Bali Deserted as Military Battles Amba Fighters – At least One Person Killed

It was a tense atmosphere in Bali Nyonga Subdivision, Mezam Division of Cameroon’s North West Region this Friday September 28, 2018, following hours of gunshots between security forces and pro-independence fighters.

Casualties were recorded on both sides, Mimi Mefo Info has learned, though we are yet to independently verify the exact number of lives lost.

One of the victims is a kingmaker in Bali Nyonga, Ba Tita Langha of Tih quarter.

“Ba Tita Langha of Tih was shot dead today morning Friday September 28, 2018 by a mixed team of gendarmes and police officers in Bali. They had opened fire indiscriminately, thunderous and uncontrolled gunshots, against all buildings by the highway from Tih to Ntanfoang square round to Catholic Church and Titam in search of pro-independence fighters who blocked the highway at Tih and Ntanfoang in Bali.

“Rumours hold that another youth was also shot dead at Tset Junction near Won Quarter. Ba Tita Langha has been laid to rest without the necessary Voma traditional rites by the kingmaker cult where he served as chief priest. May his sold rest in peace,” a local elite who opted for anonymity told Mimi Mefo Info.

Reports say Amba boys blocked the road at Mbat-Matua towards Njenka Hausa Quarter, paralyzing movement along the Bamenda-Mbengwi highway. Mimi Mefo Info was told that movement between Ntanfoang to Mbufung has equally been on a standstill for days.

Several quarters in Bali Nyonga Subdivision are gradually being deserted following persistent crossfire between security forces and pro-independence fighters. Many of the deserted areas are Jamjam, Njenka, Boh…

Bali Nyonga residents were already indoors before nightfall for fear of the unknown. Tension has continued to mount as weeks narrow down to days to the October 7 presidential elections in Cameroon.

“I foresee a repeat of what they did last year’s October 1 killings.  It might even be worse than last year because of the rate at which they are killing now; any youth seen has the highest chance to be killed. If your phone has any message or picture related to the crisis you are shot instantly…” a local told Mimi Mefo Info.

Calm is yet to return to Bali and other neighbouring villages.