Escalating Violence and Civilian Impact
Cameroon, particularly its Anglophone regions, continues to grapple with a protracted conflict that has transformed daily life into a constant struggle for survival. Since 2016, the Anglophone crisis has escalated from peaceful protests to a full-blown insurgency, with separatist groups demanding independence and the government responding with military force.
Recent reports indicate a worrying trend of increased violence. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, over 2,000 security incidents were recorded in conflict-affected areas, nearly doubling the number from the previous year (civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu). These incidents include ambushes, kidnappings, and targeted attacks on civilians, highlighting the volatile environment in which my safety is at risk.
The humanitarian toll is equally alarming. Over 3.3 million people are currently in need of humanitarian aid, with significant numbers of women and children among the displaced and affected populations (unfpa.org). The Norwegian Refugee Council has labeled Cameroon’s displacement crisis as the world’s most neglected, highlighting the international community’s insufficient response to the escalating needs (nrc.no).
Targeting of Activists and Human Rights Defenders
For my activism, the risks are particularly pronounced. Individuals advocating for Anglophone rights or independence, like myself, have been systematically targeted by both separatist groups and government forces. This includes arbitrary arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings. Notably, prominent leaders such as Sisiku Julius Ayuk Tabe continue to lead the independence movement from prison, serving a life sentence since 2018 (theguardian.com).
The targeting of activists is not limited to political leaders. In 2025, a British missionary and his assistant were abducted in the Anglophone northwest, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the violence and the risks to my personal safety as someone associated with the Southern Cameroons cause (thesun.co.uk).
The Call for International Solidarity
As an activist committed to the cause of Southern Cameroon’s rights and independence, my safety and well-being are paramount. The ongoing conflict, characterized by its unpredictability and the targeting of individuals based on their affiliations or perceived sympathies, makes returning to Cameroon extremely dangerous for me. The international community, including organizations like SCNC UK, plays a crucial role in advocating for the rights of displaced persons like myself and ensuring that my voice is heard on the global stage.
My activism is not only a beacon of hope for those still in Cameroon but also a vital link in the broader struggle for justice and self-determination. By continuing my advocacy from a place of safety, I contribute to the international pressure needed to bring about meaningful change in Cameroon.
Author and Activist – Gadinga Fonjuh Boris
