2024-05-06 03:49:03
The Ambazonian diaspora is in mourning. Eyembe Elango, one of the most influential backers of armed separatism in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon, was buried this weekend in an American cemetery. His disappearance raises many questions about the future of financing the rebellion, but also about the murky role played by certain members of the diaspora in perpetuating the conflict.
An heir of the independence struggle
Son of Professor Otto Elango, a leading intellectual figure who trained generations of students at the University of Yaoundé before falling into opposition and exile, Eyembe Elango embraced the independence cause very early on. Originally from Kumba in the South-West region, this convinced Bafaw never hid his support for the armed struggle, which he considered the only way to achieve the independence of Ambazonia.
« He was a pure and hardline ideologue, who swore only by confrontation with the central government”confides a close friend contacted by 237online.com. “For him, any negotiation, any dialogue was doomed to failure. Only force of arms could achieve independence. »
A shadow financier with a controversial role
But beyond the fiery speeches, it is above all through his role as financier that Eyembe Elango left his mark on the Ambazonian rebellion. Since his American exile, he has used his influence and his networks to raise funds from the diaspora, but also from foreign sympathizers, in order to arm and equip separatist groups on the ground.
“He was considered one of the main providers of funds for the rebellion”confirms a conflict expert contacted by our editorial staff. “His address book was impressive, and he knew how to be persuasive in convincing donors to loosen the purse strings. Without it, many armed groups would have had difficulty sustaining themselves over time. »
A role which has not failed to arouse controversy, with some accusing him of taking advantage of the suffering of populations to enrich themselves, or of fueling violence from the safety of his American exile. Accusations that he always brushed aside, posing as an honest patriot in the service of the cause.
A difficult void for the rebellion to fill
Regardless, his disappearance leaves a big void in the separatist camp. Deprived of one of their main patrons, armed groups could well find themselves in difficulty, especially since the economic crisis linked to Covid-19 has already seriously dried up sources of financing for the diaspora.
« It’s a big blow for the rebellion“, estimates an observer of the Ambazonian scene. “Eyembe Elango had woven a unique network, built on personal ties and a reputation for integrity. It will not be easy to replace him, especially as internal dissensions and power struggles increasingly undermine the separatist movement. »
An opportunity for peace?
Paradoxically, this disappearance could also represent an opportunity for those, on both sides, working for a peaceful resolution of the conflict. With the withdrawal of one of the main hawks of the armed struggle, supporters of dialogue and negotiation could see it as an opportunity to make their voices heard and bring the belligerents back to the negotiating table.
« The death of Eyembe Elango must serve as a reminder”argues a civil society actor engaged in mediation. “It shows us that war is not a solution, that it only leads to despair and desolation. It is time to put an end to this vicious spiral and finally work towards peace and reconciliation. »
Wishful thinking? Maybe. But in this period of mourning, it is also a message of hope that some want to see in the disappearance of the man who was, for better and for worse, one of the most emblematic faces of the English-speaking crisis. It is up to the international community, the Cameroonian government and the separatists to seize this opportunity to prove that another future is possible. The populations of the North-West and South-West are just waiting for that.