A Response to Mimi Mefo’s Attempted Guilt by Association

Our people deserve justice, not propaganda. They deserve accountability, not narrative manipulation. And they deserve a future where truth is established by evidence—not by the loudest headline.

By Ako Aya The Independentistnews Contributor

The tragic killing of Atong Ignatius Achondo has shaken our people. His abduction, torture, and murder are crimes that must be condemned without reservation. We extend sympathy to his family and community. No cause—political or otherwise—can justify the killing of civilians.

But grief must not be weaponized for propaganda.
In a recent publication, journalist Mimi Mefo attempts to link this horrific crime to Dr. Samuel Ikome Sako through insinuation rather than evidence. The approach is familiar: create suspicion, repeat it often enough, and allow readers to draw conclusions without proof.

Let us address the issues plainly.

1. Allegiance Is Not Command and Control
   The article claims that the alleged perpetrator professed “allegiance” to Dr. Sako. Allegiance does not equal ownership, operational command, or direct control. In conflict zones, individuals often invoke political figures for legitimacy, leverage, or personal advantage. That alone does not establish legal or operational responsibility.
   If the standard becomes that a leader is responsible for every act committed by anyone claiming loyalty to them, political discourse itself collapses into absurdity.
2. Contradictions Within the Narrative
   The same report notes that a portrait of Paul Biya was allegedly displayed in the suspect’s home and that some residents suspect collaboration with authorities or military actors. If credible suspicions of state-linked collaboration exist, why is attention redirected toward a U.S.-based political leader instead of demanding investigation into those possible ties? Why shift focus through insinuation rather than pursue verifiable evidence?
   One cannot simultaneously imply state collaboration and then redirect responsibility elsewhere without proof. That is narrative framing, not investigative rigor.
3. The Ransom Timeline Raises Questions
   The report indicates that 5 million FCFA was demanded and that the victim was killed before the family could mobilize the funds, reportedly within about 48 hours.
   Typically, ransom operations keep hostages alive to preserve financial leverage. Killing a victim so quickly appears inconsistent with a purely financial motive and therefore deserves careful forensic scrutiny. Who benefits from such an outcome? These are questions serious investigations should address rather than overlook.
4. Consistent calls for International investigations.
   Dr. Sako has repeatedly called for an international fact-finding mission to investigate crimes committed in Southern Cameroons. Petitions and appeals have been submitted to international institutions seeking accountability. These actions suggest a call for investigation rather than an attempt to shield wrongdoing.
   The position remains clear:
   All killings of innocent civilians must be condemned.
   All ransom kidnappings must be condemned.
   All torture must be condemned.
   All perpetrators—state or non-state—must be investigated and prosecuted.
   Justice cannot be selective.
5. The Broader Context
   In areas where law and order have deteriorated, various actors exploit the vacuum—criminal networks, rogue elements, political opportunists, and those seeking to discredit competing political narratives.
   In many conflict environments, criminality is sometimes used to portray entire political movements as criminal enterprises. Such framing can serve interests that benefit from delegitimizing political demands rather than addressing underlying grievances.
   Serious journalism requires evidence, not association. It requires tracing communications, financing, weapons supply, and command structures—not relying on symbolism or unverified claims of allegiance.
   If truth is the objective, the demand should remain simple:
   An independent international investigation.
   Full forensic analysis.
   Transparency from all sides.
   Anything less risks turning speculation into reporting.
   Our people deserve justice, not propaganda. They deserve accountability, not narrative manipulation. And they deserve a future where truth is established by evidence—not by the loudest headline. AKO AYA