Cameroon: Population decries extortion, harassment from military stationed in Mulang, Bamenda

Life has become unbearable for inhabitants of the neighborhood as commercial motorcycles and taxis no longer ply the street for fear of extortion and harassment.

Inhabitants of Mulang, a neighborhood in Bamenda, Mezam division of the North West region have decried the activities of defense and security forces against them.

A military post set up in the area to tackle armed separatist fighters has reportedly turned against the local population.

Reports say inhabitants have been going through what they describe as ‘hell’ since a military post was set up there.

According to information gathered, security forces have taken it upon themselves to be harassing and extorting money from locals.

“For more than one month since a military camp was opened at Mulang, it has been hell to the population who initially thought they were free from separatists ” a local told MMI.

Soldiers are said to turn against the local population each time a gun is fired by separatists whose base is in Ntankah, a few meters away from Mulang.

“When Amba boys fire shots at Ntankah, the military in Mulang will block the road at Dominion and start torturing and extorting money from civilians,” he said adding, “A certain Saturday we were rubbed in mud from 6 pm to 9:30 pm and paid ransom before being released”

Pedestrians are reportedly forced to pay at least 500 FCFA each, while motorcycle and car owners irrespective of status pay the sum of 1000frs each.

“They now collect money from everybody who passes there. Those trekking are asked to pay 500frs from Ntankah before crossing to Mulang,” another person complained.

She recalled that “two weeks ago, on a Sunday while going to church I saw them there and two Christians dropped 500 FCFA each before passing. When I reached I thought they were asking for ID cards. When I presented mine, the soldier took and pocketed it and told me that everybody from Ntankah has to pay 500 FCFA before passing”

Life has become unbearable for inhabitants of the neighborhood as commercial motorcycles and taxis no longer ply the street for fear of extortion and harassment.

“Let General Bouba (army commander) hear our cry because his watchwords during installation were that he wants to let the population “love’ the military! Is this the love they are showing us?” she sounded.

By David Atangana