Ayaba Cho Lucas (born 1972) is a Cameroonian activist and the leader of the Ambazonia Governing Council (AGovC). He is a primary figure in the movement seeking to create an independent state called “Ambazonia” from the English-speaking North-West and South-West regions of Cameroon. He has gained international notoriety for commanding an armed rebellion from exile.
Key Biographical Information
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Ayaba Cho Lucas (also known as Lucas Ayaba Cho) |
| Born | August 25, 1972, North-West Region, Cameroon |
| Political Organization | Ambazonia Governing Council (AGovC) |
| Armed Wing | Ambazonia Defence Forces (ADF) |
| Current Status | In Custody (Arrested in Norway, September 2024) |
| Residence | Norway (since the 1990s; holds German/Norwegian citizenship) |
| Education | University of Buea (expelled); Norwegian University of Life Sciences |
The Struggle for Ambazonia
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Early Activism: Ayaba Cho first emerged as a student activist in the early 1990s. He was expelled from the University of Buea in 1993 for leading protests against tuition hikes and was subsequently imprisoned and tortured by Cameroonian authorities before fleeing into exile.
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The Anglophone Crisis: In 2017, peaceful protests by lawyers and teachers in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions against “marginalization” by the Francophone-led government were met with a violent state crackdown. This triggered a full-scale armed conflict.
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Commanding the ADF: As the leader of the AGovC, Ayaba Cho oversaw the creation of the Ambazonia Defence Forces (ADF). Unlike other separatist leaders who initially sought a peaceful solution, Ayaba Cho was an early and vocal proponent of armed struggle, aiming to make the Anglophone regions “ungovernable” for the Cameroonian state.
Arrest and Legal Controversies
Ayaba Cho Lucas is a polarizing figure, viewed by some as a liberation hero and by others—including the Cameroonian government and international human rights groups—as an architect of violence.
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Incitement Allegations: He frequently used social media to claim responsibility for attacks and to order “ghost towns” (enforced strikes) in the Anglophone regions. He has been accused of inciting his forces to target not just the military, but also civilians, schools, and anyone perceived as “enablers” of the state.
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Norway Arrest (2024): In a landmark case, Norwegian police arrested him on September 24, 2024. He was charged with incitement to crimes against humanity. This marked the first time Norway had ever charged an individual for inciting such crimes from Norwegian soil.
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Extended Detention: As of January 2025, Norwegian courts have continued to extend his detention while the investigation proceeds. He remains in custody in Norway, denying all charges and maintaining that his actions are part of a legitimate struggle for self-determination.
Broader Impact
His arrest has sent shockwaves through the African diaspora and separatist movements globally. It highlights the growing use of universal jurisdiction—where a country prosecutes a foreigner for crimes committed elsewhere—particularly when those crimes are allegedly coordinated from within that country’s borders.