Fake News, Stray Animals, Deserted Town & More; A Bird's Eye View of the Struggle in Mbengwi

As the count down to the historic October 7th 2018 presidential election in Cameroon narrows, as Cameroonians go to the polls this coming Sunday to vote a new president,  Mbengwi Online brings to you a bird's eye view of the Momo Divisional Headquarters.

Barely hours left for the grand event, the town of Mbengwi remains highly deserted. Previously inhabitants of Ngyen-Mbo, Mile 19, Mile 20, Njinibi, Nyen, Kob, Tudig, Acha-Tugi and Ngwokwong were first to escape because the exercise of military might started in these communities especially as they were in records to be hosting separatist fighters known locally as "Amba Boys". While these communities tasted gunshots and military excesses like burnings and killings, life went on unperturbed in G.R.A, Njembeng, Bome, Mile 17 and Mile 18, the heart of the sub division. Ngyen-Mbo being the entry/exit community of the sub division had long been deserted because the last remaining control post in the entire sub division is located here. Because of attacks, the post had been relocated severally from New Lay Out to near the Presbyterian Church, to around Monastery junction and finally to Wednesday Market. The villagers abandoned their homes because of rampant gun exchanges.

Stray Pig Wandering Around

Villages like Bessi Fomukong, Sang, Munam, Touembeng are now playing host to these Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who hadn't the means to travel to Douala and Yaounde as many others have been doing. But life in these host communities is full of fake news and fright. Despite being located kilometres away from Mbengwi central town where uniform officers have been stationed, the inhabitants of these communities tend to live in more fear. On uncountable occasions, they've had to flee their homes into the bushes just because someone blew a false alarm that soldiers are coming. These communities are enclaved with very bad roads yet one is baffled how fake news continues to frighten them. People escape from Njindom to Zang Tembeng, those here abandon them in their homes and escape to Munam and it continues. At the end of it, one realises that the quest to relocate is inexplicable. Psychologically, the people feel unsecured in their own homes. They just feel okay to relocate even if its to their neighbours house.

Reporter on the Run

 Last Sunday September 30th I was in a village called Barakwe. Christians had just finished service from the presbyterian church when a young boy probably out of imagination shouted in the vernacular that they are coming. Within 30 seconds, the village square was empty. Old mothers and fathers with walking sticks disappeared into thin air, some arriving home panting and sweating. In this very Barakwe, many villagers have continued to abandon their homes at night and go sleep elsewhere. About two weeks back, over five military trucks on mission to dismantle a separatist fighters camp in Mile 16, Norngmeukwe lost their way and instead went but to Barakwe. Within no time, news went round of the looming danger. A lady jumped out through the window into the backyard and that was how all took to the bushes. The news spread to Wumnebit, Njindom, Wumnemburg, Chenam, Bessi that they are already in Barakwe. Its was a bad day for the poeople of Tondig. Many slept out that night. The military actually realised they were in the wrong place, made a U-turn without any gunshot or atrocity to their real destination, Mile 16. Today, the trauma is still haunting many people in Barakwe reason why they don't still sleep in their homes at night. The still hallucinate the sight and imaginations of how they cheated death. But why do these people fear the military so much? Because of the atrocities they cause on the field when sent on mission. If it happens to "A" why not "B"?

Deserted Mbon Motor Park

That same day, upon arrival in Mile 16, Nongmeukwe, the military engaged in serious heavy gunshots to destroy the camp that was there. The sounds could be heard kilometres away. Again, someone raised a false alarm in Munam that the firing is approaching their community. That was how inhabitants here took to the bushes. Munam is the last border town to Bafut. From Mbengwi, one needs to pass through Bessi Fomukong, Njindom, Sang to get to Munam. The soldiers didn't near any of these villages yet those at the extreme end took to the bush.

On 1st October 2018, inhabitants of these rural communities stayed indoors. They had been made to believe that a flag will be hoisted in Buea. So on several occasions I had to be answering questions like "What's the latest?", " How's Mbengwi?", "Where did they hoist the flag?" and I was like who brainwashed these persons? What has hoisting a flag got to do? I gave them correct news as a newsman.

Brisk Business at Kwe Market, Bessi Fomukong

Before relocating, many of the villagers in fierce fighting areas had to free their domestic animals like pigs and goats to stray, to fend for themselves. And so passing in these scary communities, all what finds is stray domestic animals and birds. The homes are empty. But back in the hinterlands, life is booming. Villages still having functional weekly markets like Bessi Fomukong and Munam are now booming. I was at the Kwe market in Bessi last Tuesday. I saw communalism. Apart from Sunday service for Christians, the only place where people from all walks of life gather is at the village market squares. After undesirably staying indoors for days, many found the market as last bus stop to once more meet and commune with others since funerals and wedding ceremonies are now rare and low keyed. Reports say just like in Bessi, hundreds always gather at the Aje'eh weekly market in Munam to do business and have fun.

Mile 17 had been enjoying relative calm not until when the military stormed Norngmeukwe for an attack on a separatist fighters camp. The inhabitants of Mile 17 flee. Mile 18 was the last remaining peaceful area in the whole Mbengwi probably because it hosts the gendarmerie and police posts. It's the heart of the sub division and so was considered a difficult to attack area. But hell broke lose last Saturday September 29 when in the early hours of the morning, the lion was dared in its den. Separatist fighters came attacking the gendarmerie and police posts. For over 30 minutes, the population danced to the music and tunes of various gun sounds. When the government forces successfully repelled the fighters, calm returned and that same day, doubting Thomases in Mile 18 took to their heels.

Armoured Cars During an Intervention in Njikwa
Cr: Honneur et Fidelité, Cameroon Military's Official Facebook Page

That was how an entire sub division emptied its vulnerable population into urban towns and into the suburbs. However as the adage goes in Meta, _Not all ants will ever leave the hill._ They are still few persons in these deserted areas that have made up their mind that until death do them part, they are going nowhere.  Even at the sight of an armoured car (what many dread the most), they still stay put. An armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) is an armed combat vehicle protected by armour, generally combining operational mobility and defensive capabilities. To them, soldiers are human beings who reason, who go after an enemy and not just any person. So if they aren't the enemy why should they escape?

The clock is ticking for Sunday morning when the polls will be opened. The fate of Mbengwi in this election remains undetermined. Will voting take place? In how many polling stations? How will the exercise go on? How will the post election atmosphere look like? Your trusted news blog, Mbengwi Online shall cover and report the events as they unfold ceteris patibus.

Election Fever in Mbengwi Records Low Temperature Reading.

Election Fever in Mbengwi Records Low Temperature Reading.

Barely days left for Cameroonians to go to the polls to elect a new president, the campaign fever that's gripped other towns is missing in action in Mbengwi, the Momo Divisional Headquarters in the North Western region. Going by media reports, presidential aspirants and their supporters have been touring almost every part of the nation, galvanising for votes but for some parts of the two Anglophone regions.

Against all odds, the CPDM successfully held a campaign rally at Mountain Hotel Buea and Congress Hall, Bamenda though critics have said it was more of an in-house meeting than a  campaign rally per se because of the security and enclosure. During the Bamenda meeting, the regional campaign manager, Prime Minister Philemon Yang installed divisional heads of campaign missions within the N.W for the ruling party. Such were charged with the responsibility of working in collaboration with ground militants to ensure that the door to door message of The Force of Experience, their party's presidential candidate's  campaign slogan reaches the nukes and crannies of their sections, sub sections and cells.

Presidential Hopeful Akere T. Muna

State Audit Minister, Mbah Achah Rose was installed to head the campaigns in Momo Division. Since then, the divisional headquarters is yet to be gripped by the campaign fever. No single poster of any other candidate has been pasted anywhere in the town, but for The Force of Experience posters of incumbent president Paul Biya. The few inhabitants still left in the deserted town of Mbengwi woke up this Sunday morning, the last day in September to find campaign posters of Paul Biya pasted almost everywhere in Mbon Motor Park, Mile 18 and other major streets. Among the inhabitants, nobody dares identify himself or herself with any political party. No single individual has been able to muster courage and put on the fabric or T-shirt or gadgets of any political party.  At the level of Elections Cameroon (ELECAM) Momo Divisional Branch and Mbengwi Communal Branch offices, it's like they are in charge of everything but elections. Both offices are deserted, workers have become internally displaced and are seeking refuge elsewhere. I met with one ELECAM staff who told me for security reasons and based on what's been happening in other areas where their offices are being burnt, non of them feel comfortable again identifying themselves with the office.

H.E Minister Mbah Acha, Momo Divisional Campaign Head for the C.P.D.M

Everything being equal, this year's presidential elections would've been very remarkable to the people of Mbengwi in particular and Momo Division in general because for the first time in the history of Cameroon, a son of the soil, Akere Tandeng Muna is vying for the presidency of the republic under the banner of Popular Front for Development (PFD). Akere Muna is eying the Etoudi prestigious seat yet his charity had to probably due to conditions beyond control not begin from home. One would've expected Mbengwi, his hometown to be the bastion of his political party yet since he declared his intentions to stand as presidential candidate till date, he has never set foot in Mbengwi publicly.

Crowd at a Campaign Rally in Douala, Mbengwi Used to Have Such in the Good Old Days

Compared to the incumbent that has enjoyed blessings from the traditional authorities of the South Region, Akere Muna is yet to enjoy such blessings and probably conferment of a traditional title from the fons of the Meta clan. It should be recalled that  months after her presidential appointment as Minister Delegate at the Presidency in Charge of the Supreme State Audit, Madam Mbah Acha née Fomundam Rose was conferred the traditional title of "Ingor-te-Widikum" by the Meta fons during the 50th Anniversary celebration of the Meta Cultural and Development Association (MECUDA) that took place on the Mbengwi municipal stadium in December 2015. Just for aspiring to be president, it's obvious the Meta fons that are very charitable with dishing out titles would've served Akere with one but for now, no one can tell why Akere chose to sideline his own people from his ambitions when they needed him most, at least for consolation and promises, the language of politics.

With this atmosphere of uncertainty and abandonment by aspirants, the commoners are wondering if the October 7th 2018 presidential elections will be a non event in Mbengwi? Government sources have however maintained the firm stance of the state and given all assurance that the elections will hold in Mbengwi and other sub divisions of Momo just like elsewhere in the country in a smooth and serene atmosphere.

Prayers for Peace in Mbengwi Intensified as Bullets Rain

Prayers for Peace in Mbengwi Intensified as Bullets Rain

The 2018 International Day of Peace was commemorated last Friday September 21st. Recognized by the United Nations and first celebrated in 1982, it is a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and people. The theme for this year was "The Right to Peace - the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70". In its Article 3, it states that "Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person". These elements build the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.

To mark the day, some denominations organised weeklong activities that ended last Sunday September 22nd 2018. At P.C.C Njembeng Congregation in the Meta Presbytery of the N.W region, Christians attended service with peace plants. Reverend Epie Mark K. is the parish pastor. "You know we live at a time when we are in dire need of peace and the Moderator of the P.C.C organised a week of prayers for peace. We have been praying for peace in our land and our nation. This week of prayers culminated with a special church service today to pray for peace because we see that our brothers and sisters are dying, they've fled their homes, our land has been deserted and we think that only God can restore us back to our past glories. We can only cry to him because he is the prince of peace" he said.

Christians With Peace Plants in Church During Service

It should be recalled that on Thursday June 7th 2018, a college of clergy men in Mbengwi in collaboration with the Momo administration under the stewardship of the Senior Divisional Officer, Absalom Monono Woloa organised a special ecumenical service dubbed "Our Choirs Sing for Peace". Since then till date, but for a few exceptional cases of military and separatist fighter's excesses, the town of Mbengwi is reported to have fortunately been enjoying relative peace, compared to other areas. To the Reverend Epie Mark, it's a clear prove that God answers prayers. Hear him, "For sure our God is a God who always says Yes and Amen, our God is a God who never lies. He has assured us that his peace he gives to us and so we are very confident that God is using even us here in Mbengwi to prove to the world that he is a God of peace and we pray that we experience better peace than we have experienced so far, God being on our side"

While others have been focusing all their attention on prayers 24/7, the presbyterian church believes prayers precede action. It is for this reason that the church has been reaching out with humanitarian support to Internally Displaced Persons in Cameroon and refugees in Nigeria brought about by the ongoing anglophone crisis. Put together by Christians of the P.C.C through its local congregations and supported by partners like The Methodist Church of England and Mission 21, the donations in cash and materials like medication, dresses, mattresses, food and other equipment are being handed to victims irrespective of their religious inclinations.

 A similar exercise is to be conducted by P.C.C Njembeng in the days ahead reason why the parish pastor called on all I.D.Ps within the congregation to get registered so as to benefit irrespective of age for the items have been classified for persons between 0-4 years, 5-11, 12-17, 18-59 years and 60 years and above. As Rev. Epie Mark put it, "The church first took the initiative even before the government because we have to be one another's keeper, we have to be brothers and sisters in the Lord, taking care of the needs of one another. And so as a church, we felt the need to meet the needs of our own brothers and sisters who have lost properties, who've lost homes and are displaced, living in other people's lands and houses. We thought the only way we could meet them is to give a generous hand to them. The government has just come behind us and we cannot condemn such a gesture because it is in the one hand to meet the needs of the people but what we demand so strongly from the government is justice and that the powers that be should look into the situation and solve it from the roots for us to live in peace." he ended.

Rev. Epie Mark K. Parish Pastor, P.C Njembeng

Drawing his text from Galathians 5:13-5, the officiating minister at the service focused his sermon on Christian freedom during which he said Christianity is the only true democracy. Barely six days after the service, it rained bullets in Mbengwi when separatist fighters attacked the gendarmerie and police posts in Mile 18, the heart of the sub division. The military, charged with securing territorial integrity succeeded to chase the attackers away.

Governor Adolf Lele Woos Fighters With Psychosocial & Logistical Support Upon Repentance

Governor Adolf Lele Woos Fighters With Psychosocial & Logistical Support Upon Repentance

The governor of the N.W Region of Cameroon, Adolf Lele Lafrique has called on the population of his region of command to remain the peace loving, law abiding and above all God fearing citizens that they've always been in the face of the ongoing sociopolitical and security turmoil rocking the region. He made this call last Friday September 14 2018 in a press release he read out to media persons in the MINEPAT regional delegation conference hall, Up Station, Bamenda.

He began by first announcing to the entire population of the region that following the growing acts of killing, kidnapping for ransom, looting of property, destruction of personal documents and generalized vandalism perpetrated against pupils, students, teachers, innocent civilian masses and the defence and security forces accompanied by threats from secessionist activities promising to ground socioeconomic activities and hinder circulation of persons within, into and out of the region in the days ahead, government has taken appropriate measures following very high instructions from the Head of State to guarantee the collective safety and security of the movements and activities of the inhabitants of the region through the end of year festivities and stop trouble makers.

Adolf Lele Lafrique, N.W Governor

Adolf Lele Lafrique reiterated what had since been in practice, that movements of persons and goods shall be subjected to strict (but highly professional) controls in accordance with section 2 of Law No. 90/54 of 19 Dec. 1990. He warned that private individuals, commercial vehicles or motorbikes that shall be caught in the act of transporting terrorists or compromising materials and those facilitating such transactions shall simply be assimilated as terrorists themselves and treated as such.

In the press release, the governor also called on all parents, children, loved ones, brothers and sisters who have been misguided and misled to take up arms against the fatherland to surrender their weapons to the nearest Administrative, Traditional, Municipal or Religious authority and as a follow up, they shall be entitled to psychological and logistical support for their eventual rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

The strengths of the diaspora in stirring the struggle weren't underestimated. Adolf Lele Lafrique offered them an olive branch by saying, "Our brothers and sisters in the diaspora are called upon to desist from manipulating the population and sponsoring socioeconomic hardship and illiteracy, but to instead redirect their hard earned resources to socioeconomic development and education which they themselves benefitted from and which has made them the respectable men and women they are; and to accompany the government in Nation building as true and committed patriots."

He ended by asking God to bless Cameroon. However, it should be noted that before, during and after the governor's release, hundreds of public transport vehicles fully loaded with goods and passengers kept speeding out of the region, clearly indicative of the governor's call for  inhabitants to stay put and go about their normal life unperturbed to have fallen on deaf ears.

Before now, contradictory messages of calls from the supposed Ambazonia leaders abroad and ground zero fighters for a complete shutdown of the two Anglophone regions for close to a month had been widely spread on social media. They were received with high condemnation and opposition. Though subsequent messages from various angles have been trying to reprogram the supposed shutdown, in a bit not to add insult to injury, such are alleged to be coming little too late because for fear of the unknown and foreseeing their inability to stay indoors for close to a month, an alarming proportion of the population has been fleeing into Baffoussam, Douala, Yaounde and other towns to seek refuge.

The crisis have continued to escalate because both separatist fighters and government troops have vehemently refused to listen to the numerous resounding calls for an immediate ceasefire and commencement of  dialogue. Instead both parties have rather been going in for more and more sophisticated weaponry to exhibit their might. In the midst of this two elephants fights, the grass (innocent citizens) is suffering.

Mbengwi; Dry Taps in Rainy Season

Mbengwi; Dry Taps in Rainy Season

Early in the mornings and late in the evenings, children and youths are regularly seen in their numbers with empty buckets, jugs and other  containers criss crossing one part of the municipality to another in search of the precious liquid, water. For over a month now, many households in Mbengwi especially in the Mile 18, Mile 19, Wumfi, Muswe neighbourhoods and even G.R.A, hosting the top notches of the sub division have gone without water.

Youths from Fetching Water

Koye Glory is a single mother in Mbengwi. Almost in tears, she decried the precarious situation saying they've really been suffering for over a month now. She says they've now turned to wells in the quarters whose water they use in washing dresses and cooking especially as water from the well is very clean. However for fear of the unknown, the thirsty population doesn't drink from the wells. Since few taps are still flowing in the quarters, they go and beg to carry drinkable pipe borne water from neighbours.

Koye Glory, Fetching Water from a Well

Fon Elvis is a restaurateur in Mbengwi. On how the water crisis is affecting his business, he said, "I spend a thousand francs a day on bike to go and fetch portable water from Ku village, Bome, covering a distance of close to two kilometres. When I contacted some of the water authorities, they said we should give them money for repairs but couldn't be specific on the amount." He added that there's a well near him from where they also fetch water and distil with salt and other chemicals before usage. But that to his greatest dismay, despite the dry taps, the issuance of water bills continues.

Having heard from the suffering consumers, I went noosing for reactions from the office of the water utility company, Camwater to get their own side of the story. Speaking off record and on basis of anonymity, the official there that attended to me confirmed that their office is very much aware of the situation on the ground and know all the affected areas. But to him, the problem is the current Anglophone crisis that's been greatly affecting every sector of the economy negatively, water inclusive. He went ahead to say from their office to the water source up the hills of Guneku village and the treatment centre in Wumngang is a distance of several kilometres. Considering that these areas are remote and alleged to be hideouts of separatist fighters, they in the office can't dare risk their lives to go there. They regret the situation but put the blame on insecurity.

Dry Taps in Rainy Season

Should the current crisis persist, will the population continue to  have dry throats? Luckily, no outbreak of any water borne disease has been reported and more so, the rains are still falling but with the approach of the dry season, a bad situation is feared to get worse.

Impromptu Markets Erupt in Mbengwi

Impromptu Markets Erupt in Mbengwi

With the collapse of the Tad weekly market, the biggest in Mbengwi Central Sub Division in the N.W region of Cameroon, caused by the ongoing anglophone crisis, new temporal markets have been sprouting up within the central town of the municipality. As such, sellers are now compelled to move from the suburbs with their produce to Mile 19 and Mile 18 to meet buyers. On Wednesday September 12 2018, Tad market was supposed to function in Nyen village, located some 3km from Mbengwi town but instead, brisk business went on at Hilltop Mile 19 and Mbon Park Mile 18.

Items on Sale

Madam Asah Grace, a buyer at the make shift market at Mile 18 explained that she didn't go to Tad market in Nyen because she discovered that all those who were supposed to sell in Tad have instead come to Mbengwi. From her findings, traders aren't going there because of the way the market's been destroyed. As for the pricing, she said she bought a bucket of garri for 4.000F, a bucket of cocoyams for 4.500F but the prices weren't stable. They fluctuate depending on the bargaining power of the buyer

Aerial View of Mile 19 Hilltop Market Site

Contrary to allegations that Mbengwi is highly deserted, the population that showed up this day at these temporal market sites clearly indicated that there is still much life within the Mbengwi municipality. Farm produce like palm oil, garri and domestics animals like pigs, goats were very much available for sale. The reasons why buyers and sellers can't still access the Tad market despite the opening up of the roads by the military that were barricaded with tree trunks by separatist fighters are explained by Mr. Ndaya James, a vendor. "The problem is bad roads. The bridge at 3-Corners, Mbemi has been dismantled. So heavy duty vehicles can't transport goods to and from the market."

Domestic Animals for Sale

It is reported that because of the desperation of the vendors, buyers are now taking advantage of the crises situation to pay lesser prices. Sellers too have no choice than to sell cheap. Mr James once more, "The prices have been falling down. Garri that we used to sell 25 cups is now being sold at 27/30 cups for a thousand." He went ahead to complain about means of transportation, that many vendors have no choice than to carry their produce on their heads from the suburbs to Mbengwi town.

It is hoped that in the near future, municipal authorities will put in place measures to see that Tad market regains its fallen glories before such temporal sites become permanent.

U.S Embassy Yaoundé Trains Journalists on Election Coverage

U.S Embassy Yaoundé, Trains Journalists on Election Coverage

They were forty in number, drawn from six regions of the country. They were invited by the United States Embassy, Avenue Rosa Parks, Yaoundé, Cameroon to be schooled on election coverage by Elizabeth Bryant, a Paris-based American print/radio journalist specialised in political, developmental and environmental issues.

Holding for two days in the embassy's Multi Purpose Room, September 4th - 5th, 2018, attendees were enlightened on roles and responsibilities of the press during elections. It is prerequisite for journalists to fully cover happenings before, during and after elections through breaking news, spots and bulletins, features, debates, interviews, round tables, profiles, polls and surveys, interactive/call in programs and social media handles (tweets, blogs, Facebook pages).

Workshop Session. Photo Cr. U.S Emb. Y'de

Apart from elections, they were told their reports could focus on women and minority, change versus stability, economy and employment, security and threats against press freedom and the basics (health, education, infrastructure etc). Elizabeth Bryant told the reporters that before elections, they should school their listeners, viewers and readers on candidates profiles, manifestos, funding and equitably focus on all parties involved. On the d-day of the elections, focus should be on voting, first reactions and exit polls. Then after the elections, reports have to be on results, analyses and reactions.

Mr. Okha Bau Okha is a senior staff at Elections Cameroon, ELECAM. As one of the facilitators at the workshop, he outlined the organigram of his institution and their functionalities. He disclosed that ELECAM is charged with the organisation, management, and supervision of referendums and elections like presidential, senatorial, parliamentary and municipal. He also strongly defended the "apoliticalness" of the structure though a majority of the journalists found this wanting.

Award of Certificates. Photo Cr. U.S Emb. Y'de

Ebude Ekane is a journalist working with the state media, CRTV. Expressing her take home message at the end of the workshop, she said "I'm very elated. I've learnt a lot during these two days on elections coverage which is timely because on Oct. 7th, Cameroonians shall be going to the polls. So we had to remind ourselves on some basic notions about journalism to be able to give out the right information to the public on the d-day." To Ngong Song Jean-Marie, a reporter with The Rambler newspaper, "Gaining more knowledge on elections reporting at a time we are facing a presidential election goes a long way to better me to be able to cover the event come October 7."

At the end of the two day workshop on election coverage, Elizabeth Bryant, the main facilitator expressed her satisfaction, "It was basically about working with colleagues to share experience and make sure that because this is such an important election in Cameroon, the journalists will face so many challenges in covering it. So it was really to see if we can work together to make sure perhaps, you know, the best opportunities in terms of writing, getting good stories, conducting interviews etc were met. I have to say I was really impressed with the energy, the professionalism and the working together was just an amazing experience. The collaboration was great. I was really impressed and enjoyed my time."

Blog Admin. Quizzing the Resource Person. Photo Cr. U.S Emb. Y'de

With the media practitioners now fully armed with skills and knowledge to face the challenges that lie ahead,  the question now is, "Despite the many trainings on  peace journalism, crises reporting and elections reporting they've attended, will journalists in the troubled two English speaking regions of Cameroon cover the presidential elections on October 7th?" This, because separatist fighters have banned anything that has to do with elections in these two regions as they intensify their fight for the independence of the state they call Ambazonia. It's a wait and see.

Hold-up at Akum; "Coupeurs des Routes" Get Thousands Stranded

Hold-up at Akum; "Coupeurs des Routes" Get Thousands Stranded

Barely days after women of the N.W region of Cameroon rallied on the Bamenda Municipal Stadium to cry for a return to peace, one would've thought their move was the final teaser to prick the powers that be to get down to work. But the recent melee at Mile 7 Akum, Santa Sub Division    has presented the world with a real bigger picture of what Minister Atanga Nji Paul erroneously referred to as a pocket of resistants that shall be crushed by the supposed professional military of Cameroon within the shortest possible time.

Hundreds of cars and thousands of passengers were on Sunday Morning, September 9th 2018 trapped at Mile 8 Akum. It started in the evening of the previous day at about 10pm. Cars had left Bamenda to engage night journeys to other towns only to be stopped at Akum where alleged separatist fighters  staged a showdown.

Passengers Continuing on Foot

Speaking on basis of anonymity, one of the travellers that lived the event said they bumped into the road blockade at about 9pm and saw the alleged separatist fighters in their numbers, well armed with sophisticated weapons. They were asked to personally cut off the part on their IDs having the Green, Red, Yellow flag of Cameroon and many of the passengers did this using their teeth, the only available sharp object. 

She said the fighters after halting traffic flow, collected the phones of many passengers so that they couldn't make any calls, cut off unwanted potions on the IDs of some and deflated the tyres of many cars. The phones were given back in bulk but at the end not all those whose phones were seized got them back. Many passengers were pulled out of the buses and asked to lie flat on their bellies, this at a time when it was raining and places were muddy.

Then they only realised a front head loader was being used to cut off the road at two separate locations. Then about seven buses belonging to Amor Mezam travel agency were shattered after the passengers were pulled out. The engine sections of the burses were burnt. No room was given for them to pull out their valuable items from the buses. The driver of the caterpillar, that happened to be one of the fighters that took the passengers hostage used the heavy duty equipment to shatter the said buses.

Stranded Vehicles

 At the end, the caterpillar too was set ablaze though it didn't burn completely. One person was killed in the incidence.

Travelling in from Douala Saturday night to Bamenda, this reporter got stuck in the cue. Brasseries trucks, Dangote trucks, fuel tankers, seventy seaters (buses) got grounded at Mile 8 Akum for over 3 hours Sunday morning waiting for the military to relink the road for circulation to flow. Curiosity took me out of my bus to find out what was happening. About 20m down the junction to Baba 2, at the foot of a stiff hill, I noticed the aftermaths of the drama that ensued at night. As the attackers carried on their acts, they kept firing in the air. Many passengers got scared and jumped out of their buses. Below the road is a cliff. Panic stricken, in darkness, under heavy rains, they rolled down the cliff like pigs. I saw muddy shoes, headscarf, caps, bags, dresses, mobile phones that fell off in the course of the escape. Several eucalyptus trees and rocks were on the cliff. I'm sure many would've hit their bones against these objects and sustained injuries. 

My informant told me military intervention only came in after the fighters had completed their mission and left. The stranded passengers were escorted by the military back to the agencies in town where they spent the night and only reengaged the journey in the morning. The military came in with other road construction heavy duty equipment in the morning and succeeded to refill the broken potions on the road and that was how traffic flow was reestablished.

Phones Seized from Passenger & Later Dumped

At press time, in a counter move to maintain law and order, the governor of the North West Region, Adolf Lele Lafrique has signed a release prohibiting movement of persons and goods within the region between 6am to 6pm. The release further restricts functioning of bars, off licences, night clubs, circulation of bikes during the stipulated time. Night journey too in and out of the region has been suspended till further notice. The decision has been received with mixed feelings. Many think it's simply making a bad situation worst.

N.W Journalists Schooled on Back to School & Elections Reporting

N.W Journalists Schooled on Back to School & Elections Reporting

Media persons drawn from over thirty organs in the North West have been schooled on how to report back to school and elections without stepping on toes. This was during a two day workshop at Up Station Bamenda organised by the Regional Delegation of Communication on  Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th August 2018. Through several presentations by invited resource persons, reporters were taught how to effectively report on the back to school campaign in the two English speaking regions without provoking the wrath of either concerned parties: anti school activists that want a continuation  of the educational system completely grounded and the government that wants schools to effectively resume at all cost. To strike a balance, attendees were encouraged to focus their reports on the importance of education and allow those involved (parents and their children) to decide. A clear example, even anti school activists are able to carry on with their activism because they were educated. Thus if the fight must continue, then it'll take only the educated to champion it.

On day one of the workshop, in his presentation on The Sociopolitical Environment and Problematic of Back to School in the N.W.R, the communication delegate, Dr. Louis Marie Begne told the media colleagues that in reporting back to school and elections, there are truths that cannot be disclosed because the reporter wants to give peace a chance although it may be against the rules of the profession. This was corroborated by Dr. Ngobesing Suh Romanus, erstwhile CRTV reporter and current Station Manager of Radio Evangelium, Bamenda whom while presenting on The Mass Media as Instrument of Behaviour Modification cautioned attendees to only play their role as journalist in reporting back to school and not become propagandists, activists or public relations officer for any party.

To better equip the practitioners in facing the challenges of reporting on the subject, social media circulated tracks on back to school were printed and given to the journalists to extract vital points that can be used in their reports, some of which carried messages of how there's been a mass influx of Anglophone students into Francophone schools thus causing a  speedy devaluation of the Anglosaxon system of education the N.W and S.W regions once prided themselves of plus a huge transfer of hard earned money into French regions in the form of fees and rents. Many educational institutions withing the English regions have either been burnt or shut down and are currently undergoing dilapidation, a detriment to the Anglophones and that in fighting for secession, ironically there's rather been more national integration because thousands of Anglophone families have rather escaped into the French regions to seek refuge.

Speaking on The Contribution of the Media for a Successful and Serene Back to School 2018/2019, Mr. Ephraim Banda Goghomu, Head of the Communication Unit, National Polytechnic University Institute, Bamenda said to the media men and women "The job of reporting is dangerous as there's high risk of stepping on toes but real journalists must face it with courage, wisdom and prudence." He simplified his view by saying "To be on the safe side, if you can't speak for school resumption, it's better you stay quiet."

Day two of the workshop focused on media coverage of the October presidential elections and peace in the N.W region. The same facilitators schooled their peers on Peace and Elections Reporting, The Communication Context and Framework of the Oct. 7th Presidential Elections, Education, Sensitisation and Mobilization Before, During and After Elections. Dr. Ngobesing Suh Romanus articulated that "We live in a country where people's attitude towards elections to say the least is negative. Many don't register. A good number of those who register don't even vote. Elsewhere people fight for the right to vote yet are not given it while in Cameroon, people have been given the right to vote yet are not exercising it." He went ahead to say in elections reporting, journalists ought to present the importance of an election, what it means to vote and not to vote, profile the candidates, their political agendas and campaign plan. Moreover, the reporters were told that during an election, they aren't different from someone between the lion and the deep sea. That election is the most crucial moment in the life of any country; a time when power is fought for, lost, won or consolidated.

However in doing all of these, journalists must prioritise their security over any other thing for a good journalist wants to report and live after the report so as to keep reporting. As Dr. Ngobesing better put it, "No one sees a wall and goes hitting his head against it because he wants to get it shattered so as to get to the other side."

Although some  misunderstandings occurred on the last day of the workshop between the Regional Communication Delegate and the Secretary General at the N.W  governor's office, Mr. Lanyuy Harry Ngwani over control of finances for the project, it was still rated a full success especially as the the financial issues were resolved. A radio magazine and spots on back to school were produced at the end of the workshop and are currently being aired on the stations that partook in the workshop.

It should be recalled that around same time last year when a similar workshop was being held at Up Station Bamenda, good news came in from Yaoundé that the Head of State had authorised the unconditional release of many of those who were arrested and incarcerated at Kondengui in connection with the crisis. This news plus the output of journalists greatly caused a positive and remarkable increase in the functioning of schools and performances at end of year exams within the region. A similar breaking news occurred too this year, few days after the workshop. The Communication Secretary of the Ambazonia Governing Council, Chris Anu announced on social media that parents in the two English speaking regions can now send their children to school but the security of their kids will remain their responsibility because fighting is still on. 

Many key public figures, parents and students themselves want schools to resume even if the fighting must continue but the worry of everyone is the fear of the unknown. They wish the two concerned regions could be demilitarized, the remaining detained activists released, a cease fire announced and a return to normalcy, conditions for a conducive learning environment.

SAJESA 2000 Reunites in Yaoundé

SAJESA 2000 Reunites in Yaoundé

The second batch of ex students of St. Joseph's Catholic Comprehensive College (S.J.C.C.C) Mbengwi has ended its 2018 reunion in Yaoundé. This was from Friday the 24th to Monday the 27th of August 2018. Baptised Esprit de Corps, the members met to celebrate love and friendship.

S.J.C.C.C Mbengwi came into existence on the 6th of September 1999. Since then till date, thousands of students including this reporter have passed through the institution for knowledge acquisition. The reunion was thus a forum for members to assess the distance they've covered in life since after leaving school. From evaluation, a majority of the SAJESANS, despite the economic crises plaguing the country are fortunate to be living above the poverty line. Some have become managers, teachers, doctors, lawyers, businessmen. A good number too has travelled abroad for greener pastures.

During Lunch

The fun filled reunion was characterised by a pool party, barbecue, clubbing, wining and dining, site seeing, picnicking and so much more. A formal meeting was also held to chat the wellbeing of the association during which a good number of resolutions were arrived at such as adopting annual dues, contributions for funerals, weddings and other events. The dues shall be used by the association to invest in an income generating project. They also resolved to be one another's keeper especially in assisting unemployed members gain employment and rescuing desperate members in case they find themselves in life threatening circumstances, provided the concerned notify the association of their predicament.

At the tail end of the event, goodbye became the saddest word members wanted to hear. After several years of not seeing one another, the bond became so strong, solidified by love and friendship. They remembered their dormitories (houses); Champagnat, Peter, Francois and Channel, their classrooms like Form 1R,1M and 1L. They recalled the refectory, the canteen, the school kitchen, the pantry, the infirmary and the Brother's House. To rekindle memories, the ex students sang the school anthem plus other songs like Nkum-Nkum Massa from the novel The Good Foot, Fifteen men on the dead man's chest, yo ho ho and a bottle of rum from the novel Round the World in 80 Days. They mesmerised the mass songs they used to sing in English, French and vernaculars. They remembered their teachers, their peculiarities and even mimicked some of them.

Meeting Proper After Pool Party

The second batch reunion of this year has come and gone but the echoes are still reverberating at home and abroad. Every finishing line is the beginning of a new race and because one good turn deserves another, members of the first batch of the ex students association have programmed their own reunion for the first weekend of December 2018. The stakes are high as the pioneers get ready to establish a record.

Low Keyed "Salah" in Mbengwi

Low Keyed "Salah" in Mbengwi

Poor climate and security challenges marred the celebrations of the Muslim feast of the Ram in Mbengwi, Momo Division. At the Wumfi prayer ground, the streets and ceremonial ground were scanty. Brief prayers were conducted early in the morning after which the faithfuls retreated to their homes to continue the celebrations.

The Muslims were seemingly abandoned to themselves as no single administrative official, traditional nor religious leader from other denominations joint them in the celebrations in giving the event the usual grandeur it used to have.

Slaughtering of Sacrificial Lamb

Issa Bano is the Ardo of Chup. Evaluating the celebrations, he said, "Actually we know the condition that is prevailing in the North West, particularly here in Mbengwi. The rain too played its on role in restricting people from coming. We had prayers and now we are sharing with our neighbours and even our Christian brothers. That is why we are very happy that this peaceful coexistence and cohabitation should continue.

Wumfi Mosque

He went ahead to say they had special prayers especially for peace in Cameroon after which the Imam then gave a small sermon, telling the faithfuls how to do the sacrifice. Ardo Issa Bano also explained that it's not just any ram that is fit for sacrifice. "You cannot take any ram like that which is sick or that lacking a leg, an eye and sacrifice. You have to get but the best" he concluded.

Muslim IDPs in Mbengwi Assisted

Muslim IDPs in Mbengwi Assisted

This year's feast of the ram was memorable for some Muslim families in Mbengwi as they were happy beneficiaries of the Humanitarian Assistance Program put in place by the head of state to support victims of the ongoing Anglophone crisis.

It was at the D.O's office Mbengwi in the afternoon of Tuesday August 21st 2018 that these families gathered to receive their items comprised of a mattress, a blanket, toilet rolls, cubes of soap, litres of groundnut oil, kilograms of rice among others. Present at the handing over ceremony were the Momo Administration and security forces.

The displaced families relocated from Acha  where there have been fierce gun exchanges between the military and separatist fighters to seek solace in Wumfi, a predominantly Muslim inhabited quarter in Ku village Mbengwi.

Saidou Muhammad is the Imam of Acha. Though a leader, he too has been displaced. As to why he relocated, he said, "Our place was so unsecured for anyone to live there because we hear guns at anytime of the day and night. I find it so unsafe living in such an areas so I decided to relocate to Mbengwi. Being an Imam, I've continued to pray for peace to return to our country." He also expressed the desire to return to Acha but on condition that things return to normal. He estimated that over a hundred Muslims have been displaced from Acha that used to be their fief.

The S.D.O of Momo Division, Monono Absalom Woloa used the ceremony to call on all other remaining displaced persons within Mbengwi to get themselves registered at the D.Os office as soon as possible so as to benefit during the next sharing exercise to be done in the days ahead. Hear him, "I want to first of all thank the Head of State for coming to the assistance of these displaced persons. We were given material assistance to help our brothers and sisters who have been displaced from different communities to at least go about their day to day life normally. We started the operation of assistance today with the Muslim community because they are celebrating the feast of the ram. We have called on these beneficiaries that came today to sensitise other displaced persons living within the communities to come and get themselves identified at the level of the D.O's office so that they too will become beneficiaries of this assistance provided by the Cameroonian people."

He also sounded the back to school message come September 2018. "We have also told them that despite finding themselves displaced, there are schools everywhere and so come September when the 2018/2019 academic year will open, they should send their children to school." Monono told reporters.

The recipients of the donations went back home satisfied with the items as they shall go a long way to improve on their livelihood during these trying moments.

Catholics Have Never Worshipped Mary

Catholics Have Never Worshipped Mary
Fr. John Paul II Ngwa Ambe

This, he said to antagonist of Assumption Day who believe that Catholics worship Mary instead of God. Rev. Fr. John Paul II Ambe of Christ the King Parish, Mbengwi was speaking at the end of a mass he officiated on Wednesday August 14th 2018 to commemorate this year's Feast of the Assumption, a day Catholic faithfuls believe Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ went up to Heaven body and soul. Hear him, "Catholics have never worshipped Mary. We honour Mary because she's the mother of Jesus Christ and if you accept that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Word that became flesh and took human form, where did he take that human body? It is in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary as we read in the gospels. So we honour her for being the mother of God and the role she played in the salvation of mankind. We don't worship her. Worship is due to God alone but as the mother of God, God has granted that through her we receive graces, through her we receive blessings. In John Chapter 2, she interceded and Christ performed a miracle. The motherly role she continues to play is that she intercedes for us. We honour her for that role she played in bringing Christ to the world."

Fr. John Paul II Ngwa Ambe, Mbengwi Parish 

Njini Joseph is a Catholic faithful. Like others, he prayed asking Mary to intercede in getting him closer to God. "I prayed to Mary to intercede for me so that God will help me to go closer to Jesus Christ because Mary tells us in the scriptures that we should listen to her son Jesus Christ. So I was praying that she should help me to be able to listen, have that attentive ear to listen and do what God is telling me to do" He said.

The intercessions were also for the restoration of peace in the two English speaking regions of Cameroon. Father John Paul II Ngwa Ambe once more, "Among the other intercessions, we were calling on her, mother of mercy, mother of peace... Remember  when the first Catholic missionaries came to this country in the 19th century, they dedicated this country to the Blessed Virgin Mary. We are calling on her especially now that we are facing troubles especially in the English speaking regions of Cameroon that she should listen to our prayers. We have implored on her to ask the Lord to be merciful unto us, to bring an end, a peaceful end to this crisis that is plaguing our country. The Archbishop and his auxiliary appealed to all Christians    to continue in their prayers especially through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary."

Mass

The mass also witnessed some new communicants that had completed their doctrinal classes receiving the sacrament of baptism and first holy communion.

But who is this Mary? Madam Fominyam Grace, a staunch member of the Catholic Women Association attempts an answer; "Mary is our mother in the sense that she is the mother of Christ who's our saviour, our king. We want to imitate her, the way she lived. We want to copy her virtues. She was a great woman chosen by God. We need to imitate her so that God can also love us as he loved Mary. Mary is the mother of the church especially the Catholic church as they believe. Mary is the mother of this country Cameroon as Catholics think she is. We love her and we will continue to honour her because she is our own dear mother. We can intercede through her to Jesus. We can talk to God through Mary. She's our queen, our "Mafaw".

Catholic Women Association (C.W.A)

Rev. Fr. Ambe concluded on the clarifications about Mary by saying, "She had this privilege because she was the mother of Jesus Christ who is the son of God and being the mother of Jesus Christ, she was specially prepared for that in that she was preserved from sin. She was stainless, she remained pure, immaculate till her death and since she was free from sin, it means even the consequences of sin, that is death and maybe corruption could not affect her. So Christ whose body he received from the Blessed Virgin Mary now rewarded his mother with the resurrection. I know the state in which the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of God is in heaven now, in her glorious form, body and soul, that is the state in which all Christians hope to be because Christ has promised us the resurrection after our death but Mary is privileged in that she already experienced what all of us may experience at the end of time. And so for us, her being in heaven is a sign of hope for us that what Christ actually promised is true and we shall be like her one day if we continue to be disciples of Christ."

Normalcy Returning to Mbengwi

Normalcy Returning to Mbengwi

Days after the entry of military trucks into Mbengwi, fully loaded with armed to the teeth combat ready soldiers to execute their mission of clearing off multiple road blockades mounted by separatist fighters with tree trunks, in the course of which some houses were burnt and several civilians lost their lives thus scaring the population of the affected areas to further flee deeper into the bushes for security, life is said to gradually be returning to normal in the the Momo Divisional Headquarters.

Mile 18, Mbon, the economic hub of the sub division is regaining its hustle and bustle daily life. Shops have been reopened by economic operators. Commercial motor bikes and township taxis have been plying the quarter roads and the Bamenda-Mbengwi highway, transporting passengers to and from their destinations with their luggage.

However, this normal life in the town contradicts that of uncertainty in the suburbs. Villages like Njinibi, Njindom, Nyen, Guneku, Kob, Tudig, Acha-Tugi, parts of Bome and Mile 19, Mile 20 are reported to still be greatly deserted. These are areas where the military presence was greatly felt. It is common these days to trek into these areas and spot just few inhabitants mostly courageous men who are always on running alert at the sight of any strange face or hearing of any strange noise. Any unfamiliar face in these areas is always looked at from a distance with great suspicion. It is also common these days to trek for close to a kilometre on major highways like Mile 19 to Nyen and G.R.A to Bessi Fomukong without spotting a single soul, a very scary atmosphere.

All of these happening at a time when the administration of the sub division in particular and the division in general has been working tooth and nail to restore peace and serenity in their jurisdiction especially pertaining to military excesses on the population they were sent to protect.

It is for this reason that the Senior Divisional Officer for Momo, Monono Absalom Woloa recently signed two communiqués as proactive and reactive measures to manage the crisis in his area of command. The first orders for the systematic cutting down of all commercial and non commercial trees situated along public roads in the entire Momo Division up to a distance of 40 meters away from the centre of major roads. The very government that asking for the planting of trees to safeguard the environment is now asking for the trees to be cut down because of the crisis. The second release invites all administrative authorities, all councillors, mayors and deputies, divisional delegates and service heads, internal and external elites, political and religious leaders plus economic operators to take part in raising funds within the context of the national Emergency Humanitarian Program set up by the President of the Republic to assist victims of the crisis in the N.W and S.W regions built for Friday August 17th 2018 as from 1pm in the conference hall of the Divisional Delegation of Labour and Social Security, Momo. 

Anglophone Crisis Kill Tad Market

Anglophone Crisis Kill Tad Market

Located in Nyen village, about some 5km from Mbengwi central town, Tad weekly market used to boom in the good old days, attracting vendors and buyers from Njikwa, Ngie, Bamenda and beyond. Tad market was noted for the once renowned Meta garri, palm oil, pigs, fibre bags and baskets amongst others.

Before the advent of the current crisis, Tad market was already breathing its last, begging for a kiss of life. The council tried some renovation works by constructing new sheds but it was like too late. The crisis hammered the last nail on Tad market's coffin.

On several occasions, pro Ambazonia independence fighters had engaged government forces there in a cross fire resulting to the burning of bikes and the killing of an alleged "Amba Boy" as they are fondly called. Many had feared that Tad market will be burnt down as was the case in other sub divisions like Njikwa and Ngie. Luckily enough it never happened.

But unfortunately, despite not being burnt, Tad market still ended up dying. The market is today a shadow of itself. The plank bridge after 3-corners Mbemi has been cut off. Several tree trunks have been fallen across the road from Mile 20 to Nyen prohibiting access to cars. All other roads leading to the market like through Bome, Medig and Gutah have also been blocked.

It is said when the going gets tough, the tough get going. How buyers managed to communicate with sellers, no one can tell but to the greatest dismay of many, mushroom markets surfaced in several parts of Mbengwi last Friday August 3rd 2018, a day Tad market was to function in Nyen. At Njindom squares, business went on. At Mile 20, business went on. At Mile 18, Mbon motor park, business went on. Palm oil, garri, water fufu and other farm produce were sold. Big buyers criss crossed neighborhood to neighborhood with their cargo trucks. The harvest was rich.

One of the vendors of water fufu at Mbon, a housewife struggling to make ends meet told me the unbearable situation of the country has pushed them to be going through such an experience. She said because of the road blocks, they can't access Tad market and as a result, they had to carry their produce from the suburbs on their heads and trek to Mile 18 covering a distance of over 5km so as to meet with buyers. As to how business was faring, she said "We are just managing. Only few buyers are even coming. Because of the distortion, many can't identify where to now locate us."

Ngwe Obed is from Chenam village. Being an agric technician, he too just like many was surprised to see the impromptu market spots at Mbon. He said back in his village, people need money, they have goods to sell but are stranded because of the situation in the country. Their roads have been blocked and the people are scared. If they knew buyers were in Mbon some would have even  carried their produce on their heads and trek to Mbengwi town.

It should be recalled that in the afternoon of this same Friday 3rd August, Mbengwi was shut down after distant gunshot sounds emanating from the Mile 19 direction sent all closing down their shops and running home for safety. Within few minutes, the streets became empty. The next day, more than 90% of the population packed out for the bushes because two civilians were killed in the exchange.

One of the businesses that's been hardest hit because of the road blockades is the pig business. Many villagers had been selling their pigs at give away prices to buyers who now take advantage of the situation. This is because a bag of animal feed that used to sell at 3000F has gone up to 5000 and the stock that was left in the stores is exhausted. Dealers in the suburbs can no longer have supply from Mbengwi and Bamenda because of the road blocks. Even cars too have been stranded in the villages and Mbengwi town. Till the day the blockades will be cleared, these vehicles will remain grounded. Those who hadn't sold their pigs are now regretting because no one knows tomorrow.

Ndikara Lawrence is a pig farmer in Wumnebit village. I met him selling his pig to a buyer who came right to his door to buy. Asked why he was selling his pig, he said "The situation in town now is rough. Very soon we will be facing difficulties to feed them. So we are left with no option than to remove them and sell." He went ahead to say "There's no profit. Instead we are selling at a loss because there's no means for buyers to even come and buy."

The sand business too hasn't been spared. In the  past, especially during summer holidays, many young boys earned a living from extracting sand from the rivers. There are students who paid their fees, rents and procured other school needs with money they worked through the sale of sand. But right now, hips of fine sand have been grounded along the banks of rivers in Mbengwi. Tippers can't access these rivers because of road blocks. At the end, the idle mind of these young boys and men will automatically become the devil's workshop.

No one seems to know again which way to use in pressuring the Cameroon government to deescalate the crisis. To the coat wearing politicians in the cities, the situation is under control. But to the chafing population on the ground, in the suburbs, it never rains but it pours.

Mbengwi; Rumours Send Inhabitants Packing Out

Mbengwi; Rumours Send Inhabitants Packing Out

If history is anything to go by, then memories of the pre-20th May 2018 atmosphere in Mbengwi are still fresh in mind. Rumours of an imminent attack to destabilise National Day celebrations sent more than half of the population parking out. However, nothing ever really happened as was feared and days after, the runaways returned.

History has again repeated itself with an upgraded version this time around. Saturday 4th May 2018, Mbon motor park, Mile 18, the economic hub of the Sub Division is as busy as a beehive. Something extraordinary is happening. It's not the usual daily hustle and bustle. Instead, people are fleeing with almost everybody looking panick stricken. I stood at the Mbon motor park and  watched the unfolding drama. A mass exodus of the Divisional Headquarters was ongoing. Hundreds of persons were seen scrambling for a seat in any cab that appeared at Mbon from Bamenda. The transport fare was doubled from 500 to 1000 yet they fought to pay. Men, women and children with travelling bags, boxes, mattresses and food were seen in a mad rush either to Bamenda or to interior villages. Even a cargo truck meant for the transportation of goods only was seen transporting passengers to Bamenda.

Access into Bome zone, Medig zone, Lower Medig zone, Gutah zone of the Meta clan has been  hampered with the falling down of huge tree trunks by the pro Ambazonia independence fighters, reported to be in their hundreds now in the sub division. The Bome zone has for the past days been under black outs after trees that were intentionally being fallen by the fighters to block roads accidentally cut a high tension cable.

The day before, precisely Friday August 3rd, the town was shut down in the afternoon after sounds of gun shots were heard from Mile 19. The next day, Saturday,  findings showed that two civilians were killed in the exchange. A certain Enoh Tanjong in Mile 20 said to be a tipper driver was allegedly pulled out of his house and shot to death. Information has it that he was named after the then Governor of North West Province,  Enoh Tanjong now Member of Parliament  came on a working visit to the Mbengwi District hospital in the 70s and coincidentally, he was put to birth same time.

The second killed was a certain Tah Elvis, a bike ridder by profession. Both were hurriedly  buried immediately after which mourners dispersed back home. There wasn't anytime to eat and drink, a traditional way of "celebrating" the dead.

Rumours had flown around Mbengwi that people should evacuate the town because the pro Ambazonia  independence fighters were to engage the government forces for a  serious exchange.  This explains why on Saturday, the town experienced mass exodus.

Same day, there was a mass influx of the Mbororos from Mbengwi and other neighbouring areas into Mbonguh, Touochup where unconfirmed reports said one "Aladji" and his son were killed by thieves. The Mbororos stormed the locality to bury their colleagues and hunt the assailants who are at large.

Incredible but real. Just like a cargo truck that transported IDPs from Mbengwi to Bamenda, it was a tipper that transported close to thirty Internally Displaced Persons from G.R.A Mbengwi to Bessi Fomukong, a village located about some 4km from the central town. It was interesting to see even a dog being carried out of the tipper. The "passengers" alighted at the Kwe weekly market in  the host village from where many still continued with their loads of mattresses, beds, boxes and kitchen items on their heads deeper into the bush where their homesteads had been abandoned for greener pastures. From every indications, all hitherto abandoned houses in the suburbs have now been occupied. It's a movement from grace to grass.

Charlie is one of the Mbengwi Council workers. Like his colleagues that have also relocated from Mbengwi to the hinterlands, he was amongst those who alighted from the tipper and mustered the courage to speak for many didn't even want to be caught on camera. As to why they were running away, he said "We are running from Mbengwi and going to the interior because of too much gunshots yesterday. They almost shot my my child. So I've decided to go to the bush. I can no longer stay again in town because there's no way. I shall now be doing hunting and fishing. The whole town yesterday was darkened with armed forces. I don't know if they are for us or against us. My children were crying the whole day because of the gunshots. So I've decided to take them to the bush from where we shall be observing how the atmosphere will look like before we can return".

At press time, no firing exchange went on as was anticipated. But the worry is who will be first to go back and test the ground before others can return? The climate too hasn't been favourable. Its been raining cats and dog. Hopefully, as the adage goes the flies of a tailess cow are driven away by God.

With the current situation, it's of utmost importance to caution the masses to stay away from battle grounds, to lie on the floor in case of a fire exchange and to escape into the bushes in case of unbearable danger. We must continue mounting more pressure on the government and armed fighters to ground their arms and get to the negotiating table for the sake of the population they claim to protect.

Bamenda-Mbengwi, the Last Accessible Motorable Road

Bamenda - Mbengwi, the Last Accessible Motorable Road

Life is becoming harder in the suburbs of Mbengwi. No entry, no exit for cars as separatist fighters have fallen tree trunks with engine saws and cutlasses across the roads. It all started like a joke with one road and today, it's all the roads.

From Wednesday market in Ngyen-Mbo through Kobenyang, Funam, Tudig, there are road blocks. From Ku to Tudig there are road blocks. Interestingly, on this stretch, the very fallers of the trees made provision for a passage for bikes only, by nailing some planks across the trunks.

But the case of Medig and Lower Medig is different. Almost all the villages like Barakwe, Wumnebit, Chenam, Mbemi, Nyen, Njinibi have road blocks with no provision for pedestrians and bikes yet they've been finding their way through by creating their own paths.

In some instances, the fighters cut holes across the road and bury  charms inside. Weeks back, images surfaced on social media of BIR elements clearing the blockades at. Yet hours after they left, like a cat and mouse game, the fighters returned and cut more trees. Reports say they've also been cutting off plank bridges on the roads.

Consequently, access into two sub divisions in Momo by car, that is Njikwa and Ngie has been blocked too because one has to pass through Mbengwi to reach there. However, reports say bikes are finding their way through to these areas especially with animal feed and goods of basic necessity for the remaining inhabitants there. Military helicopters have been hovering over the skies of Mbengwi almost daily.

The locales say in doing so, the fighters tell them it's for their protection. That if the roads are open, the military will come in and kill them, burn their houses. How true such allegations are remain better known to them.

There are government Integrated Health Centres in these areas together with private clinics. How medication now reaches them is pitiful. How emergency cases are now handled especially those that are reffered to Mbengwi, Bamenda and beyond is unimaginable. The stock of basic needs in local stores is getting exhausted even with an increase in prices.

The military too has been dreading descending to such areas because the more they clear the roads, the more the fighters keep blocking. About two weeks ago, images also went viral on social media of how the dead are now  transported for burial in the villages. In the viral images, a coffin is seen being carried across the tree trunks and tied on a truck, then pushed to the deceased compound.

The last accessible road to cars was from Mbengwi through G.R.A to Bessi Fomukong, Sang, Njindom and thereafter. But unfortunately it has been blocked too. Those who flew from gunshots in Mbengwi last weekend  into the bushes may end up being stranded there if care isn't taken.

Parts of the Bome valley have been in darkness because in falling the trees, electric cables were brought down including high tension cables. How ENEO technicians will access these areas for repair works is unknown. When two elephants fight it's the grass that suffers

It's high time both forces are made to understand that if the fight is to have a winner as if it were wrestling or boxing, then it'll drag on for years. Arms battles rarely end with an absolute winner. If the fight is to protect the people, then both parties must sit down and evaluate the distance covered so far in this direction.

At press time, over five fully loaded military trucks with armed to the teeth soldiers are said to have entered Mbengwi, the Momo Divisional headquarters on mission to clear the road blockades. Sources on the ground say they've successfully cleared the Bome-Tudig stretch and Tudig-Zem stretch. Shockingly houses are reported to have been burnt in Njinibi, Mbemi and other villages were the military operations are ongoing. Two nurses, a husband and wife, working with the Integrated Health Centres of Kob and Njah-Etu plus a young boy in Nyen popularly known as Daddy Boy are reported to have been killed.

• The populations of these hot zones have deserted their homes for the bushes.

Less Privileged Women in the N.W Freely Trained on Income Gerenation

Less Privileged Women in the N.W Freely Trained on Income Generating Activities
By MAIKEM Emmanuela

Smiles and portrayal of appreciation plus satisfaction could be seen on the faces of some internally displaced women, widows, women with disabilities, minority ( mbororo women), and unemployed women in the North West Region over the weekend, at the Winners Chapel premises while receiving their attestations of training at the end of a three months program on income generating activities to enable them economically empower themselves. 

Organized by Madame Ngabir Rita Yenjong Buriya, a young entrepreneur in Bamenda, the participants at the end of the session, were given a startup capital in kind.

With the prevailing situation in the region, many of these women have been forced to leave their homes, become jobless and homeless, while others who find shelter have to share their privacy with 15 other room mates. They sometimes have to go for days without eating. However the free training program has helped some of these women get little food on the table.

According to Senguo Emmanuela, she left her village (Batibo) because of the violent conflict within which many people have lost their lives. She got stranded in the city of Bamenda as she had nothing to do. Things got better when she met Madam Rita Buriya who introduced her to the training program which has enabled her learn the production of coconut oil, detergents, body lotions and necklaces made with beads. She sells some of these items and uses the money to get food feed her family.

Empowering these women in income generating activities and life skills can be a sure way of helping them sustain the life they have at present and in the long run. Miss Siah also from Batibo, lives in a two rooms house with fifteen others. They left Batibo because of the ongoing killings. Joining the program has helped her take care of her family as she no longer buys detergents, soaps and body lotions. She now produces them, sells to get money buy food for her family. She intends moving back to Batibo her hometown and  opening a shop there when the crisis will be over because to her, there is no place like home.

Talking about supports, so far these women have been receiving material support such as cloths and food from the community as well as from the Now Movement Humanitarian Program of  Barrister Akere Muna. The program supported with a training space, chairs and startup capitals for the women. According to Madam Rita Buriya, "Helping the needy is time consuming but it's worth it when you have a vision. Looking at the need of these women has inspired me to ignore the time I spent training them. Some of the graduates have volunteered to help in training the next batch which is made up of over forty women and that will go a long way to solve the problem of time."

Since the start of the Anglophone Crisis in 2016, many young people have lost their jobs, businesses and homes. Many look forward to the day the crisis will come to an end so things can get back to normal.