Cameroonian separatist group, the Restoration Fighters of the Ambazonia Interim Government has warned former Nigerian national football captain Austin Jay Jay Okocha, Daniel Amokachi, and other ex-Super Eagles stars, urging them not to honour the President of the Cameroonian Football Association, Samuel Eto’o’s invitation for a ceremonial tournament in Victoria City, Cameroon.
The group cautioned that the invited players risk their lives if they attend.
Since 2017, Ambazonian rebels have been in an armed conflict with the Cameroonian military, in what is known as the Anglophone Crisis, setting up a government-in-exile and capturing some territory. No country has recognized Ambazonia’s existence as of 2023.
Comrade Chris Anon, who claims to lead the Ambazonia Interim Government based in the United States made the warning on Sunday, November 26.
Eto’o had envisioned the tournament as a platform to foster relationships and promote football development in Cameroon.
However, the Ambazonia separatists vehemently denounced the event, labelling it a mockery of the Ambazonian people and issuing a stern directive for a total lockdown on Victoria City and Fako County on the specified date.
The separatist group warned civilians to remain indoors during the lockdown, threatening lethal consequences for any violation of the order.
The situation raises concerns about the potential impact on diplomatic and sporting relations between the two nations.
Parts of the voice message according to the Daily Post stated;
“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.”
