Escalating Tensions in Cameroon: Ambazonian Forces Stage Show of Strength Amidst "Independence Celebrations"

The footage, which has quickly gained traction online, depicts heavily armed fighters—referred to as "Navy SEALS of Ambazonia"—parading in the separatist stronghold, while civilians cheer them on.

The video, which highlights the involvement of the 15th Infantry Battalion of the so-called "Navy SEALS brigade," is described by Tapang Ivo as a show of defiance against Cameroonian forces. “They are protecting our women and children,” Ivo wrote, emphasizing the importance of self-defense against what he termed “foreign thieves and murderers,” in reference to the Cameroonian government and military forces. This surge of separatist activity comes days after the arrest of Ambazonian leader Dr. Ayaba Cho Lucas in Norway on accusations of crimes against humanity.

In another video shared online, rebels from Momo County are seen celebrating with AK-47s raised in the air, chanting warfare songs. These public displays of armed force and resistance reflect the continued momentum of the Ambazonian separatist movement, which remains undeterred despite international efforts like and Swiss and Canadian talks to mediate peace.

A Renewed Call for Independence

The Ambazonian secessionist movement, which gained traction following the declaration of independence by English-speaking regions in 2017, has fueled a bloody conflict with the Cameroonian government. The ongoing civil war, rooted in the marginalization of the Anglophone minority by the Francophone-dominated government, has claimed over 6,000 lives, displaced more than 700,000 people, and caused a humanitarian crisis with over 2 million requiring aid.

Despite this, the movement remains resolute, seeking to establish the Federal Republic of Ambazonia, an independent state. Leaders of the movement have repeatedly asserted their goal of ending Cameroon’s occupation of their regions and gaining control over their natural resources.

A message posted by Ambazonian forces on social media reiterated their resolve: “We are gearing up for bold actions that will force Cameroon to pay the economic price for its occupation.” The post further emphasized plans for “escalatory projects” that would demonstrate control on the ground, while claiming adherence to international law.

International Responses and Rising Tensions

The resurfaced videos and increasing rebel activities come amid heightened international attention following the arrest of Dr. Ayaba Cho Lucas in Norway. While his potential extradition remains a subject of legal scrutiny, the arrest has invigorated separatist forces on the ground, leading to intensified military and celebratory displays during the October 1 independence events.

Internationally, the U.S. government, the United Nations, and the United Kingdom have called for restraint and dialogue between the Cameroonian government and the separatist forces. In a press statement issued on October 4, 2017, the U.S. State Department condemned the use of force by Cameroonian authorities, describing the repression of peaceful assembly as "unacceptable." The statement also called on both sides to engage in dialogue to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

However, the Cameroonian government has maintained a hardline stance, deploying its military to suppress separatist activities in the Anglophone regions. This militarized response has further alienated the separatist factions, leading to an entrenched conflict that shows no signs of abating.

Conclusion

As the Ambazonian separatists continue to press for independence, the conflict in Cameroon’s Anglophone regions appears far from resolution. The recent mass celebrations and display of military strength by the separatist forces serve as a reminder of the ongoing crisis, as both sides remain locked in a violent struggle for control.

With international attention fixed on the situation, and tensions rising in the wake of Dr. Ayaba Cho Lucas’s arrest, the coming months may prove pivotal in determining whether dialogue or further escalation will prevail in Cameroon’s long-running conflict.