Yoke population asks military, Amba to return to the barracks, bush and leave them in peace

The population of Yoke, a locality in Fako division of the South West region of Cameroon, has voiced their disapproval to government forces and armed separatist Ambazonia fighters.

On Thursday, August 24, 2023, they took a unified stand against the continuous harassment and exploitation they had endured for nearly six years in the armed conflict in Anglophone Cameroon.

The population marched to the military base in the area, expressing their desire to live in peace and urging the belligerents to return to the barracks and the bushes, their rightful places.

The population gathered in a location before marching to the military base, and they made a position statement against the presence of Amba fighters and government forces in the locality.

“I don’t have much to say. We want Amba to leave Yoke. We feel tired. Go back to the bushes or military camp if you are Amba or military,” one of them declared to the enthusiastic cheers of everyone.

He added, “We have a collective problem,” addressing the population before staging the protest march. From here, we march with peace plans to the military.”

“They ask for a bargaining amount of 150,000 in exchange for freedom, and they ask for the smallest amount of 50,000 after catching up with any civilian,” one of the Yoke residents added.

Untold atrocities

Both the government forces and armed Separatists have committed atrocities in the two regions.

The military has been arresting locals for no reason and demanding huge payments before their release, according to the Yoke population.

“They ignited a protest, and the population of Muyuka has gone out to the military base in Yokefor. They are protesting against the excess harassment of civilians in the locality and demanding a huge ransom,” he continued.

They cried out, pleading for the law and government to intervene and stop the gendarmerie from harassing the citizens without cause or crime.