Detained Anglophone activist Mancho Bibixy Tse has told supporters of the “Coffin Revolution” (C.R) he founded to fight for improved living conditions through equitable distribution of resources, provision of standard road infrastructure and basic social amenities, not to oppose ongoing road maintenance works in Bamenda, stating that the rehabilitation project should continue even as he and others remain incarcerated.
In a press statement released from the Yaoundé Central Prison on March 16, Mancho Bibixy Tse addressed growing concerns among supporters over road construction in the Northwest regional capital.
Bibixy said many sympathizers had contacted him since January, expressing anger that roads they once protested about are now being repaired while those who led the demonstrations remain imprisoned.
He recalled the protests of November 21, 2016, when residents took to the streets to denounce the poor state of roads and what he described as the marginalization of the people of Southern Cameroons.
“On the 21st November 2016, we came out as a people to protest against the sorrowful state of our roads and other acts of marginalization of the people of Southern Cameroons,” he said.
According to the C.R. leader, several activists involved in the demonstrations were later arrested and transferred to French-speaking regions of Cameroon, where they were detained, tried in French, and handed long prison sentences.
Despite the current road rehabilitation works in Bamenda, the activist insisted that the project does not prove the innocence of those jailed over the protests.
“Again, the road works have not declared us innocent. We were never guilty of anything,” he stated.
Bibixy wrote he had received a range of reactions from supporters, from those who believe the activists should be released before the works are completed to others who think the construction should be stopped until their freedom is granted.
Some critics have also accused him of supporting the project after being compromised, an accusation he rejected. “Our decision is from the hearts of the people. We only lead, and millions follow,” he said.
Currently serving a 15-year jail sentence, Manco Bibixy Tse maintained that the movement’s struggle was motivated by the interests of the population and not personal gain.
“My people, when we opted to fight for you, it was from our hearts. We are freedom fighters, and we expect no reward. Let the works go on.” He declared.
The sentenced activist also urged supporters to remain steadfast and continue praying for those imprisoned and reminded that the victory gets sweeter as the battle goes harder.
Bibixy concluded his message with the slogan that became associated with the 2016 protests: “All for one, one for all.”
