The Southern Cameroons Defence Forces (commonly referred to as SOCADEF) is the armed wing of the
African People's Liberation Movement, an
Ambazonian separatist movement. It is led by
Ebenezer Akwanga, who is based in the
United States, and its ground forces were commanded by General Andrew Ngoe.
[Cameroon: ‘Ambazonia General’ killed in Matoh](_blank)
Journal du Cameroun, Jan 24, 2019. Accessed Jan 24, 2019. Together with the
Ambazonia Defence Forces, it is one of the most prominent militias fighting in the
Anglophone Crisis.
SOCADEF has not joined the
Ambazonia Self-Defence Council, an umbrella organization created by the
Interim Government. However, its political wing, the
African People's Liberation Movement (APLM), took part in forming the
Southern Cameroons Liberation Council in March 2019, effectively uniting with the Interim Government under an umbrella organization.
On January 24, 2019, General Andrew Ngoe was killed in Matoh,
Mbonge, leaving "General Opobo" in charge.
The militia made some headlines in March 2020 when it declared a two-week ceasefire to give people time to get tested for
coronavirus
Coronaviruses are a group of related RNA viruses that cause diseases in mammals and birds. In humans and birds, they cause respiratory tract infections that can range from mild to lethal. Mild illnesses in humans include some cases of the com ...
. General Opobo was captured and killed by other separatists in June 2021, and SOCADEF was rumored to have disbanded. In reality, the militia went underground for several months while acquiring better weapons and a new leadership. In September 2021, SOCADEF resurfaced with a new leader known as "General Jason".
SOCADEF of Matoh introduces new General and recruits armed with sophisticated weapons
Mimi Mefo Infos, Sep 19, 2021. Accessed Sep 21, 2021.
References
{{SouthwestRegionCM-geo-stub
Military of Ambazonia
National liberation movements in Africa
Secessionist organizations