The challenge ahead is not only military or political but also humanitarian: rebuilding trust in communities fractured by years of violence, fear, and competing claims about responsibility.
By Timothy Enongene, Guest Editor-in-Chief, Independentistnews
BUEA – February 14, 2026 – As the struggle for the restoration of the independence of Southern Cameroons enters its ninth year, a sophisticated propaganda war continues alongside the military conflict. Recent, widely circulated social media narratives aimed at discrediting the Ambazonian State Army (ASA)—alleging that it has abandoned its mission of defending the population and turned against civilians—are viewed by supporters of the movement as misleading and part of a calculated effort by actors aligned with Yaoundé to fracture the liberation movement.
Since 2017, the ASA has presented its mission as one of defending territory and civilians against what it describes as violent occupation by La République du Cameroun (LRC). However, as the conflict has evolved, so too have the tactics employed by all sides. Unable to achieve a decisive military outcome, the government and its opponents now increasingly contest public opinion through information campaigns designed to weaken support for their adversaries.
The Anatomy of the Lie
The claim that ASA fighters are responsible for kidnappings and ransom demands has become central to the government’s narrative, according to pro-independence sources. However, the security vacuum created by the prolonged conflict has allowed multiple actors—including criminal gangs and independent bandits—to operate in affected regions. Supporters of the resistance also argue that state-linked infiltrators sometimes commit abuses while posing as fighters in order to discredit the movement.
When violent incidents occur, competing narratives quickly emerge online, each side seeking to shape public perception. Analysts sympathetic to the independence cause argue that such amplification is intended to drive a wedge between armed groups and the civilian population, deepening mistrust within already traumatized communities.
Biya’s 2025 Narrative: The “Community” Trap
In President Paul Biya’s 2025 end-of-year address, the conflict was framed in more localized, community-oriented terms. Some observers interpret this shift as an attempt to reduce the political dimension of the crisis, portraying armed groups as criminal elements rather than political actors.
Critics of the government argue that such framing risks placing traditional authorities and local elites in confrontation with armed resistance groups, potentially increasing internal divisions within communities already suffering from years of instability.
- Continuity of Mission Since 2017: Supporters maintain that the ASA continues to define itself as a self-defense force, rejecting accusations that its objectives have fundamentally shifted.
- Infiltration Concerns: Movement leaders frequently claim that kidnappings and abuses attributed to fighters are often carried out by saboteurs or criminal groups exploiting the conflict.
- Accusations Against Security Forces: Human rights organizations and local reports have documented instances of arbitrary arrests and alleged extortion by security forces, though responsibility for abuses remains contested in many cases.
- Declared Civilian Protection Policy: Officials aligned with the Government of the Federal Republic of Ambazonia state that their forces are instructed to avoid targeting civilians and civilian institutions, though independent verification remains difficult due to restricted access to conflict zones.
Conclusion: A War of Attrition
The information war surrounding the conflict reflects a broader struggle for legitimacy and public trust. As military confrontation continues without a clear resolution, narratives and counter-narratives increasingly shape how communities interpret events on the ground.
For civilians caught in the middle, the primary concern remains safety, stability, and the hope for a peaceful resolution. The challenge ahead is not only military or political but also humanitarian: rebuilding trust in communities fractured by years of violence, fear, and competing claims about responsibility.
Timothy Enongene, Guest Editor-in-Chief, Independentistnews
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