Brenda Yufeh
26 February 2008
Noah R yesterday woke up at 5 a.m, not because he had something pressing to do before going to work. He was up early enough to prepare for the long trek he had to make to reach his work place.
By 7: 00 a.m. Noah was set for the march from Elig-Essono to the Tropicana neighbourhood. The taxi-drivers strike in the town of Yaounde has caused many people to trek for long distances. Many people had to forego their activities due to difficult transport means. While others were trekking for long distances, others opted to beg transportation means from private cars owners.
Yesterday in Yaounde, Noah was not the only person who trekked to his office. Sergio, George, Lovelyn and many others did the same. It was interesting but pathetic to see crowds of people from all walks of life moving along the road in different directions. The march was like a race without a name. From the Carriere neighbourhood to Mvan, Gabriel carried out the march. Gabriel just like others said they were in a group. To him, walking in a group made the distance seem shorter. Some traders trekked carrying their goods. Others did not find the long trekking funny. Dressed in suit with high heels shoes, many women trekked in difficultly under the morning sun. However, when Armand reached the roadside and realised taxis were on strike, he immediately went back home to change his attire from a suit to a more casual wear. He says this was to make him more relaxed and ready to trek from Damase neighbourhood to Olezoa.
Several individuals decided to give up any activity for the day and stayed indoors. Others opted to make a way out of the difficult situation. Such was the case with Claude. From the Montée Jouvence neighbourhood, she started walking, heading for the abattoir market around the Mvan neighbourhood. At the Rond-Point Express junction, she attempted to take a motor-bike against her wish. But no motor-bike rider was ready to carry her even at the high price she was proposing. Around the Acacias Market, she was able to see a motor-bike rider who accepted to carry her at CFA 500. Some people, like Sergio were unfortunate to take a motor-bike since the transportation of people by motor-bike riders was forbidden in his neighbourhood. While some people were lucky to be transported by bus which carries out mass transportation of people in the town of Yaounde, others were transported by private cars which opted to do so at enormous cost. While individuals are already complaining about the inconveniences the strike is causing, taxi men say the long trek has just begun.
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This sounds like an innocent fairytale compared to the reality going on in Douala. All work has stopped for many major companies as NO means of transportation is safe. And even the hungry are being chased from water and bread lines by angry mobs waving machetes. Today (Feb 27) there has been some use of tear gas and water cannons. And many many of the technical expatriots from numerous countries are making their exit plans if not in place already. I am encouraging my relative to leave Douala and never return, as it appears conditions are become worse by the hour.
My husband is in Bemenda on a mission trip since last week him and his group is supposed to come back this Friday, flying from Douala. As for your comments, it does not seems like their will be able to leave any time soon. What do you think? I'm worry. Thanks.
Iwill like read more news on the cameroon politicail crisse.