Ambazonian leaders have called for a boycott of the 2025 elections.
Open Letter to the Ambazonian Separatist Groups
Dear Leaders of the Ambazonian Separatist Movement,
The stakes in the upcoming elections are alarmingly high, and we cannot afford to treat this moment lightly. With 8.9 million Cameroonians registered to vote, the potential for genuine change is within our grasp, even amidst opposition divided ranks. However, your call to ban elections in the Northwest and Southwest regions threatens to squander this crucial opportunity for change.
History has shown us the dire consequences of your bans on elections. Such actions have permitted Biya and the CPDM to seize full control of these two regions, sweeping almost all parliamentary seats, local councils, and senate seats. Each time you advocate for a boycott, you unwittingly empower a regime that thrives on your unwise decision to call for a ban on elections. They exploit the ban to manipulate the electoral process, using the military to protect their supporters and lead them to the polling station while you intimidate the weak and helpless and suppress our voices.
Consider the countless compatriots languishing in Kondengui. Think of the pain their families endure, the uncertainty they face daily. If Biya wins again, those who are imprisoned may never have a chance for release, and this will be a direct consequence of your unreasonable and unnecessary call for a ban.
What added value have previous bans on elections brought to your struggle? Instead of advancing your cause, they have only deepened our suffering and allowed the regime to tighten its grip.
Let us be clear: if you persist in this course, the ramifications will be profound and lasting. If the regime triumphs due to diminished voter participation in our regions as a result of your threats, the weight of that victory will rest squarely on your shoulders. Opposition supporters—those who could have rallied to protect their votes and assert their rights—will be left powerless, and you will be complicit in their disenfranchisement.
I implore you to reconsider this path you are taking. Instead of calling for a ban, it is imperative that we mobilize our brothers and sisters to actively participate in the electoral process and vote this regime out. Every vote matters, and every voice is crucial. This is a moment for unity and strategic action, not for showmanship.
Reflect on the consequences of your action. The future of our people hangs in the balance, and history will hold you accountable. Let us not allow this opportunity slip off our hands. The time to act is now, and we must do so with unwavering conviction and purpose. There are many ways to fight a battle! There is no one-size-fits-all!
Sincerely,
Ndifor Richard
Civil Society and Political Activist!
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