The Ambazonia Defence Forces, known as the ADF, have announced that they have deployed ground troops in Southern Cameroons and declared war on La Republique du Cameroun, the term separatists use for the Cameroonian state. The announcement marks a shift in the Anglophone crisis from protests and civil disobedience towards armed confrontation.
Who the ADF are
The ADF present themselves as the armed wing of the Ambazonia Governing Council, one of the separatist organisations campaigning for the independence of the English-speaking North West and South West regions under the name Ambazonia. The council's leadership is largely based in the diaspora, and its statements are relayed mainly through social media and online radio.
The movement is one of several groups claiming to speak for Southern Cameroons. Others favour non-violent action or a return to a federal system, and there are often sharp disagreements among them over strategy and leadership.
What the declaration says
In their statement, the ADF claim to have fighters on the ground whose mission is to defend Southern Cameroonians against the Cameroonian army and to resist what they describe as occupation. The group warns the security forces to leave the territory. Such claims are difficult to verify, and the real strength and organisation of the fighters remains unclear.
The government's position
The government in Yaounde considers secessionist groups to be a threat to national unity and territorial integrity, and has pledged to deal firmly with any armed activity. Officials have accused diaspora-based leaders of inciting violence from abroad while ordinary citizens bear the consequences.
Why it matters
The announcement raises fears of an escalation that could bring violence to towns and villages already hit by school boycotts, ghost town days and internet restrictions. Civilians risk being caught between security forces and armed groups, with consequences for safety, livelihoods and freedom of movement.
- Increased military deployment in the Anglophone regions
- Greater risk of attacks, reprisals and displacement
- Pressure on moderate voices calling for dialogue
- Further strain on schools, health services and the local economy
Calls for dialogue
Church leaders, civil society figures and international partners have consistently warned against a military solution to the Anglophone problem. They urge both the government and separatist groups to renounce violence and engage in an inclusive dialogue on the grievances of English-speaking Cameroonians.
The ADF declaration shows how deeply positions have hardened. Whether it leads to sustained armed conflict or remains largely a statement of intent, it will shape the next phase of the crisis in Southern Cameroons.