An Ambazonian separatist commander, known as "General Jagaband," was reportedly killed on March 14 in Bafut, in the Mezam department, Northwest region of Cameroon. The information, relayed by several local sources, mentions violent exchanges of fire heard in the vicinity of Bafut, awakening the inhabitants of the localities of Akosia and Mforya.
The exact circumstances of the death of "General Jagaband" remain uncertain. Consistent testimonies report heavy detonations on the morning of Saturday, March 14, followed by rumors concerning the death of the separatist commander.
An amateur video circulating on social networks shows a body presented as that of "Jagaband," lying in a partially burnt structure in a wooded area. A voice in Pidgin, audible on the recording, states: "Na Jag that dong sleep," meaning that the commander is dead. The authenticity of this video has not been independently confirmed.
"General Jagaband" was active in the areas of Mforya, Mile Two and Ndamukong, where he allegedly led armed operations against the populations and the army. It is unknown whether he was killed during a clash with government forces or as part of a targeted attack. At the time of the dissemination of this information, no official communication from the administrative or security authorities had been made public.
Bafut, located in the Northwest region, is an area where clashes between government forces and Ambazonian separatist groups have been frequent since 2017. These groups are claiming independence for the English-speaking regions of Cameroon. In May 2020, a military operation called "Operation Free Bafut" had already been launched by the Cameroonian army to dislodge the separatist militias from the area.
Despite this announcement, it is important to note that in June 2020, information had circulated concerning the death of a certain "General Alhaji" from Bafut, which turned out to be false. Local testimonies had even claimed to have seen him alive after the dissemination of these rumors.
The announcement of the death of "General Jagaband" comes in a context of persistent tensions in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon. Caution is advised as long as the circumstances of his death have not been clearly established and confirmed by independent sources.
