Recent reports indicate that troops of La République du Cameroun (LRC) have been redeployed from parts of Ambazonia. Officially, the redeployment has not been linked to the post-election situation, but multiple local sources and resistance-linked intelligence networks interpret this as a strategic withdrawal.
By Ali Dan Ismael, Editor-in-Chief, on special mission to Bamenda, Ambazonia
In the aftermath of Cameroon’s disputed presidential election, the unfolding dynamics between Issa Tchiroma’s camp, France, and developments on the ground in Ambazonia suggest that the transition may be less organic than portrayed. A closer look reveals signs of a strategic repositioning by France and the Yaoundé regime, potentially to avoid a deeper crisis.
Signs of a Strategic Troop Withdrawal
Recent reports indicate that troops of La République du Cameroun (LRC) have been redeployed from parts of Ambazonia. Officially, the redeployment has not been linked to the post-election situation, but multiple local sources and resistance-linked intelligence networks interpret this as a strategic withdrawal, designed to pre-empt potential embarrassment should unrest spread to multiple fronts — notably amid emerging reports of instability in northern Cameroon.
This maneuver echoes patterns seen in other geopolitical contexts, such as the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan, where a retreat was reframed as tactical repositioning. France, Cameroon’s historical ally and primary security partner, appears to be playing a central role in shaping this narrative.
Alleged Cambodia Link and Opposition Maneuvers
A key flashpoint emerged when Issa Tchiroma publicly mentioned Chris Anu during a campaign stop in Bamenda, crediting him for facilitating his team’s access to the area. Ambazonian intelligence sources allege that this connection stems from a recent trip by Anu to Cambodia, during which he reportedly engaged in meetings involving French intelligence interlocutors.
While the details remain unverified, opposition media and intelligence channels have characterized this as part of a behind-the-scenes arrangement aimed at smoothing France’s transition strategy. Tchiroma’s remarks were followed by public accusations from CPDM figure Paul Tassong, who linked Anu to criminal activity — a move some observers interpret as an attempt to stage-manage public perception. Neither Anu nor French officials have issued formal statements on these claims.
Federalism and Resource Control
Tchiroma later appeared on the platform of Cameroonian journalist Mimi Mefo, where he expressed a willingness to return to some form of federalism — but reportedly under conditions that would ensure France retained significant economic influence over Ambazonian resources.
Critics within Ambazonian political circles viewed this proposition as unacceptable and reminiscent of earlier colonial arrangements, particularly given the unresolved questions of sovereignty following the 1961 UN-supervised plebiscite and subsequent political developments.
Tchiroma’s supporters argue that federalism offers a pragmatic path to national cohesion after decades of conflict. Opponents counter that any such arrangement without prior acknowledgment of Ambazonian sovereignty and negotiations on equal footing would repeat historical mistakes made under John Ngu Foncha, whose concessions to a non-elected leader in 1961 remain a deeply contested issue.
Historical Context and Legitimacy Concerns
No presidential election in Cameroon has ever been internationally certified as free and fair. The current electoral process has drawn skepticism, especially given that no major foreign government has issued formal congratulations to Tchiroma as of mid-October.
The United States and other Western governments have maintained diplomatic silence, likely adopting a cautious “wait-and-see” posture. In France, the government itself is navigating domestic instability, with its Prime Minister facing potential votes of no confidence — a context that may limit Paris’s diplomatic bandwidth while simultaneously influencing its regional calculations.
Ambazonia’s Firm Position
Ambazonian political factions have reiterated their stance that no electoral or negotiated outcome is legitimate without addressing the question of sovereignty, which they consider grounded in UN General Assembly Resolution 1608 and subsequent international legal developments.
Observers note that Ambazonia’s position reflects a broader resistance to externally imposed political settlements and a determination to avoid a repeat of historical scenarios in which decisions affecting its people were made without their participation.
Conclusion
While the exact contours of France’s strategy remain opaque, the combination of military redeployments, diplomatic silence, opposition allegations, and federalism discussions tied to resource control paints a picture of a managed transition rather than a spontaneous democratic shift.
For international policymakers, the situation underscores the need to closely scrutinize any emerging political arrangements to ensure that they are based on genuine dialogue and consent, not pre-negotiated geopolitical bargains.
Ali Dan Ismael, Editor-in-Chief
