Oslo – A Norwegian court on Tuesday, January 14, extended the detention of Ambazonian activist Lucas Ayaba Cho, who was arrested in September 2024 on charges of incitement to commit crimes against humanity.
Ayaba Cho, 52, is a prominent figure in the Ambazonian independence movement, which seeks independence for Cameroon’s English-speaking regions. He leads the Ambazonia Governing Council (AGovC), a separatist organization with an armed wing, the Ambazonia Defence Forces (ADF).
Norwegian authorities initially arrested Ayaba Cho in September 2024, citing his social media expressions as the basis for charges.
His detention was previously extended until January 14, 2025. The recent court decision prolongs his custody indefinitely, allowing for further investigation into his alleged involvement in crimes against humanity during Cameroon’s Anglophone crisis.
The Ambazonian conflict has led to over 30,000 deaths, with Ayaba Cho playing a key role in the conflict. His arrest in Norway marks a significant international effort to address impunity in the ongoing conflict.
The indefinite extension of Ayaba Cho’s detention has elicited varied reactions. Supporters argue that his continued custody is necessary to prevent potential interference with the investigation, while critics contend that the prolonged detention lacks substantiated evidence and raises legal and humanitarian concerns.
