While Christmas holidays remain largely stagnated in the Southern and Northern Zones of the Federal Republic of Ambazonia due to the ongoing crisis, the situation of Manyu County is even worst. Several Thousands of denizens are brazing up to spend the end of year festivities in refugee camps out of the country, and in the forests. The ongoing war against terrorist forces of La Republique du Cameroun (LRC) has left untold collateral damages on the Bayangi people.

In an exclusive interview with some denizens in the war-torn area, BaretaNews captures the lamenting voices of a people who have been deprived of their basic rights to live. Wanton destruction of properties, arbitrary arrests, and even unjustified killings, are the daily realities of almost all the villages of Manyu.

“I saw with my own eyes how my son was whisked off our house and shot by the waist by these (terrorist) soldiers. They broke our door, entered our house and was requesting for those boys killing soldiers. When we told them we don’t know, they grabbed my son and threw him to our yard outside, and shot him. My son lost so much blood and almost died. Thanks to God, we could carry him to BesongAbang, where he is presently responding to treatment. Are these the people whom the world says, they are protecting us?” lamented Ma-Ebai Cecilia, resident of Ekombeng village.

The invasion of Mamfe County by the terrorists from LRC, have caused several others to fled to neighbouring villages and border countries for safety.

“As I am talking to you right now, I am somewhere in the Takamanda forest (reserve). We got information that the (terrorist) military was breaking into people’s homes and killing boys and men. So I ran with my son and daughter into the forest. It was only yesterday (Wednesday December 20, 2017) that my daughter succeeded to go to Bamenda. We are very hungry here but what can we do? We shall be here till next year, so long as things continue this way,” cried out Ojong Takang Elvis, a resident of Ekombeng village.

The persistent fighting between forces loyal to the Ambazonian Republic and the terrorist forces from LRC, have left to the burning of several homes and business premises. That has caused the Christmas holidays to remain bleak for the people of the area.

“Honestly this is the worst Christmas for me and my family. The small shop in which I manages with my children, has been burnt down, my husband has run away to the forest for fear of being arrested and taken to prison. My children and I, live in fear everyday as we do not know the direction in which things will go the next minute. Unlike the past years when things were peaceful, this year is a nightmare. I pray God almighty sees us through this,” Mami Ebot Susan from Mamfe Town.

The number of people in discomfort during this supposed festive period comes in an unending list. Hundreds of people are languishing in jail, others have sought the comfort of forest hideouts, thousands find themselves in strange lands and are now better described as refugees. Some have even gone to the world beyond, leaving behind loved ones to mourn. All these as a result of hardheadedness of LRC in allowing the people Ambazonia to enjoy their peace and security.

By Lucas Muma,

Managing Editor – BaretaNews