Lucas Ayaba Cho Arrested in Norway
Cameroonian separatist leader Lucas Ayaba Cho has been arrested in Norway, accused of involvement in the ongoing armed conflict in Cameroon. His lawyer confirmed the arrest, stating that it was based on social media activities related to the conflict. Cho is a prominent figure within the Anglophone separatist movement that has been fighting for independence from the Central African nation since 2016.
Accusations Against Cho
Cho, who leads the Ambazonian Defence Forces (ADF), has been a central figure in the separatist movement. He commands his forces from Norway, where he recently ordered a two-week lockdown in Cameroon’s Anglophone regions as part of the separatists’ campaign. The ADF has been linked to numerous violent incidents, including attacks on civilians and government targets in Cameroon’s North-West and South-West regions.
Norway’s Role in the Arrest
Norway’s National Criminal Investigation Service (KRIPOS) said Cho played a key role in the armed conflict in Cameroon. On Wednesday, Norwegian investigators sought custody of Cho from the Oslo District Court. The prosecutor leading the case, Anette Berger, confirmed that the investigation is in its early stages and that more steps are required to complete it.
Cameroonian Government Pushes for Extradition
A Cameroonian official stated that Norway and Cameroon have a security agreement, which could lead to Cho’s extradition. His arrest marks another instance of the Cameroonian government urging foreign countries to extradite separatist leaders for trial. Cho’s lawyer, however, said he was not aware of any formal extradition request from Cameroon.
Human Rights Concerns and Separatist Violence
Cho’s arrest has sparked reactions from various parties. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have accused both government forces and separatist groups of committing atrocities during the conflict. Meanwhile, US-based lawyer Emmanuel Nsahlai, representing victims of the Anglophone crisis, called Cho’s arrest a “significant victory” for holding him accountable for his role in the violence.
Separatist Movement Under Scrutiny
Cho is not the first separatist leader to face arrest abroad. In 2018, another key figure, Julius Sisiku Ayuk Tabe, was arrested in Nigeria and later extradited to Cameroon. The arrest of these leaders signals the Cameroonian government’s commitment to cracking down on separatist movements and restoring peace to the troubled Anglophone regions.
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