Amidst the ongoing turmoil of the Anglophone Crisis, a remarkable act of peaceful resolution unfolded in Ndop, Cameroon. The parish priest of St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church courageously stepped forward to address the plight of a community caught in the crossfire of administrative crackdowns and separatist threats.
It has been reported that Father Michael Mua, accompanied by a delegation of peaceful citizens carrying peace plants, approached the Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) of Ngoketunjia, Quetong Kongeh Handerson, with a sincere plea.
“This happened after Ndop road was blocked a few days back because the administrative authorities of Ngoketunjia sealed several shops and sized motorbikes as well as penalizing the community for not operating normally on Mondays,” a source told MMI.
The purpose of their visit was to request that the SDO reconsider and revoke the decision that led to the sealing of shops and the confiscation of motorbikes in Ngoketunjia. According to the source close to the community, Father Mua’s plea was heartfelt and filled with a sense of urgency.
“We have come here to plead with the Father of the Division to look with mercy on us and revoke his decision,” Fr. Mua told the SDO.
The action by the administration targeted individuals who were participating in the “Monday Ghost Towns” strategy, which is used by Ambazonia separatists to disrupt economic activity. Caught in a difficult situation, the local residents found themselves in a tough spot. On one hand, complying with the ghost towns had a negative impact on their livelihoods. On the other hand, defying them meant facing potential retribution from the separatists.
But Father Mua refused to let the community remain voiceless. His plea resonated with the SDO, who demonstrated a remarkable willingness to listen and collaborate. A video capturing the scene of the SDO and his aides walking alongside the eager townspeople toward the closed shops quickly gained widespread attention. Arriving at a shop, the official opened its doors amidst the enthusiastic cheers of the crowd, signaling a possible improvement in the strained relationship between the administration and the people.
Ndop has been heavily impacted by the ongoing Anglophone Crisis, with numerous incidents of violence and suffering being witnessed. In a time of great hardship, the residents found solace in a remarkable display of unity. Led by a diverse group of Christians from different denominations, this act of peaceful engagement provided a ray of hope, serving as a powerful reminder that open dialogue and empathy can triumph over even the most difficult situations.
The path to achieving lasting peace in the Anglophone regions is still challenging, but the recent events in Ndop provide a glimmer of hope. The remarkable display of non-violence, the efficacy of dialogue, and the unwavering human desire for peaceful coexistence is truly awe-inspiring.
The resounding cheers from the exuberant crowd, as they rejoiced over the reopening of a solitary shop, may foreshadow a promising and unified future for Ndop and its surrounding areas.
