A Glimmer of Hope: Ambazonians React to Tibor Nagy's Tweet on Trump Administration

He stated: “Delighted Prez Trump will nominate Senator Rubio for US SecState. When I was AsstSecState Rubio was among very few members of Congress showing great interest in Justice for Southern Cameroonians (Ambazonians). Now need unity more than ever for Ambazonians to make their case!”

Nagy’s words echo years of frustration and growing demands from Ambazonians for international support in their struggle for the restoration of their statehood, as they have endured systemic marginalization by the Cameroon government. His message has sparked various reactions, particularly from Ambazonian activists and leaders who are divided, at times bitterly, over the direction of their movement.

Unity or Division? Ambazonians at a Crossroads

One of the first responses to Nagy’s tweet came from Nelson Achonduh, an Ambazonian who seemed to urge Nagy to respect the self-declared leadership within the movement. “Sir, with due respect, you know Ambazonia has a president and he's President Samuel Sako Ikome. Americans should learn to respect other nations and their presidents. Where are your democratic values? Are all Americans united?” Achonduh’s tweet highlights the ongoing fractures within the Ambazonian leadership, where multiple figures claim the mantle of "president," each with their own following and vision for the movement’s future.

In contrast, Nany, another Ambazonian, responded by pointing out the disunity in their struggle. “Of course not - but we do have One Govt. Look on the internet for Ambazonia Government and see how many come up. And how many people will say what you did about their leader? If Ambazonians are going to succeed, that has to end. If not, this discussion will go on and on.” Nany's response underscores the challenge of unity among Ambazonians, an issue that has not only hampered their internal cohesion but also limited their global influence. The fragmentation of leadership is a longstanding issue, and without unification, their calls for justice risk being diluted in the eyes of international actors like the United States.

Mark Bareta, a prominent Ambazonian activist, also weighed in on Nagy’s tweet, calling for practical action: "We are going to organize our communities as soon as possible and we will get to work. We are hoping you will be our ally now and in a future Federal Republic of Ambazonia. We have no time to waste. Unity is a must.” Bareta’s appeal for unity is a critical one—while the goal of restoring Ambazonian statehood remains clear, the infighting among leaders has undoubtedly stunted the movement’s effectiveness on the world stage. Bareta’s comments reflect the urgency many feel in rallying behind a common cause before the moment passes.

Nagy’s Influence and the Changing U.S. Stance on Cameroon

For those familiar with Nagy’s history, his tweet is more than a simple endorsement of Rubio. It is a signal of a potential shift in U.S. policy that could dramatically alter the landscape of the Ambazonian struggle. Nagy, who has long been outspoken on the abuses faced by Southern Cameroonians, is well-regarded among those seeking international intervention. His past criticisms of the Cameroonian government’s treatment of its Anglophone population have set him apart from others in U.S. foreign policy circles, where the issue has often been sidelined.

Under the Biden administration, the situation in Cameroon, particularly in the Anglophone regions, received relatively little attention, despite persistent reports of human rights violations, atrocities committed against civilians, and the displacement of thousands. However, with Trump now set to assume office, many Ambazonians are hopeful that the U.S. will adopt a more robust stance—one that pressures Yaoundé and elevates the calls for justice from the Ambazonian people.

The expectation is that a Trump administration, particularly with figures like Rubio potentially at the helm, would bring a stronger push for accountability. The U.S. could impose targeted sanctions on the Cameroonian government, increase diplomatic pressure, and possibly call for international peace talks that include the voices of Ambazonians. Given the administration’s willingness to confront authoritarian regimes and prioritize human rights, there is reason to believe that Ambazonia's plight could finally be taken seriously on the world stage.

Looking Forward: The Need for Unity and Strategic Action

The stakes for Ambazonia are incredibly high, and the path forward is fraught with challenges. While the prospect of increased U.S. pressure on the Cameroonian government offers hope, the internal divisions within the Ambazonian leadership threaten to undermine their collective strength. Ambazonians must find a way to reconcile their differences and unite under a single banner if they are to have any meaningful impact on the international stage.

The unity of the Ambazonian people—not just in name but in action—remains the greatest hurdle. Without it, even the most promising diplomatic shifts may falter. The fractured leadership, compounded by the complexity of the situation on the ground, leaves room for disunity to overshadow the movement’s legitimate demands for justice and the restoration of their statehood.

Ambazonians have long struggled for their place in the world, and the changing international dynamics may offer an opportunity they cannot afford to squander. As Mark Bareta aptly stated, "Unity is a must." Without it, the chance for justice will remain elusive, and the vision of a restored Ambazonia will continue to be an unfulfilled dream.

In the coming months, the actions of both the Ambazonian leadership and international players like the United States will determine whether this renewed hope can translate into meaningful change. It is a delicate balancing act—one where unity, strategy, and determination will be key.