A separatist-aligned group, the Ambazonian Prisoners of Conscience (APOC) writing from jail has announced the death of Ndangoh Patrick Asa’a, who died on May 9, 2026 while receiving treatment in Yaounde. His death triggered renewed frustration over the treatment of detainees linked to Cameroon’s Anglophone crisis.
In a statement attributed to APOC leader Sisiku AyukTabe, the group said Ndangoh died while in custody and described him as a committed supporter of the Ambazonian cause.
“With profound grief and revolutionary resolve, we announce the death of our brother, Comrade Ndangoh Patrick Asa’a, who passed away in detention at the Kondengui Principal Prison,” the statement said.
The group extended condolences to his family, saying he “died a prisoner, but lived and died a free Ambazonian,” and framed his death as part of a broader political struggle.
APOC alleged that Ndangoh’s detention was unlawful and accused authorities of denying him adequate medical care, bail, and trial. These allegations could not be independently verified.
The group further blamed the Cameroonian state for responsibility in his death in custody and called for international investigations by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
It also described Ndangoh as a symbol of resistance within the separatist movement, saying he “never bent, never broke, never begged” during his detention.
Medical history and detention background
According to information gathered, Ndangoh Patrick Asa’a was arrested in Bamenda in 2016 and held at the Gendarmerie headquarters (SED) facility for several months before his whereabouts was known following a video leak.
Sources linked to his case allege he was not formally tried for extended periods, though he was recently appearing in court amid what they described as renewed proceedings that could have led to his release.
He was reported to have suffered from prolonged illness and was admitted to hospital in November, where he remained under medical care until his death. Efforts to evacuate him for further treatment reportedly failed.
He was later transferred to Yaoundé’s General Hospital in Essos, where he was reportedly monitored by two prison warders until his death.
Ndangoh, who was once a municipal councillor of Bamenda I under the Social Democratic Front (SDF), was also described by acquaintances as a businessman with significant local influence.
His death has intensified scrutiny over the handling of Anglophone crisis related detainees by the judiciary with APOC alleging negligence.
No official medical or judicial report linked to his death had been has been released.
Ndangoh’s passing comes few weeks after the pope visited Bamenda releasing a dove for peace. Despite the peace act, separatist groups continue to demand independence for a self-declared state they call Ambazonia, while the government maintains it is confronting armed insurgency and restoring order.