'Ghost Town' Day in Anglophone Cameroon: Barricades and Gunshots Reported in Bamenda

This morning, local residents woke up to find blockades at Travellers Junction in the Bamenda II subdivision, as well as along the Ntarikon Stretch, accompanied by sporadic gunshots in some parts of Bamenda.

Today is being observed as a 'ghost town' day in most parts of Anglophone Cameroon, as Ambazonian rebel groups, led by ADF leader Ayaba Cho Lucas, have announced strikes and urged the public to avoid major axes in Bamenda. Since 2017, Anglophone separatists have imposed 'ghost town' days on towns and cities across both regions, disrupting public activities and causing significant economic and social disruption.

The separatist-enforced lockdowns have had far-reaching consequences, with weekly strikes halting public activities, delaying school reopenings, and threatening farming in the North West (NW) and South West (SW) regions. In Nkambe city, Donga Mantung division (NW), separatist militia Ambazonia Defence Force burned dozens of motorbikes on April 15 as punishment for non-compliance with strikes.

Moreover, clashes between separatist groups and government forces have intensified in recent months, with roadside bombs detonated and casualties reported in the NW and SW regions. Government forces have also targeted separatist fighters, killing several prominent figures in Bafut, Batibo, and near Kumba city.

The ongoing violence and instability in Anglophone Cameroon highlight the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. While the government has implemented a demobilization program for former Ambazonian fighters, criticisms of unfulfilled promises and ongoing grievances persist. Addressing the root causes of the conflict, including political and economic marginalization, is essential to restoring stability and ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens in the region.

Efforts to engage in dialogue and find a peaceful solution to the conflict must be prioritized, with a focus on inclusivity, respect for human rights, and addressing the legitimate grievances of Anglophone Cameroonians. Without meaningful dialogue and concrete steps towards reconciliation, the cycle of violence and instability is likely to continue, further exacerbating the suffering of the people in the NW and SW regions.