Cameroonian politicians condemn perpetrators of Kumba school killings

Several Cameroonian politicians and influential leaders have poured out condemnation against the killing of at least 8 school children at Mother Francisca School in Kumba early on Saturday.

Most of them, party leaders, took to twitter after news of the killings went viral, some describing it as unbearable, unthinkable and unimaginable.
Maurice Kamto, Chairman of Cameroon’s largest opposition party, CRM, says the killing is horrific and condemnable.

“My grief is boundless. I condemn this odious act with the utmost energy. How many more deaths are needed to initiate a negotiated political solution to bring peace to the NOSO?” said the MRC Chairman who is still under house arrest.

Joshua Osih, SDF party leader, is concerned about children’s safety at school amid a raging armed conflict where school attendance is still very difficult in many areas.

“It was with a bruised heart that I learned of the vile carnage that terrorists inflicted on our country in Kumba today. Children in search of knowledge killed and mutilated in cold blood in their school.
“Without effective and immediate protection, it is unthinkable that school resumption in the NW & SW will be effective under the current circumstances. The government must take its responsibilities,” Osih tweeted.

According to Akere Muna, a 2018 Presidential candidate, the killing of school children is “Unimaginable and unacceptable”.
“What happened in Kumba should wake us all up. What barbaric instinct can push any one to go to a school and randomly fire at kids, killing some? Is this who we have become? Numbed by savagery and mayhem we are slowly losing our humanity,” he furthered.

The attack happened barely three weeks into school resumption in Cameroon following a seven-month COVID-19 break.

Government has blamed separatist fighters for the attack but separatists have not claimed any responsibility, with jailed separatist leader, Sissiku Ayuk Tabe, saying perpetrators must be “brought to book”.

Meanwhile, Cabral Libii, leader of the PCRN party thinks some care-free politicians and individuals are manipulating the Anglophone crisis to their favour.

“Kumba! That all those in power and in the opposition who use the Anglophone crisis as a business, feel “honored” by bestiality.

“I see some who drown in their cowardice … as if hypocritical posts struck readers with amnesia,” Libii said on Twitter.
The killings have reawakened earlier advocacy calling for an end to the Anglophone crisis.

“Stop the massacre of children in Kumba! Another unbearable drama. Let us reject the trivialization of violence. No excuse and no forgiveness for the culprits. They must be punished,” said Serge Espoir Matomba, another 2018 Presidential candidate.