Maryland Man Indicted for Alleged Support of Violent Separatist Attacks in Cameroon

A Gaithersburg, Maryland man has been federally indicted for allegedly conspiring to support armed separatist groups in Cameroon that are accused of committing violent attacks against civilians. Eric Tano Tataw, 38, a Cameroonian national known online as the “Garri Master,” is facing charges including providing material support to a conspiracy to murder, kidnap, and maim individuals in Cameroon.

According to court documents, Tataw allegedly collaborated with others to assist secessionist groups in Cameroon’s Northwest and Southwest regions. These groups, collectively known as “Amba Boys,” are pursuing the creation of an independent state called “Ambazonia.” Prosecutors claim Tataw used his social media influence to incite violence, raise funds, and coordinate attacks on civilians in an effort to pressure the Cameroonian government. The indictment describes his role in a campaign that included the mutilation of individuals perceived to be government collaborators.

Authorities say Tataw coined the term “Garriing” to describe the severing of limbs, categorizing such acts as either “small Garri” or “large Garri,” the latter including killings. His online posts, made through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter, allegedly reached tens of thousands and were often circulated further by others acting under his influence. Tataw is accused of directing violence toward municipal workers, traditional leaders, and employees of state-owned enterprises.

Prosecutors also allege that between 2018 and 2020, Tataw and his co-conspirators raised over $110,000 through a campaign titled the “National AK Campaign,” with the aim of arming separatist fighters with AK-47 rifles. The funds were reportedly sent to fighters in Cameroon and neighboring Nigeria. Investigators say Tataw maintained direct communication with these armed groups and took credit for acts of violence against civilians carried out by the separatists.

Tataw has been charged with conspiring to provide material support and making threatening communications. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison for the conspiracy charge and up to five years for each count of threatening communications. He remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland

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