Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kate Bih
Published on 2024-03-24 19:01:53
Nkwato Solomon, the 2nd Deputy Mayor of Babessi Council in Ngoketunjia Division, tragically lost his life on Friday, March 22nd, 2024, in an incident involving Ambazonia separatist fighters. According to a resident, “The assistant mayor of BABESSI council in BABESSI subdivision was shot dead in his own house by Amba boys.”
This recent incident is just one in a series of targeted killings that have instilled fear and uncertainty among Anglophones, highlighting the ongoing crisis in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon. Mr. Nkwato, a respected individual known for his dedication to public service, was fatally shot at close range within his own home. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the attackers fled, leaving the Deputy Mayor with fatal injuries.
The community mourns the loss of a passionate advocate who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of local residents. The Anglophone Crisis stems from the historical neglect of English-speaking regions in Cameroon, where French is the predominant language. In 2016, tensions escalated as Anglophone teachers and lawyers protested for greater recognition of their language and legal system. The government’s harsh response led to a movement for independence in the English-speaking regions, which was later overtaken by armed individuals and their diaspora supporters known as the Ambazonians.
This conflict has escalated into violent clashes between Ambazonian fighters and Cameroonian security forces, leaving ordinary civilians as collateral damage. The Babessi Council and its surroundings now face the challenge of healing and moving forward after the tragic loss of Deputy Mayor Nkwato. His passing underscores the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the Anglophone Crisis. Dialogue and efforts to address underlying issues are essential for Cameroon to achieve lasting peace and stability in its English-speaking regions.
Read the original article(French) on Mimi Mefo Info
