There have been diverse reactions after a squad of officers from the 21st Support Battalion of the Cameroon military killed a prominent separatist fighter, Besaka Belgert, who operated under the alias “General Black Bat.” The operation took place on Thursday, June 13th, in the locality of Boa Bakundu, Mbonge Subdivision.
Security sources report that Major Machou Zakariaou led the operation, resulting in Besaka’s death. Following the military’s modus operandi, which many question on health and human rights grounds, the body was transported to Kumba and publicly displayed at the BICEC Junction, similar to other separatist fighters who have been killed.
Besaka’s demise comes just two months after the killing of other prominent separatist figures, “General Mad Dog,” and “General Big Number.” General Black Bat was notorious for his violent actions across the South West Region, particularly in Meme and Ndian Divisions. He was allegedly responsible for widespread kidnappings for ransom, seizing cocoa plantations from farmers, and targeted killings.
Besaka and his fighters are linked to the murders of Mukete Thaddeus Oben and Obie Christopher Lyonga, a prominent villager and the Chairman of the Kombone Traditional Council respectively. Reports indicate Black Bat also kidnapped Besingi Ebenizar Ande, the cupbearer of Kombone, two years ago, replacing him with one of his associates, who is currently detained in Buea.
Black Bat’s reign of terror reportedly extended to the traditional leadership. He is accused of expelling the Women Traditional Leader, “Iya Mboka” of Kombone, and seizing her husband’s cocoa farm.
In response to these atrocities, Chief Sakwe Eric Dosa, the traditional ruler of Kombone Bakundu village, urged his community to unite against “all forces of evil.” Chief Dosa also appealed to young people still fighting with the separatists to lay down their arms and enter the government’s disarmament programme for reintegration.
Local Relief
News of Black Bat’s death brought mixed reactions from Kumba residents. “There’s a sense of relief,” remarked a local shop owner, Marie N’Gombe. “He caused so much suffering. But at the same time, who will take his place? Will the violence end?”
Another resident, John Ngu, expressed hope. “Maybe this is a turning point. Maybe others will see there’s no future in this fight.”
Lingering Fear
However, not everyone is optimistic. “We’ve heard these promises before,” said a taxi driver who wished to remain anonymous. “There’s still a lot of anger on both sides. Until the root causes are addressed, this won’t be over.”
Local authorities applaud security forces
The Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) for Meme, Ntou’ou Ndong Chamberlin, visited the BICEC Junction to commend the Cameroon military for their success. He emphasised the importance of collaboration between the public and the military to restore peace. Ntou’ou Ndong echoed the calls by President Biya for the remaining separatists to surrender and contribute to rebuilding the nation.
