Reprinted with update
By Vareva Harris

On January 20, 2025, as thousands gathered in Washington, D.C., to witness the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump, a delegation from the Friends of Ambazonia stood among the crowd with a singular mission: to bring their struggle for independence to the attention of the new U.S. administration.

Hailing from the English-speaking regions of Cameroon, now referred to as Ambazonia, the group expressed hope that President Trump’s stance on peace, national sovereignty, and international diplomacy could pave the way for recognition and self-determination. They shared their vision with The Woodruff Times, one of the many media outlets covering the inauguration.

“We believe that if President Trump acknowledges our sovereignty, it would be a major step toward resolving the conflict in our land,” said Dr. Tita Emmanuel.
“With independence, we could be a strong ally of the United States and use our natural resources to rebuild our schools, infrastructure, and the thriving culture we once enjoyed,” added Dorothy Ngwa.

The Ambazonian struggle for independence dates back to colonial times, when Cameroon was divided between British and French control. After World War I, Germany lost the territory, and it was split between Britain and France under the League of Nations. Southern Cameroon, later known as Ambazonia, was administered separately from French Cameroon.

In 1961, a controversial UN plebiscite forced Southern Cameroon to choose between joining Nigeria or the Republic of Cameroon. Despite appeals for full independence, they were pushed into unification under a federal structure—later dismantled in 1972—leading to decades of marginalization.

Since then, English-speaking Cameroonians have suffered systemic discrimination. Protests in 2016 were violently suppressed, igniting the current armed conflict. Over the years, the crisis has intensified into a humanitarian emergency: more than 6,000 deaths and 1.5 million displaced, according to reports.

Dr. Emmanuel Tita stressed that these figures severely underestimate the reality:

“Over 60,000 lives have been lost, more than 850 villages reduced to ashes BY THE MILITARY, over 15,000 illegally detained, and over 500,000 seeking refuge far from home.”

Despite global condemnation of the violence, no lasting resolution has been achieved.

The Friends of Ambazonia hope the Trump administration will recognize their cause and take a stand.

“We know the United States values freedom and democracy,” said Rev. Dr. Victor Mbah.
“If America stands with us, the world will listen.”

Leaving Washington with renewed determination, the delegation continues to advocate for international recognition and the right to self-determination. Their presence at the inauguration was not just symbolic—it was a bold call for justice, peace, and freedom.

Pictured: Members of the Friends of Ambazonia delegation — Rev. Dr. Victor Mbah, Dr. Tita Emmanuel, Dr. K.B. Stallworth, Dorothy Ngwa, and Dr. Richard Mbih.

#STOPTHEGENOCIDE IN #SOUTHERNCAMEROONS #AMBAZONIA #LRC #MILITARY #INVASION IN #SOUTHERNCAMEROONS #AMBAZONIA #FREESOUTHERNCAMEROONS #FREEAMBAZONIA #FREETHEPEOPLEOFAMBAZONIA #FRIENDSOFAMBAZONIA #FRIENDSOFAMBAZONIAUSA

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