Orock Eta With Field Reports
28 February 2008
Cameroonians went to the streets in almost all the ten provinces. They were agitating for several reasons, namely, increase in the price of fuel and other commodities, amendment of the 1996 constitution, human right abuse and many others. It was a pent-up anger that Cameroonians had nursed for a long while now. In almost all the province and divisions in the country , there was that solidarity in grounding activities. Movement between towns for the whole day was not possible as most activities stood at a stand-still.
In Buea, even though no life was reportedly lost, workers, students and business persons couldn't operate normally for everything came to a stand-still as from 8am.The forces of law and order kept on throwing tear gas canisters in living quarters and even at students.
In the morning, students had protested, trying to mount barricades using stones, blocks and other raodside objects, preventing people from moving normally. They were however countered by the men in uniform who came fully prepared for the act. Until 7pm, Buea was still in a state of chaos.
In Kumba, it was reported the Brasseries depot and many other places had been taking hostage by the population, with the angry population looting everywhere. It was said Police came to the rescue when all had been carried away.Stories reaching us from Kumba said "All business places are completely shut down now.
The main market has been locked. PMUC kiosks have all been smashed. A really wild crowed is going around with a crucifix written on it "Even Jesus di vex" (Even Jesus himself is angry).
I am just coming back from a little stroll in town. I had hoped to eat in one restaurant around the market. The place is closed. All other restaurants in town are closed. I got a hamburger from a bakery through the back door. Posted in front of a barricade around the main gate of the Kumba market are some notices:
"Biya is old and tired"
"No peace for the government till further notice"
"Wreckless government"
"Biya must go"
I am yet to see a notice or placard on the hike in the price of fuel. No body seems to be talking about the price hikes too. A friend in Douala called to inform me that a police man has been beheaded. I will like that information confirmed please.
While in Douala, according to our source, more than 10 people had been killed by the police. The number of deaths increased in the Bonaberi locality which has mostly Anglophones. For most part of the day, all activities in Douala were not functional.
At the Yaounde end of the country, any one who tried to move around town either using a motor bike or any means was halted. People had to trek from one part of the city to another.
From Bamenda, reports say the town was as silent as a bee. There was no economic activity going on and only motor bikes could be seen moving from one end to the other shouting liberation from this regime, liberation. Bafoussam and other places were not indifferent as they stood against the circulation of vehicles.They said it was not a party, political or SCNC issue but that people were tired on how issues are run and handled by the regime in power, so Cameroonians should stand firm for the government to seat-up.
However, it was said Limbe, in the south west province didn't feel what the nation went through as things moved on very normal as at 8am till night fall. The strike action has been said will continue for a week.
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IT IS HIGH TIME MR. BIYA PACKS HIS BAGS AND GO AWAY,THE SAME TREATMENT HE METED OUT TO AHIDJO WILL VISIT HIM THE EVIL THAT MEN DO LIVE AFTER THEM MR BIYA AND HIS CPDM COHORTS HAVE DISPLAYED A LOT OF RECKLESS ARROGANCE IN THE DISCHARGE OF THEIR STATE DUTIES THEY NEVER TRY TO SEEK CONSENSUS ON BURNING ISSUES IT COST THEM NOTHING TO LISTEN TO THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE, HEAR THEIR HUMBLE CRY AND TAKE THE NECESSARY STEPS TO BRING ORDER AND SANITY TO THE STREETS OF CAMEROON CAMEROONIANS WERE DUPED IN 1991 WITH THE FLAWED TRIPARTITE TALKS… [Read Full Text]
Mr Biya and his supporters should read the writing on the wall.'Mr Biya,your days are numbered.You will not continue to Challenge Cameroonians all the time with your ruthless speeches.You must go.You and your supporters will be tried for crimes committed against the Cameroonian people.''Enough is enough!Warning!the strike will continue and if you don't back down,the inevitable will happen.You will be forced out by all means.Shameless man.