Unprecedented Turnout and Silent Streets: Buea on May 20

The 52nd edition of Cameroon’s National Day of Unity on May 20 saw Buea divided into two distinct experiences.

At Buea Independence Square, the turnout was unprecedented. The attendance was so overwhelming that authorities had to limit the number of participants allowed to march. Only one private primary school was permitted to join the parade. Among the secondary schools, Government Technical School Buea, Bilingual Grammar School Molyko, and Sasse College were allowed to participate, but even then, only a select few students marched. In higher education, the University of Buea, NASLA, Public Works, ENAP, and Post and Telecommunications participated, albeit with reduced numbers. The limitation was not due to a lack of participants but to managing the duration of the event.

The crowd at Mbongo Square was also impressive, marking a significant change since the start of the Anglophone crisis in 2016. It suggested a return to normalcy, with more people coming out to commemorate the event compared to previous years, when only a handful would participate.

However, other parts of Buea, such as Molyko, Muea, and Bunduma, remained eerily quiet. People stayed indoors, and only a few taxis were seen on the roads. Security was heightened, with about five checkpoints set up along the main road from Mile 17 to Independence Square. This “ghost town” atmosphere in certain areas was likely due to calls from separatist leaders abroad urging a lockdown to disrupt the day’s activities.

Despite the increased security and the larger crowds, the day went smoothly without the gunfire that had marred past events. Southwest Governor Bernard Okalia Bilai, who presided over the march, expressed his satisfaction with the celebrations.

“Given the theme, we have the opportunity to say we have witnessed a wonderful celebration with a huge mobilisation. We are proud, and we are satisfied. We want to thank particularly the people of Buea and the entire Southwest region for their resilience and patriotism,” Bilai stated. He further encouraged the population to maintain this positive momentum, noting that life in Buea was regaining its normal pace.

“Activities have resumed in Buea. People who are still waiting should continue to come to Buea. For many reasons, they should trust the authorities of Buea,” he added.

Mimi Mefo Info – Unprecedented turnout on May 20th