Biafra, Cameroon may fight for independence together
- Cameroon’s political prisoner alleged that Biafra main join forces with Southern Cameroon
- IPOB is ready to work with any group which wants to be freed from prosecution
- The security analyst says that coalition is very possible, while UK government denied such development
Ebenezer Akwanga, the human rights activist and former political prisoner, in an interview granted to IBTimes UK has said that Biafra movement in Nigeria may join its forces with Southern Cameroon to achieve independence.
Akwanga supposes that human right violations of secessionist mobvements in Southern Cameroons are the same.
The man, who is now the president of the Southern Cameroons Youth League, was imprisoned and tortured in 1977 in Cameroon for six years due to his political activism.
The activist believes his people might collaborate with pro-Biafrans in south-eastern Nigeria, who are also willing to become independent.
"Political sequences took place which affected our culture, language, traditions, everything that makes us a people," he said.
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"Around 1984 the Cameroon Anglophone Movement started. It was first looking for a return to a federal system of governance and later on became the Southern Cameroon Restoration Movement.
"The Southern Cameroons Youth League was born and our goal was simple: We wanted the total and unconditional independence of the Southern Cameroons."
On the other hand, a coordinator of Indigenous People of Biafra in Anambra state, who asked not to be named, confirmed pro-Biafrans and people in Southern Cameroons might join their forces.
"IPOB is ready to work or join forces with any group seeking for independence from slavery and persecution. And our people in Southern Cameroon are not any different," the coordinator stated.
David Otto, CEO of UK-based global security provider TGS Intelligence Consultants, has said that a coalition between the two separatist movements is very expected and could further destabilize the region.
He said: "Although the Southern Cameroon National Council (SCNS) is purely a peaceful movement, they could be tempted to join forces with the Biafra movement, which has been vocal in their willingness to use arms against the Nigerian government.
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"The Biafran movement will prefer to use their affiliation with members of the SCNC to secure a safe haven in Cameroon or perhaps use Cameroon as a point to launch attacks against the Nigerian government.
"The entire region will be in chaos from both ends and it will be easier for Boko Haram terrorists to hijack the opportunity and extend southwards in Cameroon and Nigeria.
"There is no need for government to wait until arms and violence becomes the only option. Self determination referendums have been successfully done in many countries including Ethiopia, UK, Canada, Spain, etc. In a democratic setting, let the people decide their destiny."
The UK government, reacting to the development, said: "The position of the UK government during the Biafran War is a matter of historical record. The UK government's position, which reflected the Charter of the Organisation of African Unity, was to recognise the borders laid down at Independence.
"The Biafran War caused great suffering and the UK supported the reconciliation work that followed the conflict. The UK supports the territorial integrity of Nigeria and President Buhari's commitment to work for a secure and prosperous Nigeria for all Nigerians."
President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has always insisted that the unity of the country is a priority and that while peaceful protests are welcome, asking for the separating the Biafran territories is against the constitution.
The Nigerian police also denied accusations of violence during pro-Biafran protests, saying that security forces had to intervene as pro-Biafrans "were armed and disrupted peace in the state".
The arrest of Radio Biafra director Nnamdi Kanu in October 2015 caused a new wave of protests.
Source: Legit.ng
