Why are Anglophones routinely harassed in some parts of Yaounde – Kobo writes to MMI People’s Voice (PV)

Kobo, also known as Je Suis Kobo, Cameroon’s rap star, and comedian, has lashed out at the exploitative nature of security forces towards Anglophones in some parts of Yaounde.

Kobo, whose real name is Chuonjua Terence Chia, said he foresees mob violence in the days ahead if the persistent extortion and harassment do not come to a halt.

Hear him:

Greetings, Mimi Mefo Info Team!

Anglophones in Yaoundé’s Simbock neighborhood are being harassed at an alarming rate by security forces.

They need to be called to order by someone, somewhere. People’s phones should not be searched without their consent.

The manner in which you are expected to hand over the phones is extremely rude, insensitive, and unprofessional.

You wouldn’t even dream of doing something like that to your own kid if you got them a phone.

They ride bicycles or Hilux pickup trucks and pull over young men to check their phones for potential scammers. I’ve been stopped once and witnessed their harassment of numerous males, as well as their occasional appearances in Juvence UBA Branches.

They take taxis with young men in order to hand them cash. My brother went to the Ngoa-Ekele 5th police station last week to check on someone, and while he was there, a police officer demanded to inspect his phone.

The worst part is that gendarmes do this while in uniform or plain clothes.

There will be violence in the coming days if they are not brought to heel.

Because of the large number of Cameroonians who understand English, most of these activities take place in and around the Simbock neighborhood.

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