Biafra, SCNC Might Join Forces to Achieve Independence

UK-based global security expert recommends referendum to avert possible armed conflict that could facilitate Boko Haram’s extension southward

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IBTimes UK, has reported that Biafrans who are currently seeking independence from the Federal Republic of Nigeria would join forces with the SCNC, Southern Cameroons National Council, which is seeking same from the Cameroon republic.

Going by the report published online, February 25, 2016 by the International Business Times, which is published in four different languages, SCNC and Biafra officials have both confirmed a possible union between the two peoples who are currently protesting against marginalization.

International Business Times spoke with human rights activist and former political prisoner Ebenezer Akwanga on the struggle for independence in Southern Cameroons. Akwanga alleged that human right abuses against pro-independence activists in Southern Cameroons are common.

In 1997, Akwanga was imprisoned and tortured in Cameroon for six years due to his political activism. He is now the President of the Southern Cameroons Youth League.

The digital news network reported that Akwanga believes his people might ally with pro-Biafrans in south-eastern Nigeria, who are also fighting to gain independence. “Political sequences took place which affected our culture, language, traditions, everything that makes us a people,” he is quoted as saying.

“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.”

A coordinator of Ipob in Nigeria’s Anambra state, who spoke to IBtimes UK on condition of anonymity, confirmed pro-Biafrans and people in Southern Cameroons might come together. He said: “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.”

David Otto, CEO of UK-based global security provider TGS Intelligence Consultants, told IBTimes UK that a union between the two groups is very likely and could further destabilize the region.

“Although the Southern Cameroon National Council, SCNC 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,” said Otto.

“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.”

Otto also said that a holistic approach is required to resolve issues of self-determination and independence and called on both governments to organise a referendum on independence.

“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 government of Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, according to IBTimes UK, has always maintained that Nigeria’s unity is a priority for the country and that although peaceful pro-Biafra protests are welcome; demanding the breakaway of the Biafran territories is against the constitution.

The Nigerian government the award winning news platform that it does not consider the separatist movement a threat to the current leadership, and said pro-Biafrans is an “insignificant number of frustrated people who are not a threat to the existence of Nigeria.”

In several interviews with IBTimes UK, the army and the police denied allegations of violence during pro-Biafran protests, arguing that security forces had to intervene as pro-Biafrans “were armed and disrupted peace in the state.”
The Cameroonian embassy in London has not replied to a request for comment.

When contacted by IBTimes UK, the UK government 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.”

IBTimes UK also suggested that the UK recognises the 1961 annexion of southern Cameroons to Cameroon as legitimate. The UK government also encourages all political groups in Cameroon to engage constructively and respect the democratic process for bringing their political ideology before the people of Cameroon.

An earlier report by African Spotlight, said the leader of the Biafra Nations Youth League, BNYL, Prince Chimezie Obuka, said some members of a community demanding independence from Cameroon was backing similar plans in Nigeria.

Obuka said this after a recent meeting with delegates from the Former British Southern Cameroon; the meeting, African Spotlight said, was in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. He reportedly said he will not reveal the identities of the delegates from so-called Southern Cameroons.

They should not be regarded as separatists or secessionists because their land (Ambazonia) was annexed, subjugated by La Republic du Cameroun and it’s only an independent Biafran State that will force the artificial government out from Ambazonia including Bakassi Peninsula,” said Obuka.