By Tata Mbunwe
Cameroonian comedian Mbeng Lilian, popularly known as Caro, says she has received death threats from anonymous accusers alleging she was paid by authorities to produce skits promoting Youth Day.
Youth Day, a national public event, was celebrated across Cameroon on February 11, with students and youth taking part in march pasts, and exhibitions.
In Buea, the regional capital of the South West, where separatist fighters have often kicked against the celebration, Caro, known for her relatable skits, produced a skit reminiscing nostalgic childhood memories of how Youth Day used to be celebrated in the English-speaking regions before the ongoing armed conflict turned the occasion into a nightmare.
But soon after dropping the skit online and receiving praise from thousands of followers, the threats followed.
“After posting some of the videos, I started receiving comments claiming that I was paid to attend the match (for Youth Day at the grandstand). My team and I laughed at first, thinking it was just a joke. We had no idea it would turn into something serious,” she wrote.
She lashed out at her accusers, who escalated their accusations to threats that she was paid by the government to promote Youth Day.
The comedian explained: “Soon, I began receiving threatening messages in my WhatsApp inbox.
“Some people even went as far as sending death threats, all because they believed I was paid. I feel depressed and my whole body aches.”
She vehemently denied she was paid, challenging her accusers to bring whatever proof they may have.
“Let me say this clearly: I was not paid. I chose to entertain freely. I do what I do out of passion and love, to make people laugh and to bring back beautiful childhood memories.
“If anyone has proof that even 1 franc was paid into my account, please present it. I stand in my truth. I have always been someone who spreads happiness. I use my platform to create laughter, unity, humanitarian works and positive energy for all of us,” said Caro.
For the record, Youth Day turnout in Buea this year was described by onlookers as massive.
Thousands of students, even from areas traditionally prone to insecurity, attended the event at the Independence Square, chaired by South West Governor Bernard Okalia Bilai.