8, May 2023
123 Southern Cameroonians have been killed since the beginning of the year 0
At least 123 civilians have been killed since the beginning of the year during the conflict in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon.
Communities are demanding self-rule from the Central African country. They cite marginalisation by the government of President Paul Biya, with a majority of officials from the majority French-speaking zones.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) disclosed the death toll, which could be higher since the figures are for the period covering January to March.
The crisis is escalating in the North-West and South-West regions.
UNICEF reported that during the period, no less than 187 people had been injured in the clashes perpetrated by the Ambazonian militants, who are running battles against the military and civilians.
Some 539 people were arrested during military searches or operations in both regions.
In the North-West and South-West, at least ten lockdown days were imposed and observed during official events organized by the Cameroonian government.
Most localities in these regions continue to comply with the ongoing, so-called Monday ghost town days.
However, humanitarian organizations report that during this reporting period, 11 civilians were killed for not observing the curfews.
In the northwestern division of Momo, humanitarian activities, including food movements, were suspended due to roadblocks mounted by non-state armed groups.
Elsewhere, suspected members of Boko Haram from neighbouring Nigeria are terrorising communities.
An estimated 1 652 people have been newly displaced due to this ongoing insecurity in the Far North. There, unidentified gunmen abducted 82 civilians in February.
Torrential rains have exacerbated matters in the South-West region.
Rains that struck the city of Buea in March caused mudslides that affected an estimated 900 people.
At least two fatalities, four injuries and one person missing were documented.
Water supply infrastructure and latrines serving over 3 000 people were damaged.
Without immediate funding of US$940 000) required by UNICEF, there will be a shortage of ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF), leaving over 20 000 children aged 0-59 months without treatment and an increased risk of death.
The secessionist crisis in the country of 28 million started in 2017, leaving hundreds dead. Critics also accuse Biya of rigging elections.
Aged 90 and in power since 1975 as Prime Minister and in 1982 as president, he is the longest consecutively serving current non-royal national leader and the oldest head of state in the world.
Source: CAJ News
9, May 2023
Southern Cameroons: Baba 1 Kingmakers move against choice of new Fon 0
A fresh crisis is brewing over the process of getting a new Fon of Baba I situated in Ngoketunjia Division in the North West region, as all ten kingmakers have rejected one Fue Nghaper as the candidate for the stool.
The ten notables in the Ngumba who constitute the Mohs have separately petitioned the North West administrative authorities, warning against the recognition of a primary school pupil who they described as not ready for the throne.
Ever since the late Fon Fuekemshi II travelled to the land of his ancestors, members of the Ngumba have met and performed the noble rituals but Cameroon Intelligence Report North West Bureau Chief observed that no discussion was opened on succession.
A source with strong ties to the Baba I palace contacted by this reporter revealed that the Fon of Guzang with the support of some Baba I political elites in the ruling CPDM crime syndicate were part of the dubious process that brought the young Fue Nghaper II to the limelight as the new Fon of Baba I.
The Baba I kingmakers are expected to make public a statement soonest calling on the administration to be wary of recognizing Fue Nghaper II as the new Fon.
Some concerned Baba I elites have also voiced their support for the Ngumba saying that Fue Nghaper is unqualified and they have appealed to the kingmakers to stop the desecration of the customs and tradition of the Baba I people.
By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai with files from CIR Bamenda Bureau