Feelings across Anglophone Cameroonians, particularly in Bamenda, are mixed as residents grapple with the uncertainty of celebrating Christmas and New Year on a day traditionally observed as a “ghost town.”
The scheduling of Christmas day and New Year celebrations, both falling on Mondays, further complicates the festivities in a region already marked by a seven-year armed conflict.
Mondays in Anglophone Cameroon are typically designated as “ghost town” days, a form of protest instituted by separatists against the central government that disrupts normal activities.
Calls for a ceasefire on Christmas day echo through the streets of Bamenda, reflecting the desire for a halt in the adversities that have plagued the city.
However, some separatist factions remain steadfast in their resistance to these calls, leaving residents uncertain.
“For some of us in Bamenda, Christmas on Monday represents no feasting due to the ghost town phenomenon,” said Delphine, a parent.
Security concerns further compound the situation, prompting residents like Clinton to express reservations about venturing out during the festivities.
“I will take my children out for leisure on Sunday and stay home after church service on Monday; our lives are precious,” Clinton emphasised.
Arbitrary arrests, killings, forced disappearances, and a general sense of insecurity have continued to cast a shadow over Bamenda for seven years now.
These have created an atmosphere of caution as the community approaches the holiday season.
In the midst of these challenges, preparations for Christmas in Bamenda are underway, but with notable differences.
Markets, which would typically be congested during previous festive seasons, are experiencing a more subdued atmosphere as traders and consumers navigate the difficulties imposed by the ongoing crisis.
“It’s unfortunate that at this time, my shop is still this full, whereas I did not stock goods like I did in 2022,” lamented Tse, a shop owner at the Bamenda Main Market.
Alidda, a housewife, shared the financial challenges in preparing for the festivities.
“A Christmas tree we used to buy at 15,000 CFA francs now costs 30,000 CFA francs, double the price,” she revealed.
Unlike previous years, when the streets would be adorned with various Christmas gadgets, Bamenda is yet to feel the typical Christmas fever as the city grapples with the effects of the ongoing crisis.
“In normal times, the streets would be filled with various Christmas gadgets, with parents and loved ones securing gifts for the season,” remarked a resident.
Tadzenyu, a trader at the Food Market, provided a glimpse into the harsh reality faced by many families.
Her brother was among more than 40 youths arrested in Oku on April 26, 2022.
“If we manage to have food to eat, then we must have celebrated,” she asserted.
Despite the difficulties, some families are determined to find joy amid adversity.
“It’s going to be a real feast at our home; we have gone through thick and thin,” said a hopeful parent.
As Christmas and New Year approach, separatist groups have not provided positive remarks concerning the celebrations, adding more uncertainty to an already challenging festive season in Anglophone Cameroon.
Threats from Ambazonia Separatists:
A video released by a masked individual claiming to represent a group called the Ambazonia People’s Liberation Council, recorded on December 14, 2023, warned against civilians celebrating Christmas and New Year in the two English-speaking Regions of Cameroon.
According to the individual, the rationale for depriving people of this liberty is hinged on the fear that two Mondays without ghost towns will lead to a natural end to the sit-at-home practice.
The video further confirms that the people are not sitting at home freely in solidarity but are rather forced to do so against their will.
