“Do not invest your energy in shooting the messenger – address the message while the sun shines” David Otto
In my observation of the current global dynamics, time does not fail mankind, instead it is mankind that fails time. For time does not change, it is mankind that changes with time. The perceived idea that time changes is only a mind game to maintain order. For this reason, man should always strive to be more proactive – to act at the right moment or be ready to be fail at a later stage.
The physical and virtual space within and outside the media platform – has been flooded by selective news of the violent activities of ideologically driven Salafist Jihadist Left wing terrorist groups – Boko Haram, ISIL, Taliban, Al-Qaeda, Al- Shabaab etc for the past 15 years. But of course not all countries and affected regions have been equally represented in the media platforms for obvious reasons.
The existing and perceived grievances of Pro-Nationalist and secessionist groups has been swallowed by the mere lethality and consistency of 21st Century ISIL and Al Qaeda style terrorism. However, in Sub Saharan Africa – Nigeria and Cameroon – Pro Biafra secessionist groups- Ipob and Massob and Southern Cameroons National Council (SCNC) are not sitting quiet while their ‘colleagues’ make history.
The President of the Southern Cameroons Youth League – Ebenezer Akwanga – is a self exiled Human Rights activist and former political prisoner and Councillor of Southern Cameroons National Council – a pro secessionist movement in Southern Cameroons that began sometime in 1984 for a return of Federalism. Ebenezer Akwanga believes that Pro Biafra movements – Ipob and Massob are more likely (if not already) to engage in sharing strategy and tactics against their respective mother states – Nigeria & Cameroon. Pro Biafran groups have not denied that such an alliance is impossible. They (Pro Biafra) are willing to work with any group (s) with the same aims and objectives.
According to Ebenezer Akwanga, Pro Biafran and SCNC secessionist group experience a common occurrence of human rights abuses by government security services in their respective areas of operation- South East Nigeria and so called Southern Cameroons.
These two distinct regions have been advocating for the right to self determination and independence from Nigeria and ‘La Republic du Cameroun’ respectively. Their connection lies in the fact that they share a common boundary – language , culture , and tradition. They thus see each other as common friends with common foes that can form a potent combination to achieve their perceived goals.
As I watched the heated interview, it took not long to infer that Ebenezer Akwanga has an axe to grind with the Cameroon government after his 20 years imprisonment in a maximum security Jail – Yaounde-Kondengui of which Akwanga spent 7 years before jail breaking under mysterious circumstances. He is obviously bitter, and perhaps explains why he sounds more like a prophet of doom. But he could be a ‘John the Baptist’ too – a man who spots the very end at the very beginning.
No matter the true position and thoughts of Ebenezer Akwanga, it remains clear as ever that authorities and stakeholders from both countries and the region in general must take these early warning messages serious and act proactively to address any current grievances that exist within the affected regions -South East Nigeria and Southern Cameroon – especially while it is practically possible to take action and engage in a comprehensive dialogue. Let not the reputation of a messenger cloud the real meaning of his message. Let authorities not invest their time and resources in trying to shoot the messenger, while ignoring the length and depth of the message delivered.
With Boko Haram/ ISWAP breathing down the neck of the Nigerian and Cameroon security services mainly in the North; unresolved troubles with Shiite groups in NorthEast Nigeria – an alliance between Pro -Biafra and Southern Cameroons National Council or affiliates will bring down the region to its knees and cause untold misery to innocent civilians- just like the Biafra crisis of 1967-1970 affected both regions drastically. But will authorities allow history to repeat itself twice?
This is the right time for domestic, international organisations and Western states to engage proactively and honestly in both Nigeria and Cameroon with good intentions – to invest in preventive solutions rather than wait when the situation goes out of control – then strive to invest in conflict. The Cosmic time will hopefully not fail man this time around – if man chooses not fail time.
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By David Otto
TGS Counter Terrorism & Organised Crime Expert
Email: Davidotto@tgsintconsultant.com
website: www.tgsintconsultant.com
Twitter : @Ottotgs
