A federal grand jury in Minnesota has indicted two naturalized U.S. citizens from Cameroon, Benedict Nwana Kuah and Pascal Kikishy Wongbi, for allegedly orchestrating a series of violent attacks, including kidnappings, bombings, and killings, in their native country. The indictment, unsealed as part of a broader crackdown on transnational criminal networks, outlines a campaign of violence over nearly a decade that has left numerous civilians dead and injured. These individuals, both residents of the United States, are alleged to have used their status as American citizens to plan and coordinate attacks that have had a significant impact on Cameroon’s security and stability.
The charges against Kuah and Wongbi are extensive and include conspiracy to kill, kidnap, maim, and injure persons abroad, as well as conspiracy to provide material support or resources for these violent acts. According to the Department of Justice, the men, who held leadership roles in the Ambazonia Defense Forces (ADF), a separatist group seeking independence for the English-speaking region of Cameroon, were responsible for directing co-conspirators in the country to carry out bombings and kidnappings. These attacks, which targeted civilians, government officials, and security forces, were part of a broader strategy to coerce the Cameroonian government into recognizing the legitimacy of the ADF’s demands.
The indictment details a timeline of events that began in 2017, with the two men allegedly sending thousands of dollars to co-conspirators in Cameroon to purchase weapons and explosives. These funds were used to conduct various attacks, including a kidnapping of a government official in 2022 that was followed by the release of propaganda videos. In 2023, Kuah is accused of planning an IED attack that targeted a regional governor and financing a bombing at the Mount Cameroon Race for Hope, an event that injured 19 people. That same year, an ADF commander under Kuah’s command was accused of killing two unarmed civilians in a market square, while Wongbi was seen in a propaganda video issuing threats against the Cameroonian government.
In 2024, Kuah allegedly approved the funding and operational plan for a Youth Day celebration bombing that resulted in the death of a 15-year-old girl and injured dozens of other children. The indictment further alleges that Kuah and Wongbi used online platforms to solicit donations for their operations through campaigns named “The Takeover Fund” and “Operation 200AKs,” which were designed to raise funds for the purchase of AK-47 rifles and explosives. Kuah is also accused of appearing in multiple videos that urged supporters to fund the acquisition of weapons and ammunition, indicating a deliberate effort to sustain and expand their violent activities.
Matthew Galeotti, acting assistant attorney general of the DOJ’s Criminal Division, stated that these individuals used their position as U.S. citizens to “cause death, terror, and suffering among innocent civilians.” Joseph Thompson, the acting U.S. attorney for the District of Minnesota, emphasized that the state is not a launchpad for overseas violence, noting that the accused “operated from the comfort of their living rooms in Minnesota.” The DOJ’s statement highlighted the significance of this prosecution in ensuring that individuals who commit crimes abroad can be held accountable within the U.S. legal system, reinforcing the commitment to international justice and the protection of global security.
The case has drawn attention from legal and human rights organizations, which are closely monitoring the proceedings as they unfold. Legal analysts suggest that this indictment reflects a broader trend of increased prosecutorial focus on transnational criminal enterprises and their operations within domestic jurisdictions. The potential for life imprisonment if convicted underscores the severity of the charges and the gravity of the alleged crimes. As the case moves forward, the legal and diplomatic implications of this indictment will likely continue to be a subject of public and international interest.