On May 20, 2024, a protest took place at the US Capitol, led by members of the Southern Cameroons National Council (SCNC) and several Cameroonian activists. This event, marking a yearly tradition, saw a gathering of Cameroonians in America rallying to draw attention to the ongoing Anglophone Crisis in Cameroon and to demand the release of English-speaking Cameroonians imprisoned by the regime of President Paul Biya.
The SCNC, a prominent organization advocating for the rights and independence of Anglophone Cameroonians, spearheaded the protest. Key figures in the demonstration included SCNC Chairman Elvis Kometa, Jude Ozughen, and Conrad Mbun, who have been vocal in their opposition to the Biya government’s policies and treatment of the Anglophone minority.
Background on the SCNC and the Anglophone Crisis
The SCNC was founded in the early 1990s as a response to the perceived marginalization and discrimination faced by the Anglophone regions of Cameroon. The organization’s primary goal is the restoration of the statehood of Southern Cameroons, which they argue was unjustly annexed by the predominantly Francophone Republic of Cameroon in 1961. The SCNC has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights of Anglophones, who make up about 20% of the country’s population.
The Anglophone Crisis began in 2016 when lawyers and teachers in the Anglophone regions protested against the imposition of French-language procedures in courts and schools. The government’s violent crackdown on these protests escalated into a full-blown conflict, with separatist groups calling for independence. The crisis has resulted in thousands of deaths, displacement of hundreds of thousands, and widespread human rights abuses.
The Plight of Imprisoned Anglophones
A major focus of the protest was the demand for the release of Anglophone leaders and activists who have been imprisoned for their involvement in the crisis. Among the most notable detainees are Sisiku Ayuk Tabe, the self-declared President of the breakaway Ambazonia, and his cabinet, who were arrested in Nigeria in 2018 and extradited to Cameroon, where they have been sentenced to life imprisonment.
The protesters at the US Capitol emphasized that many of these prisoners have been held in deplorable conditions without fair trials. The demonstrators called on the American government to exert pressure on the Biya regime to release these political prisoners and to engage in genuine dialogue to resolve the crisis.
The Protest at the US Capitol
The protest on May 20th was a vibrant display of solidarity and determination. Participants waved the blue and white flag of Ambazonia and carried placards with messages such as “Free Our Leaders” and “End the Genocide in Southern Cameroons.” The event featured speeches, chants, and a symbolic march around the Capitol, highlighting the protesters’ call for international intervention.
Elvis Kometa, in his address, underscored the urgency of the situation, stating, “We are here to remind the world that the suffering of the Anglophone people must not be ignored. Our leaders have been unjustly imprisoned for over five years. We demand their immediate release and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.”
Jude Ozughen and Conrad Mbun echoed these sentiments, urging the US government to take a more active role in mediating the conflict. They argued that America’s influence could be pivotal in bringing about a peaceful resolution and alleviating the suffering of the Anglophone population.
A Call for International Support
The protest at the US Capitol is part of a broader effort by the Cameroonian diaspora to garner international support for their cause. Over the years, similar demonstrations have been held in various cities around the world, aiming to raise awareness and press for diplomatic interventions.
As the Anglophone Crisis continues with no end in sight, the role of international actors becomes increasingly crucial. The SCNC and other activist groups hope that sustained pressure from the global community will lead to meaningful dialogue and, ultimately, a peaceful resolution that respects the rights and aspirations of the Anglophone people.
The annual protest serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring struggle faced by Anglophones in Cameroon and the relentless efforts of the diaspora to advocate for justice and human rights.