The Restoration Fighters of the Ambazonia Interim Government, a Cameroonian separatist group, has warned former Nigerian national football captain Austin Jay Jay Okocha, Daniel Amokachi, and other ex-Super Eagles stars not to accept Cameroonian Football Association President Samuel Eto’o’s invitation to a ceremonial tournament in Victoria City, Cameroon.
The group cautioned that the invited players risk their lives if they attend.
Ambazonian rebels have been fighting the Cameroonian military in what is known as the Anglophone Crisis since 2017, establishing a government-in-exile and conquering some territory. As of 2023, no country had recognized Ambazonia’s existence.
On Sunday, November 26th, Comrade Chris Anon, who claims to be the leader of the Ambazonia Interim Government based in the United States, issued the warning.
Eto’o envisioned the competition as a platform to create partnerships and boost Cameroon’s football development.
However, Ambazonia separatists strongly condemned the event, calling it a mockery of the Ambazonian people and ordering a thorough lockdown of Victoria City and Fako County on the appointed date.
The separatist group ordered civilians to stay indoors during the lockdown, threatening them with death if they disobeyed the order.
The scenario raises concerns about the potential repercussions on the two countries’ diplomatic and sporting relations.
According to the Daily Post, parts of the voice message were as follows:
“The Restoration Fighters of Ambazonia Control Victoria and entire county and are committed to ensuring the lockdown. Our determination to safeguarding the integrity of Ambazonia independence struggle will not be deterred. We show no mercy for any persons who attempt to disregard the lockdown.
“It is essential to emphasise the severity of the situation and to caution against actions that could be misconstrued as aligning with any forms of propaganda.
“The football match proposed by Samuel Eto’o is very controversial; it is a misguided and insensitive initiative.
“That decision to involve international players from Nigeria is deeply troubling.
“The timing and location of the tournament give rise to suspicions.
“We seriously and strongly caution Jay Jay Okocha, Daniel Amokachi and others who are promoting and preparing to participate in the tournament to reconsider their involvement as their participation may unintentionally result in bloodshed.
“We cannot help but question Samuel Eto’o’s decision to organize this tournament in Victoria, an Ambazonia territory that has been marred by war for over seven years, for which 30,000 Ambazonians have been killed.
“It raises legitimate concerns about potential exploitation of the situation for purposes that are not in the best interests of Victoria and Ambazonia in general.”
