In a tranquil classroom located in the verdant highlands of Cameroon, a former rebel fighter has taken on the role of educator, imparting lessons in logic and philosophy. Despite his composed and reflective demeanor, his past reveals a history marked by conflict and turmoil.
Ateasong Belts Tajoah, who once fought with the Red Dragons, a separatist group in the southwest region of the country, joined the movement in 2017 at the age of 23. His journey began when local militants approached his village, inviting him to transform his grievances with the government into active rebellion.
Tajoah felt alienated and overlooked by a government predominantly run by French speakers, a sentiment that echoed amongst many in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions. The discontent, which started as peaceful demonstrations led by lawyers and educators, escalated into violence nearly a decade ago following a harsh government response. The quest for independence in these regions has tragically claimed the lives of over 6,500 individuals and forced more than 1.1 million to flee their homes.
During his time as a rebel, Tajoah endured harsh conditions, finding shelter under plastic sheets, preparing meals for commanders, and participating in assaults on both military and civilian targets. “You could never sleep with both eyes closed,” he remarked, revealing scars on his neck and abdomen from gunfire.
Substance abuse was prevalent among the fighters, often used to dull the psychological pain stemming from constant fears of ambush and betrayal. Tajoah recounted the harrowing experiences of carrying the bodies of over 20 fallen comrades, which contributed to the weight of his trauma.
The strategy adopted by the group included targeting schools to undermine the government’s influence over the area, a decision that inflicted lasting damage on the educational environment. Armed factions imposed boycotts, torched classrooms, and executed educators who resisted their commands, leaving approximately 488,000 children out of school in 2024, as reported by UNICEF.
Admitting his involvement in the destruction, Tajoah refrained from detailing his actions but acknowledged the significant harm caused to many lives. His moment of reckoning arrived with the tragic death of his 11-year-old child during a government assault on his camp. Disenchanted with the separatist leadership and engulfed in grief, he surrendered in early 2019.
Tajoah subsequently entered a rehabilitation facility for former fighters in Buea, the capital of the Southwest region of Cameroon, where he spent 18 months reflecting on his choices. Like many ex-combatants, his path back to society has been fraught with challenges, as societal stigma lingers, complicating reintegration.
While the rehabilitation program offered skills training, it has faced backlash for sluggish implementation and insufficient resources. Tajoah observed the ongoing drug issue, allegedly exacerbated by officials responsible for guiding the ex-combatants. Some fighters reportedly found themselves coerced into military operations after laying down their arms, but the government did not respond to requests for comments on these matters.
Frustration with the rehabilitation process has led many former fighters to rejoin armed groups. In 2021, ex-combatants staged protests in Buea, denouncing the government’s failure to deliver promised support. Syndie Rhianne Makeutche, a peace researcher associated with the United Nations, highlighted that inadequate oversight and transparency are significant issues that could undermine the program’s credibility.
Despite these hurdles, Tajoah has forged a new path by completing a master’s degree in philosophy in July. He views teaching not just as a profession but as a means of confronting his past while guiding others away from similar mistakes. Initially, his position as an educator evoked fear among some, who viewed former combatants as uneducated and potentially violent.
Through dedication and an open dialogue about his history, Tajoah gained the trust of his students and the community. His passion for critical thinking and human behavior led him to teach logic and philosophy, subjects he was fond of even before his days as a fighter. He now challenges his students to think critically and pursue a more constructive future.
Outside the classroom, Tajoah has emerged as a vocal advocate for peace, using social media to educate others about the perils of violence, often sharing images of deceased fighters to illustrate the grim realities of armed conflict. He courageously travels to rural areas, encouraging youth to abandon arms. Some local residents credit his efforts with fostering peace, noting instances where former fighters have surrendered.
Though not everyone supports Tajoah’s mission, many perceive him as a symbol of hope. “More people understand now he’s here to bring peace and encourage others to drop their guns,” stated Ajiawung Columbus Fortulah, a traditional chief from Tajoah’s native Atulah village, highlighting positive changes such as the reopening of local schools.
However, Tajoah’s activism has come at a personal cost, with separatists threatening his life and his mother having been kidnapped twice. Another ex-combatant, Okha Naseri Clovis, similarly shares Tajoah’s resolve, studying logistics in Yaoundé, and engaging fellow ex-fighters to reconsider their choices and embrace a peaceful reintegration.
While Cameroonian authorities have expressed support for community initiatives linked to rehabilitation, critics argue that they have yet to address the fundamental causes of the ongoing crisis. The conflict remains unresolved, with stalled peace negotiations and mutual accusations of insincerity from both factions.
“There’s a difference between the Anglophone crisis and Ambazonian terrorism,” Tajoah emphasized. He believes that although Anglophones face marginalization, resorting to violence and kidnappings is not the solution, and advocating for dialogue and constructive action is vital. He aspires for his students to internalize this crucial message.
“I fought to close schools, but now I teach to open minds,” he stated. “The scars will always be there, but they don’t have to define you.”
