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Ambazonia Interim Government condemns attacks in Jakiri and Bamenda

9, November 2017

Ambazonia Interim Government condemns attacks in Jakiri and Bamenda 0

PRESS RELEASE
AIG PR/042/2017
(For Immediate Release)
Ambazonia Interim Government condemns attacks in Jakiri and Bamenda

Abuja, 9th November 2017 – The President of the Interim Government of the Federal Republic of Ambazonia (former UN Trust Territory of British Southern Cameroons pursuant to UN General Assembly Res. 1608(XV) of 21st Apr 1961), President Sisiku AyukTabe, condemns in the strongest terms the recent attacksin the Jakirilocal government area of Bui county and Bamendacity of Mezam county that led to the loss of life and propertyin the northern zone of the territory.This is an unfortunate and unpleasant situation.

Monday, confrontation around Bilingual High School in Jakiri involving armed security forces and soldiers from the neighboring country La République du Cameroun and individuals, unknown to the Interim Government of Ambazonia, resulted in the death of Constable Maj. Djodnia of the Police Service of La Républic du Cameroun, illegal occupier of the territory of Ambazonia since 1961.Tuesday, a similar incident at the Bamenda city entry checkpoint led to the unfortunate death of Marshal Hinma René and pupil David Sallé of the Gendarmerie, part of the Army under an office of the Presidency of La République du Cameroun. Reacting and without investigation, additional deployed special armed forces of La Republic du Cameroun exacerbated indiscriminate arrest and shooting of unarmed civilians especially youths and mothers that have resulted in the dead of a young mother Mrs. Janet Ngwafor in Bamenda onWednesday the 8 of November 2017 and many are injured and on the run.

Significantly, Ambazonia has recorded 122 deaths , 150 people missing, 1894 persons injured by direct gunshots or torture, and at least 16,000 cases of internally displaced persons due to military activities carried out by armed security and soldiers under the direct instructions to “shoot-and-kill” by Secretary General in charge of Defence at the Presidency of the La Républic du Cameroun in Yaounde between September 22 and October 31, according to findings of a 15-person inquiry commission chaired by Member of Parliament for Jakiri, Honorable Joseph M. Wirba of the major opposition party in La Républic du Cameroun Social Democratic Front.

Across the border, the UNHCR in Nigeria’s Cross River State has recorded some 40,000 teenage parents and their children who fled massacre by the armed paramilitary and security forces of La Républic du Cameroun. In fact, the actual numbers cannot be documented because the Government of La République du Cameroun routinely blocks access to internet, regularly shut off electricity supply while banningfree movementpeople as the military forces continue to kill, kidnap, maim our citizens and dispose dead bodies in mass graves in the forests.

The President of the Interim Government expresses the heartfelt condolences of the people of Ambazonia to the families who lost their loved ones and wishes speedy recovery to the injured. He conveys the solidarity of the people of Ambazonia with the victims and affected families, at this particularly challenging situation.

These incidents points to a trend in which the community-oriented peace-loving people of Ambazonia known for their vibrant culture and thriving businesses are targeted to frustrate the Interim Government’s determination to achieverecognition as an independent, democratic, sovereign state in the community of nations. The cowardly act attests to the deliberate effort by the repressive regime of Mr. Paul Biya to deter nonviolent progress being made by hardworking Ambazonians to restore their country from illegal occupation.

©The President of the Interim Government calls on the Chairperson of the African Union, President of the European Union, and Secretary General of the United Nations to take immediate steps and concrete actions to end the escalating situation perpetuated by the Government of La Republic du Cameroun. At the core of these actions is a UN-sponsored referendum to ensure the complete withdrawal of appointed officials and military as well as security personnel throughout the territory of Ambazonia by Mr. Biya’s regime. This action will form an essential pillar our people and those of La Républic du Cameroun living side by side as neigbours in peace and security.

The President of the Interim Government calls on the people of Ambazonia and leadership of frontline movements to show renewed unity at this critical time and overcome divisions, to rebuild cohesion at all levels of the federal framework and institutions, per the resolution of the fourth conclave in Nigeria. Such cohesion is a prerequisite for fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Ambazonia and for a prosperous nation. We should, together transform this tragic attack into renewed strength and resolve to continue working to restore peace and unity among the people of Ambazonia.

The President of the Interim Government reaffirms commitment to the principle of non-violence and to continue its diplomatic and legal effort vital to secure a seat at the table of international nations using relevant international law and instruments and work with countriesto completely regain the territory that the people of Ambazonia can proudly call home to live in freedom and peace and take charge of their destiny.

Sisiku Julius AyukTabe

President, Interim Government

Federal Republic of Ambazonia

 

 

 


Revealed: Francophone gendarmes were killed in coordinated attacks

9, November 2017

Revealed: Francophone gendarmes were killed in coordinated attacks 0

Cho Ayaba, a leading member of the Ambazonian struggle has confirmed that Southern Cameroons militants killed two gendarmes in two coordinated attacks in the Bamenda County.  There are however conflicting reports on the incident in Bamenda.

French Cameroun authorities have issued 15 international arrest warrants against leaders of the Governing Council including the President of the Federal Republic of Ambazonia, Sisiku Ayuk Tabe. This is the latest development as tensions continue to escalate in the so-called one and indivisible Cameroon, with Anglophone secessionists upping the ante in what they say is their struggle against President Paul Biya’s Francophone government, and the French-speaking majority, for equality.

The deaths of the two gendarmes, who were reportedly ambushed by gunmen on motorbikes, was confirmed by Cameroonian security officials. English-speaking Cameroonians say they suffer social and economic marginalisation and are forced to work in French. The deaths marked the worst fighting between Ambazonian militants and government forces in the central African state following mostly peaceful protests during the course of last year.

However, the peaceful protests have solicited a harsh response by security forces, including the use of helicopter gunships to fire on civilians, resulting in dozens killed and hundreds arrested. Last month French Cameroun opposition leader Aboubakar Siddiki was sentenced to 25 years in prison by a military court on charges that his lawyer and Amnesty International said were politically motivated.

The court convicted Siddiki, the president of northern Cameroon’s main opposition party, of hostility against the homeland as well as revolution and contempt of the president over accusations he plotted to destabilise the country.

The military crackdown on protesters has been accompanied by political dissidents being detained without trial while the media has been muzzled, including banning the opposition English-language TV channel. French-speaking Cameroon gained its independence from France in 1960 and the linguistic divide has existed for ages underground, only resurfacing recently in response to government violence.

 

Reported by African Independent


Americans losing confidence in Trump

9, November 2017

Americans losing confidence in Trump 0

American voters have less confidence in President Donald Trump a year after his surprise election victory and think he is doing a “poor job” in delivering on his campaign promises, according to a new poll.

The CNN/SSRS survey released Wednesday shows that 64 percent of American voters are less confident in Trump’s ability to serve as a president, up from 43 percent immediately after his election victory.

Additionally, 55 percent of the voters think he is doing a poor job keeping the important promises he made prior to the 2016 presidential election, compared to 40 percent who believe otherwise.

There was a 9-percent drop in the number of voters who say Trump can bring the kind of change the country needs, with only 40 percent thinking that he can still pull off the job.

The decline in confidence comes mostly among independents and Republicans. Compared to November 2016, confidence in Trump’s ability to bring the needed change was down by 10 points among Republicans and nine points among independents.

However, Republican confidence in Trump’s ability to deliver on his promises has remained unchanged, at 86 percent, since April, according to the poll.

Only 30 percent say Trump is able to unite the country as opposed to 43 percent last November. Among Republicans, the figure stood at 65 percent down from 81 percent a year ago.

Nearly 65 percent say Trump’s statements and actions since taking office have made them less confident in his ability to serve as president, up from 43 percent who said so a year ago.

Trump also scored low on trustworthiness as 34 percent call him honest and trustworthy compared to 64 percent who say he is not.

Another poll revealed earlier this week showed Trump’s overall approval rating stood at 36%, the worst of his presidency. Trump’s approval ratings have been noticeably lower than any of his predecessors.

The businessman-turned-politician has drawn fire at home and abroad for his radical measures, including a ban on Muslim travelers from entering the US, a plan to build a wall along the Mexico border and rolling back on enhanced relations with Cuba.

 

Source: Presstv


Nigeria: President Buhari says no going back to Delta insecurity

9, November 2017

Nigeria: President Buhari says no going back to Delta insecurity 0

Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari said the country “cannot afford to go back to dark days of insecurity” in the oil-producing Niger Delta region. In a speech to present the 2018 budget, Buhari called on all sides to maintain dialogue.

Last week, the militant group Niger Delta Avengers threatened a “brutal and bloody” return to the violence that last year slashed oil output. Oil minister Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu will visit the region this week in an attempt to maintain the ceasefire.

Buhari also said the country’s exemption from production cuts organised by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was a significant help to the country during its “most challenging time.”

 

Source: Reuters


US Elections: Southern Cameroonian wins Alderman seat in Somerville

9, November 2017

US Elections: Southern Cameroonian wins Alderman seat in Somerville 0

Another winner last night in the US elections was Wilfred Mbah, who won an alderman seat in Somerville, Massachusetts. Originally from Southern Cameroons now known as the Federal Republic of Ambazonia, he is the recipient of a visa through the diversity-lottery program that Trump announced he wanted to dismantle in the wake of last week’s attack in New York City.

In an interview about his experience as an immigrant, Mbah said of Somerville, “I feel like the city has helped me a lot. Right from the beginning, I had friends that were helping me with job searches, helping me with my résumé.” But, he added,

We cannot leave it up to the generosity of private citizens to look after people who are struggling. I don’t know how many people are out there struggling to live in this city: artists, immigrants, working class people, middle class people. The city government must take a more active role in looking out for people who care about this city, and want to live and grow here.

Democrats won big last night, but there’s an even more important lesson to learn here: Progressive Democrats won big last night.

 

Source: The Nation


Togo’s opposition accuses security forces of ‘savage repression’

9, November 2017

Togo’s opposition accuses security forces of ‘savage repression’ 0

Togo’s opposition on Wednesday accused the security forces of “savage repression” after nearly 20 of its supporters were injured as they tried to protest against the ruling party.

The opposition held the first of three planned demonstrations this week on Tuesday, calling for constitutional reform and the resignation of President Faure Gnassingbe.

But it said its supporters were prevented from taking to the streets in the northern cities of Sokode and Bafilo, despite government permission.

Heavily armed soldiers with their heads and faces covered positioned themselves at the starting points of the protests, breaking up crowds with sticks and tear gas.

In Sokode — the stronghold of opposition leader Tikpi Atchadam — the opposition said 16 people were injured by gunshots and beatings and three in Bafilo, where one disabled person was beaten up.

Protesters face security forces (unseen) during clashes as part of an anti-government protest in Togo’s capital, Lome, October 18, 2017. (Photo by AFP)

 

Amnesty International said it counted “at least 10 injured” in hospital in Sokode on Tuesday afternoon, including one with gunshot wounds in intensive care.

“There are others in houses,” making an exact number difficult to ascertain, the organization’s country director Aime Adi told AFP by telephone.

“The coalition condemns in the strongest terms this savage repression and the doublespeak of the regime,” the opposition said in a statement.

On Monday, the government had indicated it was open to talks with the opposition and announced the release of 42 people arrested during previous demonstrations.

Since the first protests began in late August, at least 16 people have died and more than 200 others have been injured as hundreds of thousands took to the streets across the country.

Demonstrators were again out in force on Wednesday and are expected again on Thursday.

In a joint statement, the European Union, United Nations and the French, US and German embassies said they welcomed the government’s measures to calm the situation.

It appealed for protests to take place peacefully.

The opposition wants Gnassingbe to step down and the introduction of a two-term limit for presidents, applied retroactively to prevent Gnassingbe standing for re-election.

Gnassingbe has been in power since 2005 and won three elections. His father General Gnassingbe Eyadema was president before him and ruled for 38 years.

(Source: AFP)


Southern Cameroonian killed in Bafut checkpoint attack named

8, November 2017

Southern Cameroonian killed in Bafut checkpoint attack named 0

Janet Ngwafor has been named as the Ambazonian civilian victim of the attack on the gendarmerie checkpoint in Bafut. She died at a military hospital in the Bamenda County late yesterday.

She succumbed to her wounds inflicted by a bullet on Tuesday night in Bafut. In this attack, two gendarmes were also killed making a total of three deaths in this incident attributed to Southern Cameroons militants who in recent days are multiplying attacks against Francophone law enforcement officers.

In its latest report published last October, the International Crisis Group called on French Cameroun political authorities and international partners to find “strong” measures to prevent the birth of armed insurgency in Southern Cameroons. Speaking on the Southern Cameroons Television, Prof. Carlson Anyangwe blamed the Bafut attack on forces loyal to the Biya Francophone regime and called on the UN to investigate the killings.

Beyond the electoral issues pending the 2018 presidential elections, the sporadic violence of recent months and communications in social networks have shown that Ambazonians are bracing up for an armed struggle.

By Sonne Peter, CCN


8, November 2017

Ambazonian elected Chairperson of the Executive Committee of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association 0

An Ambazonian serving as deputy speaker of the national  assembly of La Republique du Cameroun, Emilia Monjowa Lifaka has been elected as the next chairperson of the executive committee of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) for the next three years.

Lifaka got 107 votes out of 192 in the election held at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre on Tuesday.

The other candidates for the CPA chairperson were Niki Raffle, speaker of Cook Islands, Pacific got 70 votes while Shirly M Osborne, MLA of Montserrat, got 17 votes.

All three candidates who contested for the chairperson post were female. CPA secretary general Akbar Khan announced the results of the election.


Message to Ambaland: Catalonia on standstill amid pro-independence protests

8, November 2017

Message to Ambaland: Catalonia on standstill amid pro-independence protests 0

Catalonia has been brought to a standstill as hundreds of pro-independence protesters blocked the main roads and halted transportation in the Spanish region.

On Wednesday, crowds blocked roads in the regional capital of Barcelona and caused heavy traffic jams on the highways leading to the regional capital. They also brought to a halt the high-speed train service in the region.

Holding Catalonia’s flags and banners, which read “Free political prisoners,” protesters also broke into police lines and gathered in front of Catalan and local government buildings in Barcelona.

Across the region, schools were closed, roads were blocked, and trains ran on a reduced service.

Catalans block a highway near Sitges, during a general strike, on November 8, 2017. (Photo by AFP)

 

The general strike was called by pro-independence groups and the CSC trade union to protest the imprisonment of members of Catalonia’s ousted government, which used to be headed by Carles Puigdemont.

The biggest labor unions, CCOO and UGT, said they did not support the strike but would hold protests outside their workplaces.

Pro-independence civil organizations ANC and Omnium as well as students are expected to take to the streets throughout the day.

The Spanish central government sacked Puigdemont and dissolved the regional parliament after legislators passed an independence declaration on October 27. It has called early elections to be held on December 21 to replace the sacked regional government.

Two secessionist parties fail to form coalition

Meanwhile, Catalonia’s two main secessionist parties have so far failed to form an alliance to contest the snap regional elections.

The two main secessionist parties, Puigdemont’s PDeCAT and the ERC Party, could not resolve differences that emerged after a declaration of independence last month.

“It has been impossible to form a joint list and we will therefore have to create a joint front from various candidacies,” said ERC lawmaker Sergi Sabria in a statement.

Protesters block the nudo de la Trinidat access road to Barcelona, November 8, 2017. (Photo by AFP)

 

On Tuesday, Puigdemont called on Catalonia’s political groups to unite against Madrid.

“The ideal would be a broad regional list of parties… that stand for democracy and freedom,” he said.

The ousted leader said that he might be in jail by the time of the elections, “but prison doesn’t deprive anyone of legitimacy.”

On Sunday, Puigdemont turned himself in to Belgian police. Spain had issued an arrest warrant against him on charges of rebellion and sedition. A Belgian judge, however, released him and four of his former ministers on bail.

 

Source: Presstv


Gunmen kill 11 traders in Nigeria

8, November 2017

Gunmen kill 11 traders in Nigeria 0

Gunmen have killed at least 11 traders in central Nigeria, police said Wednesday, in the latest violence in the region, which has been hit by decades of ethnic and sectarian strife.

The traders were returning from a rural market in the Riyom district of Plateau state when they were ambushed by “unknown assailants” on Tuesday, said police spokesman Tyopev Terna.

“Eleven people who were returning from a weekly village market in Makera village were shot dead at about 7:30 pm (1830 GMT) yesterday”, he told AFP.

Four other traders were injured in the attack, which happened some 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of the state capital, Jos, heh added.

An investigation has been launched to establish the motive for the attack and to identify the victims, who are believed to be from the Fulani ethnic group.

Plateau state lies in Nigeria’s so-called Middle Belt that separates the predominantly Muslim north from the largely Christian south.

It has long been a hotbed of ethnic, sectarian and religious tensions between indigenous Christian farming communities and the Muslim settler Hausa/Fulani cattle herders.

Tensions typically boil over into tit-for-tat violence over access to land and resources, and the struggle for political control.

Riyom district has been hit by waves of violence between farmers and herders.

A camel herder crosses Yobe river, which separates Nigeria from Niger, on the outskirts of the town of Damasak in North East Nigeria, April, 25 2017. (Photo by AFP)

 

Last month two people were killed in Jol village in the area after a young herder’s body was found nearby. The cattle drivers were blamed.

At least 29 were killed in an attack targeting people sheltered in a rural primary school in nearby Bassa district.

The attack was apparently in revenge for the death of six Fulani herders who were killed by unidentified assailants in the area.

(Source: AFP)


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