Nothing seemingly is changing in regards to the Anglophone Crisis as attempts made by Government and Civil Society and Religious bodies seem to be abortive for each step ahead seems a step behind. The people of the Region are already sick and tired of being sick and tired.
A friend of mine talked to a displaced family in Douala living in a one-room house (Nine persons) and their greatest wish was to go back to their village (Kwa Kwa) in the South West Region of Cameroon. They just want to live regardless of oppression or freedom.
On the 21st and 22nd November, Religious authorities headed by Christian Cardinal Tumi organized an All Anglophone Conference in Buea that was to bring the peoples representatives from the Regions but unfortunately, the Government denied to grant permission for this body to hold. However many Ambazonians denied this Conference as they said it is a pro Biya conference. They then called for a five days Ghost town to frustrate the efforts of the Clergy.
The Government of Mr. Biya through a presidential Decree, however, has created a committee called “National Commission for Disarmament” on November 30th, 2018, appointing Fai Yengo Francis as head of the Commission. The main aim of the Committee is to reintegrate Ex-Boko Haram fighters as well as Ambazonian fighters. However, these efforts are coming only from the part of the Government without the Ambazonian Defense forces. Many have described this action as putting the cart in front of the halls.
Amidst these proposed solutions from the government, fighting continues between the Government forces and Ambazonia fighters in Kumbo where many shops and houses have been burnt as well as human lives lost on both camps.
Who now controls “Ambazonia”? The Interim Government of Ambazonia through their Communication Secretary Called for the annulations of Ghost towns on Mondays from December 3rd to the January 7th so that the people could enjoy the advent season, however, the Cho Ayaba the Military Commander said NO to this and on Monday 3rd December there was still the regular ghost town.
I try to be fair in my opinions though the sea ends at the shore.
This assessment of the current situation in the west of Cameroon comes from Drausicht Bamenda. The conflict in the English-speaking part of the country is currently threatening not only our cooperation project but also the lives of our colleagues, friends and their families.