Activists from the Ambazonia separatist movement have strongly condemned recent attacks on taxi drivers in the South West region of Cameroon, citing concerns over the forced color change of their vehicles.
The incident, involved armed individuals reportedly linked to the separatist movement targeting taxi drivers who had not complied with the new vehicle color regulations imposed by the local government.
The attackers, who were said to be enforcing the new regulations, resorted to violence against the taxi drivers, resulting in injuries and significant damage to several vehicles. This move has sparked outrage among Ambazonia activists, who have distanced themselves from the violence and criticized the method of enforcement.
The color change regulation, which mandates that all taxis in the region adopt a specific color scheme for identification and safety purposes, has been met with resistance from some drivers. They argue that the cost of repainting their vehicles is prohibitive, especially given the economic challenges they face.
In a public statement, a prominent Ambazonia activist, who requested anonymity for security reasons, denounced the attacks, stating, “We do not condone violence against innocent civilians. The actions of these individuals are not representative of our struggle for self-determination and freedom. We urge all parties to refrain from such acts and seek peaceful means of addressing grievances.”
Local authorities have defended the regulation, asserting that it is necessary to improve security and combat crime in the area.Human rights organizations and civil society groups have also condemned the attacks, calling for an investigation into the incident and urging the government to ensure the safety and rights of taxi drivers. They emphasize the need for dialogue and cooperation between the authorities and the local community to address concerns and avoid further violence.
