Cameroon: Protest in Francophone village after Separatists allegedly abduct many

In Bamenyam, a village in the West Region of Cameroon, there is tension.

This is after inhabitants decided to mount roadblocks in protest against the abduction of some villagers by gunmen.

The protest on Sunday, September 3, resulted in long lines of vehicles.

Movements have halted along the roads that connect the West Region to Awing, Bali Kumbat, Bali Gansi, and Bali Gashu in the North West Region.

The protesters believe that separatist fighters, who have been fighting for an independent state called Ambazonia in the restive North West Region of the country, masterminded the abductions and are demanding the unconditional release of the villagers.

The identities of the abductees have not been revealed. Our source in the West Region of Cameroon said, “Two girls were kidnapped. Many here are suspecting that kidnappers could be behind it, but Separatists’ involvement has not been ruled out.”

None of the existing Separatist groups, however, has claimed responsibility for the abductions.

Students, others stranded

It’s been days since the standoff started. With movement on hold, students and many others have not been able to go about their daily duties normally.

“Cars have been held there for more than 24 hours, and many students and pupils moving out of the North West Region to resume school have been left stranded. They say they will let go of the people and cars if and only if those kidnapped are set free,” said Ndonfack, a victim.

The administrative authorities of the West Region, including the Senior Divisional Officer of Bambotous Division, have made futile attempts to persuade members of the Bamenyam vigilante group to reopen the roads.

They say they will only remove the roadblocks after the abductors set their people free. until then, they are not ready to negotiate, our source said.

“People are now afraid to use that stretch since they are unsure what will happen. there is a lot of anger and tension,” added our source.

Closer to conflict zone

Bamenyam is a border locality between Cameroon’s West Region and the restive North West Region.

On several occasions, administrative officials in the West Region have accused Ambazonia separatist fighters operating in the North West of making incursions into the West Region to wreak havoc.

Security forces in the West Region recently presented members of a criminal gang specialised in the kidnapping of locals.

It is still unclear whether Separatists are behind the kidnappings in Bamenyam village, but the group had carried out attacks in the West Region before.