilingual schools in West Cameroon as an attempt to assimilate Anglophones. By the time British Southern Cameroons and French Cameroun gained independence in 1961, the French territory was more economically developed than its British counterpart. The Biafra movement is well equipped with weaponry and other defense technology from Nigerias large black market. Meanwhile, Cameroonian security forces have funneled weapons to the Mbororo communities that have gone on to attack English-speaking farmers, a CHRDA report notes. During this period various independence and federalist factions joined to form the Southern Cameroons National Council, a pressure group which undertook initiatives at the UN, the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights, the Commonwealth, and with national embassies to bring attention to the region and Anglophone issues in Cameroon. The Federal Republic of Ambazonia (Southern Cameroons) is an unrecognised and disputed region located in the armpit of Africa, a crossroad between west and central africa, on the Gulf of Guinea. Dispatch: Tribal regions exist to preserve Ambazonian culture and Heritage. The separatist group, however, stated that there would not be peace in the sub-Saharan region of Africa until Biafra and Ambazonia agitators in Nigeria and Cameroon respectively get their . Fruit stands for success (fruits of labour). Western Africa Map showing the 16 countries of Western Africa Benin Burkina Faso Cabo Verde Gambia Ghana Guinea Ambazonia News would "thank God" for saving Africa from the worst of the pandemic but that too is one of the biggest weaknesses of the African continent! For Washington, self-imposed restraint will always be a contradiction in terms. You may opt out at any time. Jonathan Pershing, formerly the Biden administrations No. The rough terrain of the Cameroon line and the lack of navigable rivers in much of the interior of the region claimed by Ambazonia limited colonial activity outside the coastal regions. Countries of Africa: . In 1995, over the objection of some Anglophone Cameroonians, Cameroon was admitted to the Commonwealth of Nations recognizing former Southern Cameroon's history as a British colony. President Ahmadou Ahidjo used the continuing war and the vagueness of many provisions of the Constitution, to consolidate power. Watch the full interview for insights on how industry thinks about deglobalization, the U.S.-China rivalry, the war in Ukraine, and much more. The English speaking people of Southern Cameroons are demanding an independent, sovereign nation they call Ambazonia.Thanks for watching, please kindly Subsc. In order to prevent the outbreak of an armed uprising, Cameroon's president must go beyond superficial measures by urgently implementing key reforms and pursuing inclusive, high-level dialogue mediated by the UN or African Union. White stands for Hope, Peace and wisdom under God. At 4,040m (13,250ft) it is the highest mountain in Western Africa and the 28th highest in Africa overall. A bit isolated from the other volcanoes is the Mount Fako (Mount Cameroon) near the very Southern Tip of Ambazonia. It took only a short while, however, for complaints to emerge. Symbolism (Red stands for the strength and blood of the people. In 2018, Nigerian security forces located, arrested, and extradited 10 Cameroonian separatist leaders residing in the country. Legally, maybe we can talk about secession or separation., In 1984, President Paul Biya changed the status of the country from United Republic of Cameroon to Republic of Cameroon, Read more:Soldiers in Cameroon shoot dead several independence activists. We have been very careful in our association with the Biafra movement, because we didnt want to destabilize the region, but we have been cornered, he said from his base in Hong Kong. For barrister Henry Baaboh, there is no need for a referendum like the ones which were held in Spains Catalan region or the Kurdish territory in Iraq. Ambazonia: Cry The Beloved Country; Showcase Nigeria's Greatness. White flower stands for Purity, innocence, peace, respect and hope. Blue stands for Perseverance and liberty. Biafra Nations League - BnL.png 2,122 2,122; 416 KB. Evening roundup with our editors favorite stories of the day. Download the FP mobile app to read anytime, anywhere. However, such referendum can only occur based on how the federal government treats that state (religious discrimination, tribal discrimination, exploitation of the state with no forms of developing it and marginalization). The Prefect/ District Officer forms the District Council (Local Government). In early 1985, Anglophone lawyer and President of the Cameroon Bar Association Fon Gorji Dinka circulated a number of essays and pamphlets arguing that the Biya government was unconstitutional and calling for an independent Republic of Ambazonia. Red stands for the strength of the people. Watch FPs Ravi Agrawal in conversation with two of the contributors to the magazines cover story, Anne-Marie Slaughter and retired Gen. David Petraeus, as they reflect on whats surprised themand how to prevent future wars. Biafrans and Ambazonians are predominantly Christians, while the Fulani are mostly Muslim. This was a violation of the 1961 constitution which stated that the form of the state should never be discussed, Henry Baaboh added. Star stands for Leadership and prosperity. The Ambazonia and Biafra Alliance is critical in an area where Nigeria and Cameroon have established two autocracies that have used violence as political tools to suppress our own peoples.. A/60/40, Vol. FPs Winter 2023 print issue brings together 12 experts to help us answer those questions. n.callMethod.apply(n, arguments) : n.queue.push(arguments) Many militias have sought to enforce a total school strike since 2017 due to concerns over the lack of Anglophone teachers and curriculum. Many believe that it is only a return to the country's two-state federation that will end the conflict and break the impasse. Cameroonian President Paul Biya does not want anything. Explore the benefits of your FP subscription. Until the 1880s, European activity was dominated by trading companies and missionaries. n.version = '2.0'; Despite the violence, both governments and the international community have failed to address long-standing grievances. On 13 May 2019, the United Nations Security Council had an informal meeting to discuss the Anglophone Crisis. The Nigerian and Cameroonian militaries are well equipped and well trained, as both countries receive military support and training from foreign governments including the United States, France, and the United Kingdom for anti-terrorism efforts. Delivered Monday-Saturday. [52] However, despite receiving a life sentence on terrorism charges from a Cameroon court,[53] on 2 May 2019, Ayuk Tabe declared from prison the dissolution of Sako's caretaker cabinet and the restoration of his own cabinet. Delivered Thursday. The bay which is located in southwestern Cameroon is considered as the boundary between Southern Cameroons and the Republic of Cameroon. Africa Institute of South Africa . Meanwhile, government forces have torched entire villages suspected of harboring separatists, disappeared and executed civilians without due process, and tortured detainees. The National flag is raised at federal institutions or on federal property. The Ambazonia Defense Forces see the Biafra-Ambazonia alliance as a critical outlet to end rising Fulani-led attacks. Reports of indiscriminate killings, torture, rape and other gender-based violence by both sides have been widely reported. Prince Ojong. Olive tree branch stands for Peace and the Hammer stands for Determination of the people). The scope of the alliance will include joint operations and training bases, Capo Daniel, the deputy defense chief of the Ambazonia Defense Forces, the military wing of the Ambazonia Governing Council, told Foreign Policy. Blue stands for the Sky, the Momo River, Liberty and perseverance. One critical concession was to require that laws applying to both states could only be adopted by the federal assembly if a majority of deputies in both federated states vote for them. The Sun stands for the Birth of a new day, prosperity. Symbolism (White stands for Purity, innocence, peace. Required fields are marked *. [8], The term "Ambazonia" is derived from the word Ambozes, the local name for the bay at the mouth of the Wouri river, known in English as Ambas Bay. Others have alleged that some militias have engaged in ransom attacks against civilians to fund their continued activities. Orange stands for Courage and sacrifice. In a shocking video widely circulated on social media, three suspected separatist fighters in Muyuka, South-West region, beat and drag a 35-year-old woman, identified as Confort Tumassang by the. Flag of Savannah State. It raises the question: How do companies with large global footprints decide which side to pick? Growth rate, median age, fertility rate, area, density, population density, urbanization, urban population, share of world population. [4] As of 2020, some separatist forces began developing state flags to represent their territory. From Nigeria's Biafra to Cameroon's Ambazonian, and Ethiopia's Tigray, the daily heightened tensions show that many African . [6] Ambazonian forces have struggled to form a united front, and internecine conflicts have hampered efforts to negotiate with Cameroon or establish control over the various militia groups engaged in the fighting. A curated selection of our very best long reads. Anglophones from Southern Cameroons are calling for an independent and sovereign nation they call Ambazonia. Red disk stands for the blood of those who died for the struggle. May 20, 2021, 10:56 AM BUEA, CameroonFor the past five years, factions of a secessionist movement in southeastern Nigeria and a pro-independence movement in western Cameroon have been gathering. Join in-depth conversations and interact with foreign-policy experts with. if (DWDE.dsgvo.isStoringCookiesOkay()) { Symbolism (Red stands for the Blood and strength of the people. Beyond the vast opportunity manifest in African markets, we highlight people who make a difference; leaders turning the tide, youth driving change, and an indefatigable business community. Despite long years of fighting, the two countries now work together after a negotiated agreement to grant Ethiopia access to the sea; something that underscores that everything always ends up at the negotiating table, regardless of the outcome. Calls for secession are growing and an Anglophone separatist movement in the south-west and north-w. Separatist Movements in Nigeria and Cameroon Are Joining Forces Paul Biyas regime is ignoring the battle against Boko Haram and the Islamic State and using foreign counterterrorism assistance to fund its brutal repression of citizens with legitimate grievances. In 1990, opposition political parties were legalized and John Ngu Foncha, the leading Anglophone in Cameroon's government, resigned from the governing party and encapsulated much of the dissatisfaction with the central government's attitude toward the Anglophone regions in his public resignation letter: [I]t became clear to me that I had become an irrelevant nuisance that had to be ignored and ridiculed. Delivered Monday-Friday. Official results claimed 98.2% turnout and 99.99% of votes in favor of the new constitution. Last month, leaders from both movements announced a formal alliance, which could ignite violence and instability in the two countries and across the West and Central African regions where violent extremist organizations affiliated with the Islamic State and al Qaeda are establishing a strong foothold. Red Star stands for Strength, bloodshed, bravery and leadership). Symbolism (Yellow stands for Prosperity and Justice. Source link, Your email address will not be published. The Bahamas represents how global capitalism can go very right, and very wrong, at exactly the same time. Gorji Dinka became the first head of the Ambazonia Restoration Council. Flag of the Cameroon 19611975 with two stars representing the two federated states, Federal Republic of Cameroon and 1972 Constitution (19611972), Unitary state and growing Anglophone discontent (19722015), Nohlen, D, Krennerich, M & Thibaut, B (1999), African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights, Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation, Southern Cameroons Ambazonia Consortium United Front, Cameroon: Confusion as detained Ambazonia leader impeached by peers, "Cameroon: Regions, Major Cities & Towns Population Statistics, Maps, Charts, Weather and Web Information", Cameroons Anglophone separatists have created their own cryptocurrency, "Who are Cameroon's self-named Ambazonia secessionists?". Savannah State Counties (demonym; Savannese): Flag of Ngo-Ketundjia.Symbolism (Green stands for the Fertility of the Land.