Mamfe massacre: Biya’s silence leaves Cameroonians pondering

The silence of the President of the Republic of Cameroon, Paul Biya, over the recent massacre in Egbekaw, Mamfe has left many Cameroonians pondering.

In a shocking and tragic incident, gunmen suspected to be Ambazonia separatist fighters unleashed horror in Mamfe, a town in the Southwest Region of Cameroon, leaving at least 20 civilians dead.

The Ministry of Communication puts the death toll at 25, although contradictory reports say over 30 died.

Reports say the gunmen dragged most of the victims out of their homes and shot them dead.

Over 24 hours after the gruesome massacre, the Head of State has yet to utter a word on the incident.

Meanwhile, in some images circulated on social media, Paul Biya is seen celebrating his 41st anniversary as president of the country, alongside some relatives.

The 41st anniversary was celebrated nationwide yesterday amid an outcry in Mamfe.

Militants of Biya’s CPDM party paid very little attention to the Mamfe massacre and went on with merriment.

A concerned MMI follower, Kabila R. Omega, while questioning Paul Biya’s silence, said, “30+ people were killed. Mr. President, you, your wife, and your entourage are eating cake to celebrate your 4 decades+ in power!!”

The follower also chastised the presidential couple, stating, “No words of comfort to the bereaved family. No action was taken to put an end to this bloody massacre. No statement to address the situation”.

He went on, “Mr President, are these your achievements in 41 years In power? Yes, blame the Ambazonains! Who is fooling who? Who is killing us? The tears of others are the gains of others. Time shall tell. It’s time you put an end to these killings Mr President.”

President Paul Biya’s government has faced longstanding criticism for its handling of the ongoing Anglophone Crisis.

Observers say the armed conflict that started as a subtle strike against marginalisation and for better living conditions could have been averted if the government adopted a peaceful approach.

Mute Even On His Anniversary

Despite the gruesome massacre that left several civilians dead in Mamfe, a good number of Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement—CPDM party militants yesterday celebrated the 41st anniversary across the territory.

The celebration was characterised by massive support for President Biya as they prayed for more years in power.

However, the main celebrant curiously did not utter a word, nor did he deliver a statement on the celebration of his 41 years in power.

Not The First Time

Not long ago, another tragic incident occurred in Mbankolo, Yaounde, in the Centre Region of Cameroon.

The landslide led to the death of over 30 Cameroonians, with several others missing to date.

Despite the gravity of the tragic incident, the Head of State failed to personally address those affected, extend his condolences, and present the way forward.

This comes to add to the numerous failures of President Paul Biya since his ascension to power as President of the Republic in 1982.

Mimi Mefo Info