The Governor of the Southwest Region, Bernard Okalia Bilai, has asserted that 90 percent of activities disrupted by the Anglophone crisis have resumed. Speaking to CRTV Southwest, the governor emphasised that insecurity is no longer a major issue.
Okalia Bilai highlighted that the significant participation of the population in events on May 20 and February 11 indicates a return to normalcy. “No matter what we are doing, it appears some people who are not yet back in the region are rather intoxicating,” he said.
He promoted the Southwest as a tourist destination, known for its good food, beaches, and mountainous areas, urging those who have left to return. “Those who are indigent, let them come because it remains empty; the visitors are not there because the sons and daughters are running away; people who are not from this area seize the opportunity; and those who are running away will come later on; they will find that the place is already occupied,” he explained.
Okalia Bilai emphasized that the region’s focus has shifted from dealing with insecurity to reconstruction and resuming activities. “We are no longer talking about security now. We are talking about reconstruction now. We are talking about the resumption of activities and maintaining what we have acquired. Security is no longer a challenge for us. Our challenge is the resumption of activities,” he stated.
He called on all stakeholders, including elites who have stayed away, to return and contribute to rebuilding the region.
Despite the governor’s optimistic view, it’s worth noting that while Buea has experienced some calm, other areas like Manyu, Meme, and Ndian divisions continue to face skirmishes.
