Coffin Revolution Activist: Mancho Bibixy Tse (Getty image)
By Neba Jerome Ambe
Detained Anglophone activist Mancho Bibixy Tse has urged supporters and residents of the North West Region to allow ongoing road rehabilitation works in Bamenda to continue, despite concerns from some sympathizers who believe the project should wait until detained activists regain their freedom.
In a statement issued from the Yaounde Central Prison and dated March 16, 2026, Bibixy addressed growing reactions among supporters regarding the rehabilitation of roads in Bamenda, a long-standing demand that partly triggered the Anglophone protests nearly a decade ago.
Bibixy, who is widely known for leading the symbolic Coffin Revolution, recalled that the protests of 2016–2017 Anglophone Crisis Protests began partly because of the poor state of infrastructure, including roads in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon. “On November 21, 2016, we came out as a people to protest against the sorrowful state of our roads and other acts of marginalisation,” Bibixy stated.
Following the protests, several activists including Bibixy, were arrested and transferred to detention facilities in French-speaking parts of the country, where they were later tried and sentenced to lengthy prison terms. According to him, many supporters have recently expressed frustration that road rehabilitation projects are being carried out while those who demanded them remain in prison.
Mancho Bibixy being taken to court (Getty image)
In his message, Bibixy summarised the concerns raised by supporters, including calls for the government to release detained activists before completing the road works, and suggestions that the construction should be delayed or interrupted.
However, the activist firmly rejected such proposals, urging the population to allow the development projects to continue.
“My people, when we opted to fight for you, it was from our hearts. We are freedom fighters and we expect no reward,” Bibixy said. “Let the works go on.”
He also dismissed claims that his position indicates compromise or weakness, insisting that the decision reflects the broader interests of the population.
Bibixy further clarified that the rehabilitation works do not in any way determine the innocence of the detained activists, maintaining that they were never guilty of wrongdoing. He added that several international organisations have previously called for their release.
Despite the controversy surrounding the issue, Bibixy encouraged supporters to remain hopeful and continue praying for those still in detention. “The harder the battle, the sweeter the victory,” he concluded, reiterating the movement’s slogan: “All for one, one for all.”
The statement comes amid ongoing discussions among residents and activists in Bamenda about development projects in the region, which has been heavily affected by the prolonged Anglophone crisis.
