Cameroon/Nigeria

Rebel leader resigns, apologises

Article published on the 2009-08-12 Latest update 2009-08-13 12:34 TU

Bakassi Freedom Fighters
(Photo: www.nationaldailyngr.net)

The commander of the Bakassi Freedom Fighters (BFF) which opposes Cameroon's control of the oil-rich peninsula in the Gulf of Guinea, announced his resignation Tuesday in a letter addressed to the President and other high authorities in the capital Yaoundé.

In the letter dated 11 August, Nigerian-born Ebi Dari writes that he has no dealings with the BFF. “We reverse and withdraw all our rebel plans,” he wrote.

“He is apologizing to President Paul Biya and his cabinet, the military and all arms of the government of Cameroon,” correspondent Denis Nkwebo says.

The leader warned that the BFF continues its struggle under new leadership and had plans to attack next October in the Bakassi peninsula.

Rich in oil, the Bakassi peninsula witnessed recurrent skirmishes between Nigeria and Cameroon for 15 years until August 2008, when Cameroon was awarded full sovereignty by the International Court of Justice. But the BFF has strongly opposed the ICJ verdict and continues to fight.