By ALICE NJI
The Cameroon government has reportedly renewed its pursuit of members of the outlawed Southern Cameroons National Council (SCNC) and other Anglophone activists who remain at large and have reportedly been declared wanted.
According to sources within the defence and security services, a list containing the names of alleged activists is currently in circulation. The individuals are reportedly accused of rebellion, insurrection and collaboration with separatist fighters amid the ongoing crisis in Cameroon’s North-West and South-West Regions.
The SCNC, a pressure group established in the 1990s to campaign for the restoration of the independence of the former British Southern Cameroons, was banned alongside the Cameroon Anglophone Civil Society Consortium in 2017, following the escalation of the lawyers’ and teachers’ protests.
Reports indicate that some of those declared wanted are subject to pending arrest warrants and could face charges carrying severe prison sentences, including life imprisonment. In recent months, security forces have reportedly intensified operations against individuals suspected of distributing SCNC materials or participating in meetings promoting the group’s messages and objectives.
Several activists are also reported to have disappeared or fled into hiding, with family members saying their whereabouts remain unknown.
One previously reported case is that of Ambe Carlson Forche, whose name allegedly appeared on an arrest list. Ambe reportedly joined the SCNC in November 2017, citing concerns over government corruption and what he perceived as discrimination and favouritism against Anglophones. He reportedly fled Cameroon in May 2019 and has remained at an undisclosed location since then.
Family sources claim that Ambe faces the risk of persecution, torture and possible death if he returns to Cameroon because of his alleged involvement with the SCNC.
Before leaving the country, Ambe reportedly participated in about 10 organised SCNC peaceful demonstrations. According to accounts from his family and associates, the protests were frequently met with security-force intervention, including tear-gas use, sporadic gunfire, arrests, alleged torture and prolonged detention under reportedly harsh conditions.
Ambe’s family is also said to have experienced security-force reprisals. His cousin, Achuchie Bobo, was allegedly tortured on several occasions by government forces and reportedly sustained serious injuries.
Human rights organisations have previously expressed concerns over allegations of arbitrary arrests, torture and inhumane detention conditions in the context of the conflict in the North-West and South-West Regions.
The latest reports could further heighten concerns among families and communities over the treatment of individuals accused of supporting or associating with separatist movements.