Separatists Destroy Classrooms in Balikumbat Sub-Division

Fear and outrage have engulfed the community of Nyugu in Balikumbat Sub-Division after separatist fighters attacked and destroyed classrooms at Government School (GS) Nyugu on September 18, 2024. The attack, which specifically targeted the primary school, has left residents bewildered as schools in the region continue to suffer from separatist violence.

Community Fear and Frustration

Parents and teachers have voiced their deep disapproval of the attacks, expressing concerns about the long-term impact on education. One parent speaking to MMI on the condition of anonymity, highlighted the dilemma many families are facing.

“I am unable to send my children out of the area due to lack of means. The separatists kidnap and demand huge ransoms from us and still attack schools. How then will our children study? I fear a lot for the future.”

Local sources confirmed that armed individuals, believed to be separatist fighters, attacked the school in the early hours, causing extensive damage to the building. This incident has further intensified the already existing sense of fear in the area. Communities are already grappling with the effects of regular Monday “Ghost Towns” and lockdowns imposed by separatists.

Attacks on Education Stir Outrage

The destruction of classrooms at GS Nyugu has reignited discussions about the harmful impact of targeting educational institutions. A concerned teacher, who wished to be called Peter, condemned the attack.

“The destruction of schools sends a strong, harmful message to our community. We understand the message being passed with the Monday Ghost Towns, but attacking schools should be avoided at all costs. Our children’s education is at stake,” he said.

While the exact reason for the attack remains unclear, many speculate that it aligns with the separatists’ directive to prevent government-run schools from operating in the region. This latest attack is part of a troubling pattern of violence against educational facilities, deepening concerns about the future of education in the conflict zones.

Previous Attacks on Schools

The attack on GS Nyugu is not an isolated incident. Earlier this year, the fence and buildings of Government School Ngarbuh were destroyed, with workers on the site sustaining injuries. Separatists attacked the school, which was under construction as part of the presidential plan for the North West and South West Regions’ reconstruction and development. According to sources from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the sole implementing partner for the reconstruction, separatists targeted the building because they mistakenly believed it was a military base being erected.

School Attendance Drastically Affected

School resumption across Cameroon is now in its third week, but the impact of separatist violence on education is evident. In Ngoketunjia Division, for instance, only two students attended school during the first two weeks of the academic year.

Many residents believe that continuous attacks on schools and threats against teachers have severely diminished attendance, particularly in areas like Balikumbat.

A Call for Action

Community leaders in Balikumbat have called for stronger local efforts to protect schools and safeguard education. However, they stress that the ultimate responsibility lies with both the government and the separatist groups to take meaningful steps towards peace.

“There is a great role for the local population to play,” said a community leader in Balikumbat. “We must work together to protect our schools and prevent more violence. But ultimately, it is up to the government and the leaders of the non-state armed groups to climb down from their high horses, value the citizens, and take meaningful steps towards peace. This crisis needs to end.”

Contributions from David Atangana

Mimi Mefo Info