There is chaos at Bongo Square in Buea, South West Region of Cameroon — after an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated as civilians were rounding off the May 20th May past parade.
Thousands had gathered at the ceremonial ground to take part in the traditional May 20 Parade, which marks Cameroon’s National Unity Day when the incident happened.
“Officials left the scene just minutes ago, civilians were just concluding with the parade, when the bomb exploded near the grandstand where authorities and other dignitaries sat. I was just few steps away,” a frightened Buea resident told MMI.
Our source narrated the events on phone breathing profusely. “I cannot tell for now whether there were casualties. We are all in fear, I thank God for my life,” our source whose identity has been concealed for security reasons told MMI.
May 20th remains a controversial day in Cameroon’s historical calendar, as disgruntled English-speaking citizens feel it should not be celebrated at all.
Today’s event was marked by lock down in several parts of the Anglophone Regions, as Separatists fighting for an independent state called ‘Ambazonia’ warned citizens to stay indoor or “face the consequences.”
Today’s explosion which is not the first of its kind in Buea, therefore did not come as a surprise to many who spoke to MMI.
“We suddenly heard a loud noise. A petty-trader who was there all morning and throughout the parade had just parked her stuff and left. No one can tell why this happened and how,” said our source.
Authorities have not yet reacted.
Developing story.
