Ambazonian Lockdown Threatens School Reopening Amid Leadership Divisions

This decision, however, has sparked significant controversy within the broader Ambazonian separatist movement, highlighting deepening divisions among its leaders.

The lockdown, commonly referred to as "ghost towns," has been a tactic used by Ambazonian separatists to assert their authority and protest against the Cameroonian government. The AGovC's decision aims to prevent schools from reopening, with the group issuing a stark warning to residents: "Anyone who does not see their child after the ghost town should know that their child is dead." The lockdown coincides with the start of the school year, a time when students are expected to return to classrooms across the region.

However, not all factions within the Ambazonian movement support this lockdown. The Ambazonia Defense Forces (ADF), led by Dr. Ayaba Cho Lucas, has distanced itself from the AGovC's decision, dismissing it as "fake news" and urging the population to disregard the announcement. In a statement, Dr. Ayaba Cho criticized the timing of the lockdown, suggesting it was a tactic by "enemies" to undermine the Ambazonian struggle on the international stage. He assured that any lockdown imposed by the ADF would be announced officially and only when deemed necessary.

This internal rift has been further exacerbated by differing opinions on school resumption dates. Mark Bareta, an influential Ambazonian activist, expressed his frustration over the lack of consensus among Ambazonian leaders. Bareta criticized the ongoing debates over school reopening, noting that some factions have proposed October 2 as the official date, while others remain undecided or suggest earlier dates. He pointed out the practical challenges of enforcing any school resumption policy given the current state of Ambazonian control over its territories.

Bareta's critique highlights the broader issues facing the Ambazonian movement. Despite their aspirations for independence, Ambazonian leaders have struggled to establish a unified front or exert consistent control over the region. This disunity is evident in the conflicting lockdown dates and school policies being proposed by different factions. 

In his analysis, Bareta outlined several key points:
1. **Lack of Control:** Ambazonia does not yet have full control over institutions within its claimed territory, making it difficult to enforce any policies.
2. **Dependence on Cameroon:** Many Ambazonian students still rely on Cameroon's education system, particularly for end-of-year exams.
3. **Limited Impact:** While some areas under Ambazonian influence have established their own schools, these efforts are not widespread and do not provide a comprehensive solution for students.
4. **Urban Operations:** Schools in urban areas largely follow Cameroon's academic calendar and continue to operate despite the separatist conflict.
5. **Realistic Approach Needed:** Bareta argues that any school resumption policy should be realistic and based on the security situation, allowing parents to decide what's best for their children.

The ongoing disputes within the Ambazonian leadership have only added to the confusion and frustration among the region's residents, who are caught between conflicting directives. As the school year approaches, it remains unclear how many students will be able to attend classes, or if they will face another prolonged period of disruption due to the lockdown.

The situation underscores the challenges facing the Ambazonian movement as it seeks to navigate internal divisions while pursuing its broader goal of independence. With the lockdown set to begin in just over a week, the coming days will be critical in determining how the situation unfolds.