Buea: Denizens Blast Security Measures As Separatists Dangle Insecurity Over Limbe

Some denizens of Buea, the chief town of the South West region have cast doubts and blasted Cameroon’s defense and security forces deployed to secure lives and properties during the AFCON period.


Speaking to MMI, some said that despite the number of supposed security forces deployed within Fako division, an explosive was still planted and detonated in Limbe, an AFCON host city.



“The Cameroonian security team is responsible for the explosive in Limbe. If not, then it’s incompetent,” said Ngomba Sixtus, a Limbe denizen.



Many regret that the explosion in Limbe, a few days to AFCON kickoff, has killed the morale of many fans, even though many already had mixed feelings, venturing into the Limbe sports complex.



While some believe that football fans of Cameroon origin will not troop into the Limbe sports arena in large numbers because the Indomitable Lions are not scheduled to play in the field, others say CAF should have made Cameroon play in the war-torn Anglophone region, as a sign of guaranteed security.



Earlier today, the group F participant, Mauritania had its first walk and later training in Limbe, accompanied by some elements of Cameroon’s defense forces.


The Limbe Stadium, where separatists have vowed to disrupt the AFCON, houses participants of pool F consisting of Gambia, Mali, Mauritania, and Tunisia


*Defense and security or harassment forces?*


Though many Cameroonians are pleased with the coming of AFCON, they are now more afraid of harassment, extortion from the forces deployed to safeguard them.


“Every little corner you enter, you see men in uniform and each instance they want to search you and sometimes end up taking something from you for no motive,” said Monono Hans, a student in Limbe.



Some have wondered if the AFCON in Anglophone Cameroon was necessary given the security condition which makes all youths appear as suspects at almost every instance.



“Before the AFCON came to Cameroon, all youths have been perceived as potential suspects of separatist activities. Now that they have been deployed to safeguard the AFCON participants, we are all in greater trouble. They should have played the AFCON across the Mungo because we already are facing a lot. The AFCON has come to add to our lights,” said Makia Ebenezer, owner of a drinking spot in Limbe.