Jude Thaddeus Afumbom, a youth peace and development advocate and founder of Youth’s Heart for Humanity, has issued a passionate open message calling for an end to the Anglophone crisis and a renewed commitment to peace, dialogue, and national healing.
Afumbom fondly referred to as Prof, who works closely with peace-building organizations, speaks not only as an activist but as a son of the soil deeply affected by the conflict that has plagued Cameroon’s North-West and South-West Regions for nearly a decade.
In his message titled “Let’s Cry for Cameroon,” Afumbom addresses three key actors in the crisis: the government at Etoudi, separatist leaders, and armed Amba fighters. His words reflect the pain of a generation that has grown up amid violence, displacement, and uncertainty.
“I am broken each day living in this country,” he writes. “It has been nine long years, and I feel ashamed, helpless, disappointed, and broken that I cannot return to my village due to civil unrest.”
A Cry to the Government
Addressing Cameroon’s leadership, Afumbom strikes a respectful but urgent tone. He acknowledges the authority and experience of the country’s leaders, referring to them as “fathers, mothers, grandparents, and guardians,” while questioning the cost of prolonged conflict on the nation’s youth.
According to him, young people are constantly reminded that they are “the leaders of tomorrow,” yet they are the ones most affected by the crisis, killed, displaced, or forced into exile.
“How many more must die before this conflict ends?” he asks. “Months should not be needed to prepare for a national dialogue that restores happiness.”
Afumbom highlights the growing number of refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), noting that communities meant to be protected have instead been plunged into poverty, hunger, and trauma.
A Message to Anglophone Fighters and Leaders
Turning to separatist leaders and Amba fighters, the youth activist, peacebuilder, and community leader, challenges the direction and consequences of the armed struggle. He reminds them that the Anglophone regions were once defined by strong traditions, education, and economic activity now severely disrupted.
“We are much worse off than we were before 2016,” he states. “It’s heartbreaking that we, once proud Anglophones, are destroying each other in the name of ‘independence.’”
He questions whether violence, kidnappings, and killings particularly of teachers, students, medical staff, and civilians have brought any real improvement to Anglophone lives. He cites painful examples such as the Kumba school killings and the murder of 14 Mbororo civilians as dark moments that will forever stain the conflict.
“Is killing each other the true price of independence? Certainly not,” Afumbom writes.
Learning From Other Nations
Afumbom points to countries like South Africa and Rwanda, which endured deep national crises but chose reconciliation and dialogue over endless revenge. He argues that Cameroon, too, can find a path toward peace if its leaders are willing to prioritize unity and human dignity.
He proposes that 2026 should be a year of reflection and peace, rather than continued bloodshed. “If you truly care about Anglophones and wish to improve their situation, abandon the harmful tactics you presently employ,” he urges.
The Voice of a Generation
Beyond politics, Afumbom’s message reflects the daily fear faced by ordinary citizens uncertainty over who might be the next victim, and a life where “good news feels like a rare rumour.”
He condemns prolonged ghost towns that prevent people from working and surviving, as well as financial demands placed on already impoverished communities. “Does holding a gun and taking another person’s life equate to peace and freedom? No,” he says.
Quoting Nelson Mandela, “It always seems impossible until it’s done”, Jude Afumbom ends with a final plea to Cameroon’s leadership. “You can stay in power, and I can vote for you,” he writes, “but please, let peace reign for Anglophones.”
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