Bamenda, the administrative hub of Cameroon’s North West region, found itself under yet another contentious lockdown on Thursday, April 26, 2024.
The city streets lay deserted, shops shuttered, and economic activities subdued, leaving many puzzled about the origins of this latest ghost town phenomenon.
Despite the prevailing quietude, Ambazonia separatist fighters disclaimed any responsibility for the lockdown.
Just last week, Ayaba Cho, leader of the Ambazonia Governing Council, had announced a partial lockdown, which received mixed adherence.
Following last week’s restrictions, reports circulated that every Thursday would henceforth witness ghost town observances until the end of April.
However, separatist representatives swiftly refuted such claims.
“There is no lockdown in Mezam tomorrow. Go about your activities,” admitted Ayaba Cho in a message issued on Wednesday.
Despite widespread rumours, the restive town of Bamenda remained in a state of uncertainty.
Earlier today, reports of heavy gunfire reverberated across Mulang and rendezvous neighbourhoods.
These so-called lockdowns have been employed as a primary tactic by separatist Ambazonia militants since 2016 in their struggle for independence.
Critics and local authorities in Bamenda have argued that such measures prove counterproductive, inflicting greater hardships on the local populace than on the central government.
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