By Soulemanu Buba
The Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity tournament that under normal circumstances should take place in Bambalang in the Mbaw Yakum Fondon will be played in Bafoussam because of the ever-increasing level of insecurity in the area.
In a Press Release dated August 16, 2023, His Majesty, Fon Kevin Shomitang II of Bambalang, who doubles as the President of the North West House of Chiefs, has announced that the above-mentioned game will take place at the Bamendzi Stadium in Bafoussam, West Region of Cameroon.
This comes at a time when authorities in the restive North West Region of Cameroon have continued to strive to present the false image that peace is rapidly returning to the region. Their actions, such as those of the Fon of Bambalang, say the contrary.
Using one stone to kill two birds, the Fon in the release indicates that back-to-school needs will be distributed to children of school-going age.
With the Anglophone Crisis still persisting, some North West Fons have been accused of always exercising sealed lips whenever legitimate dialogue is announced.
Reacting to the release, a native of Bambalang who only wanted to be known as Amos said carrying an activity out of the village is sad,
“We used to have fun whenever such sporting activities were organised in the village. Today it’s been wrapped in the garment of politics, and it’s not known as the Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Tournament. It’s really sad that the final has been announced for Bafoussam. I won’t be there. Let our traditional leaders forget about themselves, think about the people, and speak truth to power. We need dialogue for normalcy to return,” he said.
There are those who have said that no matter where the games are played, they will be there not because of their Fon or any other person, but because of their village, which they say they love so dearly.
It should be noted that Bambalang, found in Ngoketunjia Division, North West Region of Cameroon, is one of the hotspots in the ongoing Anglophone armed conflict, destroying lives and properties on a daily basis in the two restive regions of Cameroon.
It is also the home of the self-styled separatist ‘General No Pity’, who, according to a brother of his, Shinna Rambo, who recently surrendered to the authorities, died months ago.
No Pity was also accused of being the brain behind the kidnapping of the Fon of Bambalang, Fon Yakum Kevin Shomitang II who was made the cook within the separatists camp.
