Cameroon reinforces security in Bamenda as October 1 approaches

The City of Bamenda, the center of crisis in the Anglophone Cameroon is holding its breath as October 1st approaches, restraint by the secessionists to proclaim an independence for the two areas formerly under the British administration.

Part of its inhabitants have decided to take refuge in neighboring cities of Bafoussam, Mbouda or in Douala and Yaoundé.

On behalf of the safeguarding of public order and national unity, government forces have been deployed to the region to prevent any disorder by the potential secessionists.
A massive police presence also contributes to the increase in the atmosphere.

“ it is with desolation that I said this because very early in our House, we found out that police has been deployed everywhere in the city, they prevented the people from going out, to the Church, even to their own business. They have even come to me to search. I do not know what they were looking for. They asked for my card and I presented it. I wonder if they believe that we had hidden things in our houses,” said An inhabitant of Bamenda.

While Bamenda takes the form of a dead city, the leaders of the secessionist wing which claim the creation of the Independent State of Ambazonie maintain their will to secede this Sunday. The positions taken have been published on the social media and is worrisome.

“I do not think that what we want to do here is a good idea, people are blinded by what is said abroad. there are leaders who are inclined to federalism, but they look for secession and are in abroad. I do not believe that we should follow the ideas of those in the diaspora. It is a bad idea for me and if people do not pay attention they will die,” said Another inhabitant of Bamenda.

The Anglophone crisis in Cameroon began in November 2016 by the claims brought by lawyers and teachers. These last few weeks, it has taken a new turn with demonstrations, leading to even explosions of homemade bombs in Bamenda and Douala.

About 20% of the 22 million Cameroonians, protests against what it calls its “marginalization”, in education and the judiciary in particular.