IDP traditional leaders reluctant returning to base as war rages on in Anglophone regions

Traditional rulers from the North West and South West regions of Cameroon living out of their palaces as a result of insecurity say their palaces have long been desecrated by either separatist fighters or military men.

Returning there will demand cleansing and total purification.

Fifty nine traditional rulers from the North West and South West regions of Cameroon in a meeting with the minister of territorial administration Thursday August 19th 2020 in Yaounde expressed various difficulties involved in any move to return to their villages or palaces.

Fon Chafac Isaac of Bangolan in the North West region speaking to journalists said “We as traditional rulers are not happy living out of our communities but we have no choice. It is really difficult to rule by remote control. Our land has been rendered dirty with the spill of blood and other destructions”.

Following violent attacks, some palaces in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon have been burned and destroyed leaving the custodians of tradition homeless.

Today, most of them are either renting or squatting with relatives in cities like Yaounde,Douala and Bamenda.

To the minister of territorial administration, government has done a lot to improve the security situation of the regions. “There are certain issues the administration cannot do in communities without the presence of traditional rulers. ” To Paul Atanga Nji, the chiefs and fons are expected to play a leading role as the country prepare to organise regional election.Therefore,we wants the internally displaced traditional rulers to return”. To him,government is making concrete arrangements for their return.

Chiefs and Fons seeking refuge out of their palaces have been considered “wanted” in their communities by separatist fighters. Returning there will mean government have to show proof a maximum security put in place to secure them and their families.

Mimi Mefo Info.