Chizoba Corlinus Nweke, a courageous Cameroonian entrepreneur and activist, was forced to flee his homeland after enduring multiple arrests and detentions by the oppressive government forces of Cameroon. His unwavering commitment to the now-outlawed SCNC political group, which champions the rights and democracy of the severely marginalized Anglophone Cameroonians, made him a target for persecution. As a vocal critic of the government, he faced grave danger in the form of human rights abuses, torture, potential imprisonment or death, and relentless death threats from the Cameroonian police and military.
Leaving behind his beloved wife, Nguetkam Christelle, and two young sons, Bliss and Bryan Nweke, Chizoba embarked on a perilous journey to escape the brutal treatment he suffered in detention. His path to freedom led him through Nigeria, Liberia, Ghana, and Ethiopia before finally arriving in Brazil. Relying on treacherous road and sea transportation, and with the assistance of a dangerous cartel of smugglers who control the underworld of Latin American countries, Chizoba managed to reach the United States in search of asylum.
In a heart-wrenching phone interview, Mr. Nweke recounted the harrowing ordeals he faced during his life-threatening journey through the notorious Darien Gap between Colombia and Panama. Suffering from a sprained knee, famine, and a severe chest infection, he was left for dead in the unforgiving wilderness for days. It is nothing short of a miracle that he survived this grueling journey, which spanned several months.
As Chizoba awaits the outcome of his asylum case with the USICS, he is striving to heal from the trauma of the torture and persecution he endured in Cameroon and the harrowing journey to the United States. With the support of fellow Cameroonian Americans and charitable organizations in Houston, Texas, he is working to rebuild his life and integrate into the local community. Chizoba Corlinus Nweke’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and serves as a sobering reminder of the countless Cameroonians who have faced, are facing, and will continue to face similar ordeals for daring to stand up against tyranny in their beloved country.
Please Check a few poignant images of Mr. Nweke during his perilous journey through the Darien Gap.
