Chamberlain Ntou’u Ndong, administrative boss, Meme Division of the restive Southwest of Cameroon has in a communique dated September 5th, ordered for a shutdown of the Division especially it’s Headquarter, Kumba for 2 days.
The administrator who has been active is frustrating activities of separatist fighters for the creation of the Ambazonian Nation says, the Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th lockdown is owing to security threats posed by the “Amba Fighters” in Meme Division.
His ban affects markets, public gatherings, schools, churches, transportation, businesses and every activity as total ghost town is expected on these days. However, administrative cars, military armors and ambulances are permitted strictly to circulate.
This decision has come as a hard pill forced down the throats of denizens of this town who are currently trapped in an unpopular 2-week lockdown equally sanctioned by the Separatists to stop schools from resuming in Anglophone Cameroon.
Understanding that Saturdays and Sundays are days that the separatists had kept aside for businesses to run and for the population to stock food stuff and medication ahead of the upcoming week of lockdown, many think that Mr. Chamberlain’s move is a retaliative approach to punish citizens for what they describe as “Obedience to the separatists calls”.
Administrative authorities in the Anglophone Cameroon have of late taken harsh decisions to complement those of separatist that have left the innocent civilian between the devil and the red sea. The people say, they are found wanting between two demons.
An Anonymous writer to the Standard Mirror from Meme Division’s Chief town, Kumba says, such days are most dreaded for them as many are killed by crossfire operations. Looting, kidnaps, and other inhumane atrocities are on the rise.” I wish I had escaped to Douala at the start of this lockdown” she cried.
Some weeks ago, Iron rods for construction had been banned from another Division Lebialem, as fear rise that the most active militia group, Red Dragon of Field Marshal could use them for fabrication of local arms.
In other places like the Northwest region, Governor Adolf Lele had stopped circulation of motor bikes in some areas for fear of militia attacks.
As the crisis persist with over 2,000 recorded dead, many more are running into refugee camps in neighboring Nigeria while emptying themselves in French Cameroon.
The Government of President Paul Biya has remained defiant to calls from local and international stakeholders to call for dialogue that could end the crisis that is in its 3rd year.
