By Kate Bih
As the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off this Saturday, January 13, the usual excitement and vibrant atmosphere surrounding continental football tournaments are absent on the streets of Bamenda, in Cameroon’s North West Region.
Despite Cameroon being one of the participating nations, Bamenda seems untouched by the fervor that typically accompanies such events.
Gadgets and merchandise associated with AFCON are notably missing from the markets, with vendors citing repeated threats from separatist groups in recent years as a deterrent to stocking their shops.
André, a sportswear dealer in the city, expressed his hesitation, stating, “I cannot be buying goods that no one is asking for the price; people prefer gadgets for Western tournaments to those of the AFCON.”
This sentiment is echoed by many, including soccer fans like Frederick, who, despite supporting the Indomitable Lions, feels compelled to keep his allegiance discreet.
“Life has no duplicate, I support the Indomitable Lions, but I cannot do that openly, let alone buying gadgets,” he said.
The city of Bamenda appears to have been left behind in terms of creating a municipal avenue for watching the matches, and local authorities attribute this to the fragile security atmosphere in the region.
Before 2016, when the ongoing armed conflict broke out in the English-speaking Regions of Cameroon, AFCON brought significant economic gains for bar owners as fans would gather to watch matches together.
However, present-day challenges include occasional threats and extortion from separatist groups, leaving bar attendants wary of even mentioning the games.
In light of these difficulties, the people of Bamenda have adapted their approach to watching the AFCON matches.
While soccer is known for uniting people in Cameroon, the fear of separatist attacks has led to a silence of opinions in Bamenda.
This fear has been fueled in recent years by separatist threats against people participating in national events.
In February last year, separatists claimed responsibility for three bomb explosions that injured athletes and killed a woman in Buea, during the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope, the biggest mountain race in the country.
Separatists also issued threats and called for people in the North West and South West Regions to boycott AFCON games when Cameroon hosted the continental jamboree last year.
Some of the games were played in Limbe, one of the towns in the crisis-hit North West and South West.
Memories of these past predicaments keep Bamenda residents cautious.
Many residents now plan to watch the games from the safety of their homes or small communities of trusted friends.
“I am going to meet my friend to watch the opening game at his house over liquor,” said Primus.
Others, like Laurian, choose to travel to neighboring regions, such as Bafoussam in the West, where they feel more comfortable openly supporting the Indomitable Lions.
Meanwhile, Frank opts to stay home, stating, “I will watch from my house to avoid any issues; Bamenda is becoming unbearable.”
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