By Vareva Harris, Co-Editor
Vareva@thewoodrufftimes.org
The Friends of Ambazonia, Inc., a U.S.-based nonprofit advocacy organization, is raising awareness about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Southern Cameroons—also known as Ambazonia—and urging international engagement to promote peace, justice, and self-determination for the region’s people.
Composed of U.S. citizens and friends of the Ambazonian people, Friends of Ambazonia is rooted in Christian faith and guided by principles of justice, freedom, and compassion. The organization’s mission is to bring the plight of Southern Cameroonians to the forefront of U.S. foreign policy and global humanitarian concern.
“Our mission is simple yet profound,” said Dr. Emmanuel Tita, President of Friends of Ambazonia, Inc. “We believe the people of Southern Cameroons deserve recognition as an independent nation, justice, a life of freedom, peace, opportunity, and prosperity.”
The organization seeks to educate Americans and the international community about the region’s history and struggles. Southern Cameroons gained independence from Britain in 1961 for a federation with the Republic of Cameroun—an arrangement that advocates say was never actualized and has failed to provide equality, fair governance, or lasting peace.
Years of unrest have left deep scars. The ongoing conflict has displaced families, destroyed schools and villages, and created widespread humanitarian need. Friends of Ambazonia believes that faith-based advocacy and peaceful diplomacy are essential to resolving the crisis and ensuring stability.
“The experiment to join with the Republic of Cameroun has not yielded the quality of life our people hoped for,” Dr. Tita said. “Now is the time for the international community to recognize the opportunity for a peaceful transition and renewed self-determination for the people of the Southern Cameroons.”
Recent elections in Cameroon is an example of the government corruption. Reports of irregularities, limited political freedoms, and suppression of opposition voices underscore the urgent need for governance reform.
U.S. Senator Jim Risch, R-Idaho, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, recently called for a reassessment of America’s relationship with Cameroon. In a message shared on X, he warned that the “corrupt Biya regime” has hunted political opponents, enabled illicit activity, and fostered conditions for extremist groups to gain strength. He urged the United States to act before “the blowback gets worse.”
That appeal, Friends of Ambazonia says, gives hope that the United States and other allies may be willing to lead with diplomacy and compassion. Through strategic engagement, mediation, and humanitarian support, America can help foster the desired resolution between Cameroon’s government and Southern Cameroons representatives—encouraging an end to violence and a roadmap toward independence, peace and governance.
Friends of Ambazonia’s vision includes helping Ambazonia build its nation, reliable, responsive institutions; rebuild infrastructure and commerce; and ensure basic needs such as healthcare, education, and safety are met for all citizens. The organization also calls on faith leaders, churches, and humanitarian partners to join in prayer, education, and advocacy for lasting peace.
“The battle has been long,” Dr. Tita reflected, “but the spirit of the Ambazonian people remains strong. With faith in God and collective action, peace and restoration are possible.”
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, Friends of Ambazonia continues to remind the global community that recognition of Southern Cameroons’ right to self-determination need not come through more bloodshed, but through respect for international law and moral courage.
The Southern Cameroons, located in the resource-rich Gulf of Guinea, occupy a highly strategic position along Africa’s Atlantic coast — an area abundant with oil, natural gas, and a variety of valuable mineral resources. This region’s vast energy potential, coupled with its proximity to key maritime trade routes, underscores its importance not only to Africa but also to global partners such as the United States. Increased stability and responsible development in the area could open opportunities for American investment and energy cooperation, strengthening economic ties while promoting regional security and prosperity.
Southern Cameroon’s future—and the region’s stability—depend on renewed global attention and the willingness to pursue peace through partnership. The people of the Southern Cameroons-Ambazonia deserve to be free of the corrupt regime such that Ambazonia has its own government as an independent nation and be a strategic ally of the United States.
For more information or to get involved, visit www.friendsofambazonia.org.
