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DDR Buea: Ex Separatist Combatants “Radicalized”, Promise More Protests

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It’s over and we have been here for more than a year. We have our families, wives and children we need to care for, that’s our cry “

                                                                     -DDR Buea Inmate

Things seem calm after disgruntled ex-Fighters for the Ambazonian “Virtual Country” stormed the Bossa street in Buea, February 1st, demanding for their Freedom. The more than 50 youths who appeared in the center’s yellow and red jerseys, didn’t retreat without making worrisome utterances that jeopardize the peace of the Centre and the Southwest Region entire.

Looking wild with sticks, cruel tones, beer bottles, cigarettes and even other hard drugs, verbal bashing and threats that made nonsense of the huge military deployed to them, one could quickly rather wonder how these fighters had been this Radicalized in a Reintegration Center.

“…We have just started with Bossa Junction. Next, we will move to other streets and quarters in Buea if we are not freed”. They told administrative authorities in loud voices while demanding to see no one else but the “Father”, Governor.

                                                                                   Inmates address officials

It therefore took tact and perseverance by The Secretary General to the Southwest Governor’s Office, Dr Mohamadou, The Divisional Officer for Buea, Abba Abdurahman and a host of Military commanders more than 5 hours to restore peace from the chaos.

These fighters say their time is far overdue at this center and demand their release. Talking to one, he says; “We are striking because we were told we will be released after 6 or 7 months. Its over and we have been here for more than a year. We have our families, wives and children we need to care for, that’s our cry “

Onlookers present like many who have seen the strike images online, have been regretting the unfortunate event. Many blame the Structure for inadequate management skills that have often killed the trust of the other arms carrying youths still in bushes. This given that the Fighters are not new in their Complains especially on issues relating to living Standards, work offers and Liberation time frame from the Centre.

Same Complains have been launched by their counterparts of the DDR in Bamenda, Northwest Region seemingly making it hard for Government to manage her promises as more fighters keep enrolling into the centres.

However, others still hold to the opinion that, 6 months isn’t enough time for mental rebuilding, learning of New craft and getting job for all as promised by the State. Though Government has rewarded some few with jobs, alot is yet awaited. Its therefore a moment authorities should address these fighters to advert any more of such retaliation that will only go to create more violence in the ongoing tension.

In a country like Cameroon where Jobs are hard to find, opportunities are indeed a real luck, availing these close to 400 youths of both centres with jobs or start-up capital is what might be very daunting for the Cameroon Government.

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