Anglophone politicians and the February election scare

Months ahead of next year’s twin elections in Cameroon, several Anglophone politicians have withdrawn their candidatures.

The decision not to run by predominantly opposition politicians has been blamed on the security situation in the regions characterized by threats and arsons.

According to the Voice of America, VOA, at least six houses of politicians have been torched within the period leading to the polls, including the residences of Honourable Joseph Mbah Ndam of Batibo and Kumbo Mayor Njong Donatus.

This alone has caused a lot of fear with many like Batibo Mayor, Tanjong Frederick denying to run, citing the killings and abductions.

Other candidates too have been abducted by Ambazonian fighters who have labelled them as black legs for wanting to participate. At least 40 candidates for parliament and local council elections, VOA states, were taken into separatist captivity with the whereabouts of some still unknown.

With more threats from Ambazonian fighters, several individuals in different parts of the Anglophone regions have for the past week now been putting out disclaimers, stating that their names were put on the list in positions they never applied to run for.

Despite the proposed special status for the North West and South West regions recently adopted in parliament, Ambazonian leaders say nothing changes till the root cause of the crisis is addressed by government.

The UN notes that over 3,000 persons have already been killed due to the crisis with thousands more out of school for three years now, and several more displaced in and out of the country in dire need of humanitarian assistance.