CI-NEWS

Military ramps up raids in NW villages as election day narrows.

2020-01-22

No: 467

Military ramps up raids in NW villages as election day narrows.

Villages in the North West and South West regions are bearing the brunt of military swoops intended to keep separatists at bay so that hitch-free elections hold.

The military presence has in the last two weeks been intensified following the multiplication of calls on social media by separatists for the observance of a lockdown ahead of election day.

Ironically, acts of brutality by the military are instead causing a mass exodus of the same people whom they were send to protect so that they come out to vote. Areas most affected include Bali, Babessi, Awing, and Bafut.

Gunshots that rent the air in Babessi at the weekend sent people running to the busshes.

A similar report is being made by inhabitants of Awing, still in the North West.

“Three Military trucks entered Awing this morning and are moving from one quarter to another doing what they know best,” a resident told MMI on Monday.

The population at the time of the raid, the source adds, was in panic and indoors.

One house was set ablaze by the soldiers, MMI has now learnt.

“Others are fleeing into the bushes because of the fear of the unknown,” a local added.

The following account by Nyamsekwen Christopher, former maor of Bali Council, sums up the terror inflicted by the army on the people last weekend in Bali:

“We counted 28 military men led by a masked man wearing canvas and holding my photograph who first entered the house of Walters Mulem and when occupants argued that the house owner was not the face on the photo they moved straight into my compound and to my own house looted out bags of rice gallons of g/nut oil cartons of wine and savons; my boxes and brief cases one of which had CFA 326000 FRS money sent for humanitarian activities.

Surprisingly they also carried away 600 plates and spoons and trays food flasks packed in the store for family occasions.

Then my computer set camera solar set and two phones on charge.

After these lootings they set fire on all rooms, came out and set fire externally at veranda and father’s grave as we watched in the bush nearby.

I am left with nothing, everything ashes from beds to chair to clothing and documents both for me, children and wives.

I am with one dress on since 17 January in the bush while sick mum is with a neighbor since my wives have all escaped with their children.

Brother I am still asking: What is my crime? Am I wrong to have a political conviction?

If someone brings more destitute to destituted family what reward do we expect from God?

Well I have to start from scratch with the entire family kept naked and hungry since17 January by teleguided Cameroon military.

All friends like you can do now is to help us with dresses and shoes and to make urgent civil status documents like birth certificates and marriage certificates since all were razed by the unexpected fire attack.

For the public service documents I think friends of good will in public offices will direct me on what to do since I still have two years to go on retirement.

The greatest worry concerns the academic documents of my wives and children.

Note that yesterday evening Saturday 18th madam’s business premises constructed with over 5 million FRS was also razed to complete military mission to render us penurious.”

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Military ramps up raids in NW villages as election day narrows.