SW Governor Issues Strict Security Measures Ahead of October 1

South West Governor, Bernard Okalia Bilai, has issued a directive to all Regional Delegates and Heads of Regional Services, urging them to strengthen security at public offices in anticipation of sabotage activities by separatists.

This action comes as part of efforts to thwart any potential attacks before October 1, a date separatists celebrate the independence of Southern Cameroons. Southern Cameroons, a former UN Trust Territory, gained independence on October 1st, 1961, and became West Cameroon.

In his communiqué, Governor Bilai emphasised the likelihood of insecurity and sabotage targeting state symbols and public buildings.

He instructed officials to implement round-the-clock security, beginning from Monday, September 30, at 3:30 PM, to Wednesday, October 2, at 11:00 AM.

“These measures should include amongst others the organization of special cleanup exercises and ensuring an efficient lighting system in and around your office buildings and, over and above all, instituting an all night and day vigil service in your respective offices comprising of your collaborators,” the Governor instructed.

“This watch service should run from Monday, 30 September 2024, beginning from 3.30 pm, to Wednesday, 02 October 2024 at 11.00 am,” he added.

Preemptive Actions

Public institutions must activate special surveillance teams to detect and report suspicious activities to the relevant authorities, ensuring a prompt response to any threats.

“The watch team, which must function under your close supervision, shall operate as an early detection and warning system by noting and relaying any unusual or suspicious activity around the office building to the head of the structure who in turn will forward same to the competent administrative authorities or heads of the defense and security services for speedy remedial measures,” he added.

The Governor warned all heads of services to stay vigilant, emphasising that anyone who neglects these directives will face accountability for any potential damages within their jurisdiction.

“It is worth noting that any service head who does not heed this important instruction will be held solely responsible in the event of the occurrence of any preventable mishap on the building hosting his or her services during the period under the spotlight,” Okalia Bilai said.

Historical Roots

For the past seven years, October 1 in the English-speaking Regions of Cameroon has seen ghost towns and marches by separatists who commemorate what they call Independence Day.

Separatist armed groups dotted across the two regions often hoist the flag of their futuristic state, Ambazonia, on this day and chant freedom songs.

The commemoration began on October 1, 2017, when separatists led by the detained leader, Sisiku Ayuk Tabe, declared the succession of the North West and South West regions from the Republic of Cameroon.

Civilians who took up arms to defend the independence declaration came into fierce confrontations with the Cameroon army, which have today caused over 6,000 deaths and more than a million displacements, according to the United Nations.