On November 6th, Cameroon marked 42 years since President Paul Biya assumed office, with supporters gathering in various locations to celebrate the achievements of his New Deal government. In Bamenda, the day lacked celebration as schools closed, streets emptied, and businesses shut down due to rising insecurity, ghost town calls, and a heavy military presence.
Since 2017 when the teachers and lawyers protest escalated into an arm conflict, the anniversary of Biya’s presidency has been a point of tension in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon. This year, the tension is palpable in Bamenda, where CPDM elites have gathered at Congress Hall to commemorate the president’s rule, while security forces heavily patrol the city.
The heightened security measures disrupted daily life, with streets nearly empty and shops along major thoroughfares closed. Even Bamenda’s main market saw limited activity, as traders refrained from opening their shops amidst the tense atmosphere.
Education Grounded
Despite claims that Biya’s administration has made efforts to make education more accessible, but insecurity has effectively grounded all academic activity today. “I went to school this morning, but they told us to return home because the town is tense,” said a student. Teachers who arrived at various schools in Bamenda II subdivision eventually left, causing education to grind to a halt.
Parents hurried to pick up their children from schools, anxious about the situation, while others chose to keep their children at home entirely. “This morning, I saw that the roads weren’t as busy as usual, so I kept my three children at home,” said one concerned parent.
Residents in certain neighbourhoods, including Azire, reported hearing gunfire, which added to the air of unease overshadowing the anniversary celebrations. Mostly CPDM party members have guarded the Bamenda Congress hall where commemorative activities take place. The uncertain security climate around Bamenda City and the lack of participation from Cameroonians, regardless of their political affiliation, raise more questions than answers about President Biya’s legacy after his over four-decade grip on power.
