How the Kidnapping Industrial Complex Exploits the "Amba Fighter" Moniker for Evil Gains

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How the Kidnapping Industrial Complex Exploits the "Amba Fighter" Moniker for Evil Gains

Colbert Gwain 

In the picturesque village of Muteff, located in the Fundong Subdivision of the Boyo Division in Cameroon's North West Region, there lived a man named Banah Tangeh. His life seemed to have stripped him of everything, except his unwavering focus. Whenever he encountered a girl heading to the farm or market, he would selflessly offer to carry her load. Banah's approach to romance was unorthodox, lacking the finesse of traditional courtship. He would bluntly propose marriage to a girl without prior affection. Each time a girl rejected his proposal, he would remark, "Ngeh ghi awuluwun ma lem queue wnyuen," roughly translating to "Anyone who seeks trouble receives it."

Similarly, the majority of people in Cameroon's two English-speaking regions initially welcomed the surge of energy for social change and greater autonomy for the minority Anglophones in 2016. They fondly referred to the freedom fighters as "our boys" as the radicalization of youths progressed with promises of rapid results. However, as government security forces infiltrated the camps, the fighters dispersed into communities, and turned their guns against the very civilians they claimed to protect. Criminal gangs with competing agendas joined the fray, leading the population to reject them, referring to them as "those boys."

This shift in sentiment reflects the complex and evolving nature of the Anglophone crisis in Cameroon, marked by escalating violence, displacement, human rights abuses, and the emergence of the kidnapping industrial complex. Even criminal gangs have exploited the "Amba fighter" moniker for evil gains. With the two English-speaking regions, especially Bamenda, held hostage by kidnappers, one cannot help but conclude, like Banah Tangeh, that "anyone who seeks trouble receives it."

Although the armed wings of the leaderless separatist movements have weakened, they still warrant attention due to the exploitation of their existence by strategic competitors and the potential for resurgence if the underlying causes of the nine-year-old conflict are not addressed.

Despite calls for a genuine and inclusive dialogue, the two English-speaking regions continue to grapple with a rampant kidnapping epidemic. Hundreds of civilians, including children, have fallen victim to armed groups and criminal networks. The exploitative use of the term "Amba fighter" lies at the root of this crisis, allowing kidnappers to instill fear, justify their crimes, and extort financial gains.

Characteristics of Kidnappers

Cameroon's Anglophone regions have been plagued by a kidnapping epidemic, which has evolved into a lucrative industry. Perpetrators capitalize on chaos and uncertainty to reap substantial financial benefits. Approximately 10 individuals are kidnapped daily, with Bamenda and its surrounding areas being particularly affected.

The financial scope of this crisis is staggering, with each victim's ransom averaging CFA1 million, resulting in a daily total of CFA10 million. This translates to approximately CFA310 million per month and CFA3.72 billion per year.

The kidnappings involve a complex network of armed groups claiming allegiance to separatist movements, criminal gangs, kidnappers-for-hire, corrupt individuals running private militia groups, money launderers, and middlemen. These actors collaborate to identify vulnerable targets, plan and execute kidnappings, and negotiate ransom payments.

The "Amba fighter" moniker serves as a convenient justification for their crimes, allowing kidnappers to masquerade as freedom fighters rather than common criminals. By claiming allegiance to separatist movements, kidnappers justify their crimes, intimidate victims, distract from their true motivations, and manipulate public opinion.

Their victims typically include women, girls, business executives, entrepreneurs, humanitarian workers, aid personnel, civil servants, and community leaders.

Kidnappers in Cameroon's Anglophone regions exhibit distinct characteristics, including criminal versatility, organizational expertise, and intimidation tactics. Financial motivation drives kidnappings, with perpetrators seeking substantial ransom demands. Ideological motivations also play a role, as some kidnappers claim allegiance to separatist or extremist groups.

Characteristics of Kidnappables

Individuals vulnerable to kidnappings in Cameroon's Anglophone regions often possess certain characteristics, including wealth, social status, and high-profile occupations. Prime targets are high-net-worth individuals, business executives, and politicians.

Other vulnerabilities include lack of security measures, predictable routines, and influential family connections. Kidnappers often target individuals with family members abroad or those with connections to influential figures.

Understanding the characteristics of kidnappers and kidnappables is crucial to developing effective strategies for prevention, mitigation, and response. By acknowledging the role of the "Amba fighter" moniker in perpetuating fear and chaos, we can work towards a more nuanced understanding of this crisis and its underlying drivers.

Ultimately, addressing the root causes of this epidemic will require a sustained and collaborative effort from the central government, local communities, and international partners.

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