The ongoing war in Ground Zero has taken a toll on the people of Ambazonia. Lives have been lost, property razed to the ground, many have sought refuge in the forest fleeing from La Republique’s soldiers on a mission of death and destruction. The atmosphere spells insecurity, especially for school children.

Reports reaching BaretaNews desk indicates that lay private schools run by the Catholic Church across the Northern Zone are shutting their doors already amid security concerns.

It didn’t take long for the colonial delegates from the Ministries of Secondary and Basic Education to issue a press release denouncing the closure of schools. According to the document seen by BaretaNews, a Ministerial Order supposedly defining academic activities for the 2017/2018 calendar states ”pupils and students who are not involved in official examinations shall go on holidays on Friday 8th June 2018 at noon”.

Although the press release mentioned that schools shutting down their doors  before official closing date could only do so after consultation with the colonial administrative authorities, the document after being examined by BaretaNews, looks more like a ”Cease and Desist” letter for it did not attempt to make an inquiry as to the reasons from proprietors behind early school closure but rather expect strict compliance to the ministerial ordinance.

The deterioting state of affairs across the Federal Republic of Ambazonia as the war continue doesn’t only put students’ lives at risk as they become targets. The Catholic Church being active on the ground better understand this. If schools are closing, the safety and security of the students is the motivation factor.

Neba Benson,

BaretaNews Foreign Correspondent/Analyst