Fako SDO Imposes Motorbike Restrictions Following Deadly Attacks

Following a series of deadly Amba attacks, the Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) of Fako has implemented restrictions on the use of motorbikes in the cities of Buea, Limbe, Tiko, and Muyuka.

Mr. Chaibou, the SDO for Fako Division in the South West Region of Cameroon, recently signed the prefectorial order. This order imposes restrictions on the operation of commercial motorcycles in certain areas of Fako Division.

On Saturday, September 9, 2023, a decision was made in response to a series of deadly attacks within the division. The Ambazonia Separatist fighters, who purport to be fighting to establish an English-speaking state in the two Anglophone regions, claimed responsibility for these attacks.

According to the prefectoral order, starting from the date of signature, there will be restrictions on the circulation of motorbikes in the cities of Buea, Limbe, Tiko, and Muyuka. These restrictions will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

The civil administrator’s decision will remain in effect until further notice.

The local population has been informed about the risks associated with violating the order, as mandated by the laws of the land.

Renewed violence is spreading throughout the South West region.

For a short period, there was a prevailing sense of a return to normalcy. However, armed separatists began to escalate their attacks throughout the region as schools resumed.

On Tuesday, September 5, 2023, a tragic incident occurred in Alou, Lebialem division of the south West Region. Armed separatist militants detonated an improvised explosive device (IED), resulting in the destruction of a military truck. Tragically, this act claimed the life of a civilian mother of five.

The next day, the fighters forcefully implemented a two-week lockdown in Muea, Buea and its environs

During the operation, three individuals were killed and several vehicles were set ablaze. The victims were all civilians going about their daily lives.

Furthermore, a woman was tragically killed during a crossfire between Ambazonia fighters and the Cameroonian military in Muyuka.

On the night of September 9, 2023, a local bomb exploded in Limbe, resulting in the tragic death of a commercial motorbike rider and leaving several others injured.

The future of the Anglophone region remains uncertain.