Balikumbat: Poor turnout at National Day despite DO’s threat of sanctions

By David Atangana

The 52nd edition of Cameroon’s National Day on May 20 witnessed by a massive boycott in Balikumbat, with the majority of the population abstaining from the celebrations despite threats from the Divisional Officer (DO).

The DO, Forbi Enoh Fritz, had previously issued a stern warning to public servants, promising serious sanctions for those who chose to boycott the event.

“Roll calls will be conducted accordingly, and any person who intends to boycott this year’s celebration will be sanctioned seriously by hierarchy,” he stated.

This warning came amidst heightened tension as separatist groups in the region issued threats against anyone participating in the National Day festivities.

Despite the DO’s threats, the turnout at the Balikumbat ceremonial ground was dismal.

Local sources told MMI that less than 30 people attended the event, with most of them being civil servants who felt compelled to heed the DO’s call.The event took place under tight security.

The ceremony was presided over by DO Forbi Enoh Fritz, with the Member of Parliament for the area, Banmi Emmanuel, also in attendance.

The sparse crowd and heavy security presence underscored the palpable fear and tension in the community, which has been significantly affected by the ongoing conflict between government forces and separatist militants in the English-speaking Regions.

Balikumbat is one of the many administrative units in the North West Region of Cameroon that has experienced significant unrest due to the activities of armed separatist groups.

These groups had imposed a lockdown in the English-speaking regions ahead of the National Day, further discouraging participation.

The separatists’ threats were not empty; in the Boyo Division, they attacked and killed the Mayor and two others who were on their way to participate in the celebrations.

The boycott in Balikumbat is part of a broader pattern of resistance and defiance seen in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon, where the conflict between separatist fighters and government forces continues to escalate.

© Mimi Mefo Info