Yaounde – From his prison cell in Kondengui, Yaoundé, Sisiku Ayuk Tabe, issued a powerful Christmas message in 2024 urging his supporters to shift focus from international intervention to self-determination.
In his statement, Sisiku emphasized the importance of Ambazonians taking full ownership of their struggle for independence, rather than relying on external powers. “The international community is saddled, plagued, and distracted by a mirage of global challenges. We cannot entrust our fate to external organizations,” he declared, calling for renewed commitment and unwavering dedication to the cause.
Although skeptical about international support, Sisiku acknowledged events that might reignite hope for the Ambazonian movement. He cited the re-election of President Donald Trump in the United States as a potentially positive development, noting Trump’s earlier engagement with their plight during his first term. “The re-election rekindles our hope for renewed international attention to our cause,” he remarked.
Sisiku also highlighted the wave of military coups in West Africa, particularly in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, which have fostered a growing pan-African spirit. He suggested that this movement could inspire Ambazonians to embrace greater unity and resilience in their quest for freedom.
Sisiku’s message reflects a growing recognition among separatist leaders that global support may remain elusive. This aligns with remarks made by former U.S. Assistant Secretary for Africa Affairs, Tibor Nagy, who in 2023 stated, “The world doesn’t care.” Nagy emphasized that no country or international organization would pressure Cameroon to grant independence to Ambazonia.
The Ambazonia conflict, which began in 2016, has long been one of the world’s most neglected conflicts. In 2019, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) identified it as a top neglected crisis globally, and in 2023, it ranked as the second-most neglected displacement crisis worldwide. This neglect has been marked by limited media coverage, inadequate funding, and insufficient diplomatic action.
Sisiku Ayuk Tabe’s skepticism about international support is rooted in his own experience. In 2018, he and nine other prominent separatist leaders were arrested in Nigeria through international collaboration between Nigeria and Cameroon. They were subsequently extradited to Cameroon, tried by a military court in Yaoundé, and sentenced to life imprisonment for their pursuit of independence.
Despite six years in detention, Sisiku’s resolve remains firm. His Christmas message is a rallying cry for Ambazonians to strengthen their resolve and prioritize their struggle over any hopes of external salvation.
