The conflict over taxi operations in Bamenda, the capital of Cameroon’s restive North West region, is escalating into a taxi war as another car was set ablaze by suspected separatists. The attack occurred around 8 p.m. on Friday, August 23, in Alahlie, a neighbourhood in Mile 4 Nkwen, Bamenda.
The attack is believed to have been carried out by Ambazonia fighters, part of a separatist movement led by Norway-based Ayaba Cho Lucas. The Ambazonia Defense Forces, a separatist militia under Ayaba’s leadership, have previously claimed responsibility for similar incidents.
Since July, at least ten taxis in Bamenda have been torched by these fighters, who have demanded a change in taxi colours from yellow to blue and white, symbolising the separatist movement.
Nkonda Titus, also known as ‘My Kontri Pipo Dem,’ a vocal anti-separatist and pro-government propagandist, claimed to have influenced the push for this taxi color change. Separatist fighters have been enforcing this policy through violent means, primarily targeting taxis in the Mankon area, a separatist stronghold in Bamenda. However, Friday’s attack in Nkwen marks the first incident of this kind in that area.
Residents are increasingly fearful for their safety as these attacks continue. The local administration has remained silent on the ongoing assaults against taxis.
Notably, no taxis have yet switched from yellow to the demanded blue and white colours, as this would not only be illegal but also not be recognised by the population, which does not identify taxis for these colours. Another challenge for cars that originally had these colours was that the government targeted them.
Kate Bih contributed to this report
