Ambazonian activists respond to ICC complaint by LA-based law firm

The complaint, filed on February 18, 2024, by NSAHLAI LAW FIRM, led by a Cameroonian-born lawyer, Emmanuel Nsahlai, seeks an investigation and prosecution of 16 individuals who are alleged to have orchestrated, funded, and directed a campaign of violence and terror against the civilian population in Cameroon, especially those who are loyal to the central government.

The activists, who are among the accused in the complaint, have dismissed the allegations and denounced the law firm and its owner as quacks, conmen, and agents of the Cameroonian regime. They have also reaffirmed their commitment to the cause of ambazonia, which seeks to secede from Cameroon and establish an independent state in the English-speaking regions of the country. They have also vowed to continue to support and fund the armed resistance against the Cameroonian military, which they accuse of committing atrocities and repression against the people of ambazonia.

Tapang Ivo Tanku, a US-based activist and spokesperson of the ambazonia defense forces, the armed wing of the movement, who was previously sued by Nsahlai in 2020 for allegedly inciting violence and terrorism in Cameroon, wrote on his Facebook page: “Apparently, Quack Lawyer NSAHLAI Emmanuel has learned a bitter lesson never to sue me or call me a terrorist. He is now running away from me. He now understands that I am a Freedom Fighter, Freethinker, Human Rights advocate. He now goes after others, not Tapang.”

Mark Bareta, a Belgian based activist and media personality, who is also named in the complaint, wrote on his Facebook page: “I recently came across a notice from a self-proclaimed ‘charge and bail’ lawyer named Emmanuel Nsahlai. This lawyer has sent a notice to the International Criminal Court against Mark Bareta and others. Seemingly he views us as the last representatives of Ambazonia to take down. It appears obvious that Nsahlai is seeking new sponsors from Cameroon due to financial difficulties. Cameroon is known for state-sponsored terrorism, and if Nsahlai is serious, he should direct his efforts there. Let me be clear: I will never apologize for fighting for Ambazonia liberation. We will continue to support and fund the rights of Ambazonians to defend themselves against Cameroon. And this means picking up arms and continuing to sustain the supply of those arms to the self Defense Forces. God bless Ambazonia. Mark Bareta.”

Dr. Cho Ayaba, the leader of the ambazonia governing council, another faction of the movement, who is also accused in the complaint, wrote on his Facebook page: “Someone should tell NSAHLAI that help is not coming. The reason l am making this response is to help my people ignore the desperation of a conman turned into an international legal joke. You will have to fight and defeat Ambazonia on the battlefield to effect your next adventure in colonial occupation. No courts or international political organ will help Cameroon reacquire our sovereignty. Anyone or groups of persons on our way to self-preservation will be shipped to God for judgment. This is not the Muna, Fru Ndi, or Elad generation. We are the gun generation, and we take no prisoners. Dr. Cho Ayaba.”

The complaint by NSAHLAI LAW FIRM is the latest development in the ongoing conflict in Cameroon, which has been exacerbated by the activities of separatist groups such as the ambazonia governing council and ambazonia interim government, since 2016. The conflict has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions of people, and has been marked by serious human rights violations and abuses by both sides. The conflict has also sparked international concern and condemnation, and calls for dialogue and peaceful resolution.

The response of Ambazonia activists to the ICC complaint underscores the deeply entrenched divisions and grievances fueling the conflict in Cameroon. As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen how the ICC will navigate the complexities of the case and address allegations of international crimes. In the meantime, the plight of civilians caught in the crossfire of the conflict underscores the urgent need for dialogue and peaceful resolution.