Gun battles mar Christmas day celebrations in North West

While Christians the world over are today celebrating Christmas, those in some parts of Cameroon’s Anglophone regions say they are not even sure to see tomorrow.

This is as a result of gun battles between Ambazonian fighters and the military. “I am in the bush with my family for fear of our lives” an inhabitant of Babessi writes.

“There is a serious gun battle going on now in Babessi between the military and amba boys. I’m writing to you from my hiding place” a message received earlier from another inhabitant read.

Following a similar encounter in Mbei village in the Mezam division yesterday, residents have also echoed fears being caught in the crossfire.

“Christmas is a night mare as we are indoors for fear of the unknown” a resident tells MMI.

“Everywhere is quiet and we don’t know what’s going to happen next” he adds.

Ahead of and even during this festive season, car parks and travel agencies in other parts of the country reports say witnessed an influx of passengers heading for the North West and South West regions to visit their families.

While the period has been relatively calm in most parts of the regions, there have been a few skirmishes that have led to civilian deaths including an attack on a convoy leading Source du Pays employees to work last Thursday in Ekona, South West region.

Residents of the regions have also expressed their uneasiness with the heavy military presence as they celebrate with some citing fear of harassment and arbitrary arrests.