Fon Richard Muntong III, who now lives in Douala, made this call in a press release addressed to the sons and daughters of Bamessing, in the Ngoketunja division of the North-West region living in the country and abroad. If nothing is done, all the separatists in his community will be banished from the village, threatens the traditional authority.
Faced with the persistence of violence in the North-West, Fon Richard Muntong III, traditional chief of Bamessing, one of the separatist strongholds, has launched a new call for peace. In a press release addressed to the sons and daughters of his community living in the country and abroad, he demanded that the “Amba boys” lay down their arms before December 31, 2024, under penalty of being banished from the village.
“You have until 31 December 2024 to lay down your arms and seek refuge in DDR centres,” he said. “Failure to do so will result in decisive action on my part and the Nsei people will expel you or hand you over to the authorities.” He threatened traditional, administrative and legal sanctions in 2025 against families “whose children continue to participate in Amba activities.” “Let us choose peace and development over violence,” he said, calling for the restoration of harmony in Bamessing.
In what appeared to be a renewed appeal, the Fon directed his energy “especially to the so-called Amba boys, who have been engaged in an aimless conflict for eight years.” He said: “It is with a heavy heart that I remind you of the suffering inflicted on our people during this period.” “If you need advice on how to proceed, please do not hesitate to contact me; I will assist you throughout the process,” he said.
This statement comes as clashes have escalated in the region, causing many casualties and displacing thousands of civilians. This is not the first time he has made such a statement. In 2023, he threatened to banish the fighters if they did not surrender. The call has remained unwavering, as the separatists have remained active in the region.
Lebledparle
