Buea, Southern Cameroons — The Interim Government of Ambazonia (IGA) has issued a scathing rebuke to the University of Buea following reports that vehicles associated with the university’s newly launched driving school bear the national flag of Cameroon and French inscriptions.
In a strongly worded statement released Wednesday, Chris Anu, President of the Interim Government, condemned the branding of the vehicles as “a direct insult” and “a calculated act of hostility” toward the people of Ambazonia. The IGA, which claims sovereignty over the Anglophone regions of the country, is calling for the immediate removal of all Cameroon flags and French-language markings from the university’s property.
“This action, if not immediately reversed, shall be treated not just as a symbolic affront—but as a calculated act of hostility,” Anu wrote. “It is a slap in the face to the thousands who have died, the tens of thousands in exile, and the millions who continue to resist the occupation of our homeland.”
The University of Buea, widely considered one of the top academic institutions in the country, recently announced the opening of a professional driving school on its campus—a move initially welcomed by many for its emphasis on vocational training and skill development. However, backlash erupted after images surfaced online showing vehicles adorned with Cameroonian state insignia, including the national flag and French-language instructional signage.
While the Interim Government expressed support for the idea of technical education and driving instruction, it made clear that the use of what it described as “colonial symbols” on Ambazonian soil would not be tolerated.
“We are not opposed to the establishment of a professional driving school,” the statement read. “But we are firmly, unequivocally, and aggressively opposed to the promotion and display of the flag of La République du Cameroun or any French inscriptions on vehicles operating within Ambazonian soil.”
The warning came with a grave ultimatum: failure to comply would lead to consequences.
“Orders will be given to Ambazonian Restoration Forces (ARF) to take out all such vehicles without exception,” Anu declared. “This is not a threat—it is a promise backed by the will of a free people determined to never return to servitude.”
The statement accused the university administration of siding with the central government in Yaoundé, calling the move an act of “collaboration with the enemy.” The university has not yet issued a response.
This latest development highlights the ongoing tensions between separatist groups in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions—collectively known by secessionists as Ambazonia—and the central government. The conflict, which escalated into armed confrontation in 2017, has led to thousands of deaths and the displacement of hundreds of thousands more.
Efforts at peace negotiations have repeatedly stalled, with separatists demanding full independence from Cameroon while the central government continues to reject any calls for secession.
The University of Buea sits at the heart of the Southwest region, one of the two English-speaking territories claimed by Ambazonia. Though publicly funded and state-owned, the institution has often been caught in the crossfire between separatist loyalists and Cameroonian authorities.
Anu ended his letter with a stern warning: “Your institution sits on Ambazonian land. Your future depends not on appeasing Yaoundé but on aligning with the people whose soil you occupy.”
As of press time, the university had yet to announce whether it would comply with the demands. Local observers say tensions on the ground remain high.
