Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daniel D
Published on 2024-02-24 09:24:19
The 29th Mount Cameroon Race of Hope presented a stark contrast in Buea, depicting a city divided. While the Molyko Omnisport stadium was alive with excitement, the rest of the city resembled a ghost town. Most businesses remained closed, the streets were empty, and a sense of apprehension hung in the air.
This cautious atmosphere was a result of last year’s tragic bombings that claimed a life. Security measures were visibly heightened: checkpoints appeared along the race route, helicopters patrolled the skies, and access to the stadium was tightly controlled. Vendors were even displaced as their movable properties were cleared from the roads.
Reinforcements from Douala arrived, and Minister Mouele Kombi reassured everyone of the increased security measures in place.
The race itself unfolded under a calm, cloudy, and rainy sky, a departure from the usual dusty conditions. More than 600 athletes, including 32 international participants, embarked on the challenging journey towards the summit.
The participants, hailing from 11 countries, including Cameroon, will run up to the summit of the Chariots of Gods and back to the field where the winner will be determined in a few hours. The Cameroonian Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Narcise Mouele Kombi, stated during the launch ceremony that security measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of the athletes and the population.
The theme of the event, “Let’s Give Peace a Chance,” echoed amidst the heavy security presence. While the stadium buzzed with energy, the empty streets reflected a lingering fear and a desire for normalcy.
Read the original article(French) on Mimi Mefo Info
